Blake Garden

Blake Garden offers stunning views and a living laboratory of botanical wonders. Perched in the Kensington hills, this public garden overlooks the expansive San Francisco Bay, providing a serene escape and a rich educational experience for all who visit. Owned and managed by UC Berkeley, it serves as a dynamic outdoor classroom, showcasing an impressive diversity of plant life across its varied landscapes.

Spanning 10.6 acres, the garden is a mosaic of distinct environments, from the formal elegance of its reflecting pool, home to Blake family koi fish, to the tranquil shade of the Redwood Canyon. Visitors can explore a vibrant California native wetland bustling with Pacific Chorus frogs, discover drought-tolerant specimens in the Mediterranean Garden, or admire seasonal blooms in the Square Garden, known for its magnolias and low-water perennials. The Create-with-Nature Zone provides a playful space, while other areas feature unique bee habitats, mosaic benches, and even Asian-themed sculptures like a glazed pagoda.

More than just a collection of plants, Blake Garden is an immersive experience where horticulture, art, and nature converge. It boasts nearly 1500 plant species and is a haven for over fifty bird species, raccoons, frogs, salamanders, and even the occasional fox, all sustained by organic practices including composting and rainwater harvesting. Whether seeking inspiration, education, or simply a peaceful moment amidst breathtaking scenery, Blake Garden offers a memorable journey through diverse ecosystems and thoughtful landscape design. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.