In 2022, we opened a new 25,000-square-foot facility dedicated to our nursery operations. For years, the backbone of Descanso Gardens—our plant propagation and horticultural operations—has been strained by limited resources, insufficient space, and inefficient infrastructure.
With the opening of the Ruth Borun Nursery and Propagation Center, we’re turning the page to a new chapter of growth, sustainability, and innovation. As climate patterns shift, our plants face increased stress from excessive heat and moisture. Our upgraded nursery will enable us to respond effectively, preserving Descanso’s botanical treasures and ensuring their legacy for future generations.
The improvements are both practical and transformative. We’ll finally have reliable heating and cooling systems, functional access for delivery trucks, and a nursery site located in a more favorable climate zone on the property, moving from the coldest area to one with excellent downhill airflow.
The terraced area will allow us to showcase and nurture a broader variety of shade-loving plants, and the expanded space will let us care for each plant according to its unique needs.
This includes rare and irreplaceable specimens, such as the Yoshimura camellia varieties, which are virtually unavailable in the commercial market, and the Lammerts hybrid lilacs, specially developed at Descanso to thrive in Southern California’s warmer climate.
The new facility also strengthens our conservation mission. Our oak restoration efforts will gain momentum, and we’ll be able to scale up propagation and planting of native milkweed and other vital pollinator-friendly species.
