South Coast Botanic Garden Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Free Open House and Activities

The South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a free open house, special ceremonial event and activities for the whole family on Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Gardens are a beautiful aspect of the Palos Verdes Peninsula community with a unique history when in 1957 it was used as a landfill for the Los Angeles County Sanitation District. In 1959, a woman named Frances Young lobbied for its development into a Botanic Garden and in 1960, it was officially dedicated as the South Coast Botanic Garden. South Coast Botanic Garden was the first of its kind in the world to successfully attempt this type of reclamation project.

Today, the 87-acre Garden which is located 10 miles south of the Los Angeles Airport in California, has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. About 100 trees and shrubs are rare, mature specimens infrequently seen elsewhere. The wide variety of plant life provides food and shelter to an abundant wildlife and bird population, and over 200 species of birds are sighted annually. Popular features include a small lake, Mediterranean Garden, AARS Rose Garden, Water-Wise Garden, Garden for the Senses, Cactus Garden, Children’s Garden, Fuchsia Garden, Dahlia Garden, Herb Garden, and Japanese Garden.

The Open House will include a spring Plant Sale on the upper meadow from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm; Garden Community Exhibits, Children’s Activities, Garden Lectures, Guided Tram and Walking Tours, Music & Art in the Garden, a Golf Putting Green, and a Food Court.

The South Coast Botanic Garden 50th Anniversary Celebration

South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, 90274; (310) 544-1948
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
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