University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley

On March 22, 2008, Calif_Sue from San Jose, CA wrote:

Touring this wonderful and educational facility is not to be missed. Their collection features plants of documented wild origin from nearly every continent, with an emphasis on plants from Mediterranean climates. The outdoor collections is mostly geographic by continent of origin or by region including Asia, Australasia, California, Eastern North America, Mediterranean, Mexico/Central America, New World Desert, South America, and Southern Africa. The Garden holds one of the largest and most diverse collections in the United States.
Going during different times throughout the year gives you a new perspective each time.
They also have a small garden shop with a variety of books based on region of the world, as well as gifts and decorative items. Next to the garden shop, is the Plant Deck where you can find choice and garden worthy plants from the collection to purchase.

On February 14, 2007, faeden from Richmond, CA wrote:

I am a volunteer at the UC Botanical Garden. I know many of the other volunteers as well as staff and horticulturists. All of the people I know are hard-working, knowledgeable and extremely dedicated to their work. I propagate cacti and succulents for sale at our plant sales as well as on the plant deck, and there are several people at the Garden who can help me identify plants as well as assist me in the proper propagation techniques. The cooperative efforts of everyone at the Garden make for a healthy work environment.

The Garden itself is awesome, and will take more than one day to see in its entirety. When you factor in the seasonal aspects of the various sections of the Garden it would really take weeks to see properly. The African Hill, for example, has its best color in late winter and early spring.

Visit when you're in the area, and if you live here visit often. Become a member. There's a really nice gift shop. There are two annual plant sales at the end of April and the end of September. In addition, there are always plants for sale on the plant deck as well as several special sales throughout the year. We also have workshops, seminars, and other special events like the Garden Party in June. Check the website for details.

On December 06, 2006, Happenstance from Fairfield, CA wrote:

At the top of my list of favorite gardens, it would take days to completely cover this massive garden. A couple of regular plant sales are held yearly, with offerings of all types of plants and trees. Become a member and visit often!