Looking for a place to relax and recharge this holiday season? The newly redesigned Southwestern College Botanical Garden is the perfect local escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Whether you are looking to take a midday stroll, explore seasonal plantings, or enjoy open space with friends and family, our garden provides a serene experience for the campus and public to explore.
The Southwestern College Botanical Garden has been a long-standing gem of the South Bay Community since 1974. It once was a garden with one greenhouse, no plants on an empty field. Now, we have assembled a stunning 4-acre outdoor classroom with two greenhouses, four types of gardens, spacious lawns, mature trees, water features, and walkable pathways. It celebrates the beauty and diversity of the plant world as well as the power of learning, collaboration, and stewardship of our natural environment.
It is a place for our students to gain hands-on experience and learn the art and science of horticulture, organic gardening, soil science, landscape architecture and construction, and floral design.
But we are also excited about this garden’s role in our community. It is designed as a welcoming space for everyone, from children just starting their journey of discovery to families, researchers, students starting their studies or returning for new learning, and anyone who finds peace in the beauty of nature. Through coursework, workshops, tours, and community events, we hope this garden will inspire a deep appreciation for plants, the environment, and sustainable practices.
This garden culminates many years of planning, hard work, and a shared vision. Countless staff, students, faculty, and local community supporters have worked together tirelessly to make this dream a reality. In this spirit of the season, I want to extend heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped this space come to fruition.
I invite you to visit this incredible space, which can provide a retreat and sanctuary from our hurried lives. I also hope it can serve as a space of enrichment and reflection for all of us as stewards of the Earth so that future generations may enjoy it.
Currently, the garden is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed during Winter Break from December 23 to January 5.
Next year, we look forward to opening the doors to our newly designed Tennis Center, an exciting addition to our Athletics Department. The finishing touches are underway, and we are counting down the days until spring, when we can showcase the fantastic offerings, the new complex has to offer our students and community.
Wishing you a restful holiday season and a bright, prosperous new year.
Dr. Mark Sanchez is President/Superintendent of Southwestern College.
