What’s next?

For the first time in its 60+ year history, Western Hills Garden is being run as a nonprofit. We are in the process of applying for our own 501(c)(3) status and have received fiscal sponsorship in the meantime which allows us to accept tax-deductible donations and grants to support our day-to-day operations and longer term vision.

Our strategic goals are to:

  • preserve and steward this historically important garden property

  • present public opportunities to connect with nature, learn about ecology, find inspiration and express creativity

  • encourage new ideas to take root

We look forward to building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, artists, makers, and other local groups and to continue to serve the community as a place for natural exploration, discovery, and wonder.

Our mission is to link people, plants, and place with possibility.

We aim to preserve the unique, mature, biodiverse ecosystem and legacy of Western Hills, and continue to provide opportunities for the public
to connect, learn, create, and grow.

Our Curatorial Vision

Western Hills Garden began in 1959 as a social and horticultural experiment that broke with convention and ushered in a new era of gardening: informal, eclectic, and distinctly Californian. Through trial and error and the stewardship of successive owners, the garden evolved into a naturalistic wonderland with hundreds of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials from around the world. A network of paths meanders around ponds, across wooden bridges, and over rustic stone runnels, leading visitors through layers of plants to discover intimate resting spaces in both sun and shade. Mingling fragrances, birdsong, and the sound of running water provide a full sensory experience. .

Our goal is to carry on the vision of founders Lester Hawkins and Marshall Olbrich by preserving significant specimens and experimenting with both native and exotic plants that thrive in our warming, summer-dry, coastal climate. We will continue to build a collection that blends eye-catching plants in surprising combinations. Our curation is grounded by anchor plants that establish the garden’s unique personality, while companion plants work together to provide rich layers of color, form, and texture. We thoughtfully remove those plants that prove too aggressive or incongruous, while maintaining a lush woodland feel. Planting decisions are also guided by our commitment to conserve resources, build ecosystem resilience, protect the Dutch Bill Creek watershed, and support biodiversity.  

Through intentional design and care, this storied garden will continue to be an immersive delight for visitors and serve as a haven for free thinking, artistic expression, spiritual inspiration, and community.