The continued planting and attentive care will showcase the hillside’s diverse exposures and microclimates, enabling the garden to reflect the wide range of climates found throughout the Golden State.
At Descanso, our mission is to connect people with nature and one another. This vision is made possible through the generosity of our members, supporters, and friends who help create a lasting legacy of connection and preservation. Each year, more people are drawn to Descanso’s beauty, tranquility, and sense of belonging, with more than one million visitors now visiting the gardens.
To ensure this growth remains sustainable, to expand access to green spaces, and to care for the gardens for generations to come, we are bringing to life the vision outlined in our comprehensive Master Plan.
The Campaign for Descanso
To make the Master Plan a reality, we are raising funds to support the Campaign for Descanso. As we continue to fundraise, The Campaign for Descanso will be an invitation for our members, supporters, and friends to invest in our future. Together, we will complete transformational projects that will enhance our facilities, expand access, deepen educational and cultural programming, and preserve our important collections and the beauty of the gardens.
Phases and projects
Phase 1
1. Membrane Bioreactor (Completed)
The membrane bio-reactor is a critical source of water for Descanso. It partially replaced the gardens’ septic system by making the wastewater suitable for irrigation and reducing
the need to purchase water. It currently processes about 8,000 gallons daily, which will increase to approximately 30,000 gallons per day once the Master Plan is completed.
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2. The Market (Completed)
Marketplace, which opened to the public in September 2023, offers a grab-and-go solution for visitors in the Courtyard. A Jones Coffee trailer was also added.
3. Descanso Railroad (Completed)
Visitors find model trains traveling through intricate landscapes and seasonally changing displays made of natural materials at the railroad. The area also received a new train station where all ages can ride through the garden on the electric train. MORE>
4. Stormwater Capture Project (Construction to begin 2026)
This innovative project will decrease the amount of water the garden purchases by 50 percent. By harvesting water from the Winery Creek Channel and treating it in an underground cistern, water that would usually run to storm drains will be used for irrigation. MORE>
5. Nature Discovery Garden (Construction to begin 2026)
The 3-acre Nature Discovery Garden—equal parts discovery, play, and education—will foster exploration in nature. It includes water play, quiet contemplation, climbing features, a sensory garden with a learning pavilion, and a new restroom. MORE>
6. Lake Restoration (Construction to begin 2026)
Our lake is one of the most prominent and important water features in the gardens. It is also an important investment priority in the Campaign for Descanso. This project will restore the lake and its wildlife habitat, improve visitor access to it, and ensure that Descanso demonstrates excellent wetland preservation and water management for decades to come. In addition, the lake will serve as a critical fire suppression resource, providing an additional 1.5 million gallons of water to help protect the gardens and the surrounding communities. MORE>
7. Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens (Completed)
Award-winning Chef Richard Mead helms Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, a farm-to-table fine dining restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a full bar. MORE>
8. Ruth Borun Nursery and Propagation Center (Completed)
The Ruth Borun Nursery and Propagation Center allows the gardens’ horticulture team to propagate the garden’s treasures and preserve our camellias’ genetic material, breeding drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant plant varieties. MORE>
9. Camellia Forest Trail (Completed)
A cornerstone of the garden’s rich horticultural history, the Camellia Forest Trail showcases the growers and families who nurtured these beloved winter flowers and helped the garden build a world-class collection. MORE>
Phase 2
10. Rose Garden
The Rose Garden renovation will include a redesign with water use and preservation of our priceless collection in mind. It also includes the construction of a new event center.
11. Parking Lot Redesign
The Parking Lot Redesign will ensure that our main lot has more parking, is more accessible, and is optimized for stormwater capture. It will also feature water-wise landscaping, in line with our goal to maximize water conservation.
12. California Garden Expansion
Phase 3
13. Oak Grove Rehabilitation
A new understory will be told with native plants and an eye toward the conservation and health of the oak trees.
14. Canopy Walk
Meander through the trees from the Camellia Forest up a gently inclined walk to the Boddy House.
15. Administration Building
Planning and operation will be state-of-the-art in the new headquarters building.