University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley

06/18/2026

Escape the summer fog inside the Garden's Arid glasshouse. Blooming now is Parodia magnifica, commonly known as balloon cactus, with delicate, yellow flowers. It's endemic to Brazil and has been designated as endangered by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

The Arid House, one of three glasshouses at the Garden, features a collection of plants that have developed specialized adaptions to survive, and thrive, in hot dry habitats. A first glance you will notice plants with a myriad of forms, texture and color, all of which play an important role in protecting the plants in desert environments. From sharp spines to toxic sap to stealth, these plants have developed fascinating ways to survive in their harsh desert habitats!

Discover the incredible plants in this collection and learn about their native habitats via the interpretive panels located throughout the glasshouse!

06/16/2026

What a week to remember at the APGA 2026 Conference in San Francisco! We were happy to share the incredible work happening at the UC Botanical Garden and connect with so many passionate garden peers.

A huge thank you to our amazing staff who presented and shared their expertise, including Director of Collections Andrew Doran, Curator and Conservation Officer Clare Loughran, and Horticulturist Cat Calloway. Beyond the fantastic presentations, a true highlight was reconnecting with fellow garden colleagues and hosting so many of you for a special visit and tour of the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) team for planning and executing yet another phenomenal conference. We're already looking forward to the next one!

American Public Gardens Association

1. APGA tour attendees enjoy lunch in the Redwood Grove Amphitheatre with Director Lew Feldman and Director of Collections Andrew Doran
2. A tour led by Curator and Conservation Officer Clare Loughran with several APGA attendees
3. APGA attendees in the UCBG Mather Redwood Grove
4. The Virginia Haldan Tropical House was a fascinating stop on the APGA tour
5. At the Japanese Pool in the Asia Collection
6. APGA visitors take a photo in the Cycad and Palm Garden

06/14/2026

The gentle hum of bees is our favorite summer soundtrack! Drop by our Discovery Station today to chat with our docents about all things pollinators. It's free with your regular Garden admission and perfect for all ages. National Pollinator Week is officially June 15–22, but we’re celebrating the crucial relationships between our plants and pollinators all month long.

06/13/2026

Father's Day Concert just announced! Tickets on sale now for Sun Hop Fat performance on Sunday, June 21, 5:30–7:00 pm
Purchase tickets: https://ow.ly/BqiE50ZbcsX

An all-star band combining American funk with Ethiopian jazz, Sun Hop Fat‘s horn-filled shows are electric! Fun for the entire family!

For years Sun Hop Fat has been at the forefront of introducing the unique sounds of Ethiopian Jazz. Their music blends the rhythms of traditional American funk and jazz with harmonies and melodies from East Africa. Originally the band focused on covering arrangements from the “golden era” of Ethiopian Jazz, but now their sound includes many original compositions.

Sun Hop Fat

06/11/2026

Looking for a peaceful escape? Nestled in Strawberry Canyon just above the UC Berkeley campus is a hidden oasis of over 450 majestic coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). This 5-acre grove in the Garden is the perfect spot to wander, unwind, and enjoy a cooler escape from the afternoon heat.

Don't forget to look down! Right now, the forest floor is blanketed with blooming redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana). Share with a friend you want to wander beneath the redwoods with this weekend. We look forward to seeing you!

06/10/2026

We're thrilled to be featured in "Your California Life" on ABC10 based in Sacramento. Definitely come visit the Garden to beat the heat this week! Bring a picnic and relax beneath the majestic trees in our 5-acre redwood grove, or explore all the plant collections from around the world. We can't wait to see you at the Garden!

Visit Berkeley

Explore rare plants and beautiful blooms at the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. A perfect summer escape into nature. Sponsored by Visit Berkeley.

06/08/2026

Vibrant color and the lure of nectar are a magnet for hummingbirds! The last of the stunning puyas are blooming right now in our South American Area. Don't miss the deep purple tones of Chagual chico (Puya venusta) in bed 612.

06/06/2026

Are you making weekend plans? The California Collection is currently showcasing an array of remarkable plants, including the vibrant blooms of the Leopard lily (Lilium pardalinum). Located in Bed 7B within the serpentine area. Continue your exploration of this area with a walk to the Oak Knoll to view "Monument (Pyramid)," a compelling, site-specific sculpture by renowned artist Maren Hassinger! Learn more about this installation: https://ow.ly/sh7i50Z8lpE
We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!

06/02/2026

We invite you to experience art in nature! We're excited to partner with the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) in the creation and presentation of "Monument (Pyramid)" (2022/2026) by Maren Hassinger. This large-scale installation was built collaboratively using fallen branches from the Garden's Mather Redwood Grove. The ten-foot-tall sculpture is on view now at the Garden, located on the Oak Knoll. Learn more about the artist and watch the time-lapse video of the creation of the installation: https://ow.ly/tehv50Z6Uk4

The installation is part of the exhibition "Maren Hassinger: Living Moving Growing"—the artist's largest retrospective, on view at BAMPFA through November 29, 2026. Don't miss it!

Plus, this Sunday, June 7, is Community Free Day! Enjoy free admission to both the Garden and BAMPFA. A complimentary shuttle will run between the UC Botanical Garden, BAMPFA, and overflow parking at the Lawrence Hall of Science from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!

UC Berkeley Life Visit Berkeley Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive Marin Mommies Ronnie's Awesome List Lorna Ryan

Image description: Located on the Oak Knoll at the UC Botanical Garden is a large pyramid-shaped sculpture made entirely of intertwined tree branches with a background of lush green trees