The mission of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is to show plants from all California ecosystems--from the islands offshore to the high desert to the redwoods of the northern coast.  And they do it well in just 80 acres.

Near the entrance to the garden is the meadow--a field of native grasses and flowers including California poppies, Eschscholzia californica.  Also near the entrance is a small desert garden with signature plants from both the high and low desert regions.

On the west side of the meadow is the beginning of the mile long trail which winds through the gardens.

While the meadow area is relatively flat much of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is in a steep narrow canyon filled with oak trees and winding trails.

The wildfire in 2009 which swept through part of the garden, spared the redwood grove.  It is a cool, refreshing haven on hot summer days.

As the trail continues, you will cross an old stone dam, built by native Americans as part of the water system for the Santa Barbara mission, which is about one mile down the canyon.

Located near the lower end of the garden is a Japanese tea house.  During warmer months tea is served on Tuesday afternoons, but be sure to call ahead to confirm.  Details and contact information are on their official website.

Take these Hot Gardens online preview tours, too:    

Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden  - near Pasadena

Huntington Gardens Desert Garden - near Pasadena

Descanso Gardens - near Pasadena

Arlington Garden - in Pasadena

Getty Villa Gardens - Malibu

South Coast Botanic Garden - southwest Los Angeles

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden - Claremont, California

Santa Barbara Gardens - Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden  - Santa Barbara, California

Tucson Public Gardens  - Tucson, Arizona

Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden  - Phoenix, Arizona

Balboa Park Gardens - San Diego, California

Tropical Garden in the Dominican Republic

Shore Acres Gardens - Coos Bay Oregon

San Luis Obispo Creek Park - San Luis Obispo, California

Japanese Garden - Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California

Japanese Garden - Long Beach, California