The Niguel Botanical Preserve is an 18 acre public garden that displays plants from the Mediterranean climate regions of the world. These regions include California and Northwestern Baja California, Central Chile, Southern and Southwestern Australia, the West Cape of South Africa and countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Plants that grow in these other areas of the world with similar climates are suitable for residential and commercial landscapes in coastal Southern California. They offer beauty and variety, as well as low water needs. The garden demonstrates the horticultural use of these Mediterranean plants to create beautiful, sustainable environments that provide habitat for various species of birds and important pollinators, such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.
Global Diversity in Our Preserve
Drawn from the diversity of five vibrant global regions, our captivating assortment of plants reflects the unique characteristics of:
California/Baja California
Central Chile
Southern and Southwestern Australia
The Western Cape of South Africa
Countries Bordering the Mediterranean Sea
Thriving in our low-water-demand garden, our unique plant varieties foster sustainable habitats and attract many pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Additionally, they captivate various bird species, beautifully marrying aesthetics with sustainability.
Our Mission
To demonstrate the use of garden-worthy, drought tolerant plants appropriate to the Southern California region, introduce unusual plant species to the public and provide a tranquil setting for the use and enjoyment of the community.
History
The history of the Preserve dates back to 1981, when volunteers created a community vegetable garden. In 1984, the Niguel Botanical Preserve was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Preserve represents the vision of local community leaders who wanted to create a unique garden that would benefit the community both now and in the future. The adoption of the Niguel Botanical Preserve Master Plan in 1989 set the goals and objectives for the future of the gardens. The development of the Preserve is an ongoing volunteer project that seeks to provide enjoyment and education for all members of the public.
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Seven Days per Week, 365 Days per Year
- Admission: Free
- Location: 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
- Email Address:niguelbotanicalpreserve@yahoo.com
- March 29, 2025, 9am-11am: The Power of Labyrinths (link to flyer)
- April 19, 2025, 8:30am-11:30am: Earth Day (link to flyer)
- May 3, 2025, 9am-10:30am: Plant Medicine Walk (details coming soon)
- May 10, 2025, 9am-11am: Second Saturday Volunteer Event (link to flyer)
- June 7, 2025, 9:30am-10:30am: Monarchs & Milkweed Educational Tour (details coming soon)
