Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, is bringing its Landscape Transformation initiative to Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden.
The collaborative effort is set to redefine curb appeal by showcasing the beauty and ecological benefits of California’s native plants in a public space.
One of the park’s beds is now dedicated to native plants, demonstrating that locally adapted landscapes can be lush, colorful, and visually striking while supporting biodiversity.
The 2,277-square-foot display features more than 168 native plants across 14 different species, providing a vibrant and sustainable model for homeowners, landscapers, and city planners.
“This project highlights the aesthetic and ecological value of native plants,” said Steve Windhager, executive director of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. “By thoughtfully designing with texture, structure, and seasonal color, we hope to inspire sustainable landscaping choices that benefit both people and the environment.”
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden was originally designed in collaboration with the Botanic Garden after Alice Keck Park gifted the land to the city in 1975.
The Botanic Garden has not had a presence at Alice Keck Garden for many years, so the new partnership rekindles the historical connection, aligning with the city’s mission to enhance Santa Barbara’s beauty and protect its natural habitats.
Under the partnership, the Botanic Garden will lead the design, fundraising, installation, and maintenance of the new native plant bed for at least five years. The city will provide essential support, including water and irrigation.
Additionally, the Botanic Garden will host various events in the space, offering public engagement opportunities to learn about native plant gardening firsthand.
“This partnership brings new energy and expertise to one of our most iconic and maintenance-intensive parks,” said Jazmin LeBlanc, assistant Parks and Recreation director for the city. “We are excited to work with the Botanic Garden to enhance the park’s biodiversity, while staying true to its legacy.”
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden said its Landscape Transformation initiative aims to inspire communities to embrace native plants, demonstrating that supporting biodiversity goes hand-in-hand with waterwise landscapes that are lush and colorful year-round.
Learn more and explore these tools at https://sbbotanicgarden.org/grow/gardening-resources/.
For more information and project updates, visit https://sbbotanicgarden.org/conservation/landscape-transformations/.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, Aug. 30 | Community Science Day
A day focused on study and service. Join us at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens for community science investigations and stewardship opportunities in the native plant garden.
Saturday, Sept. 27 | Volunteer Work Day
Volunteer work party in the native plant bed at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Tasks include weeding, prepping the bed for fall planting, pruning/deadheading, and mulching.
Friday, Oct. 10 | Community Science Day
A day focused on study and service. Join us at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens for community science investigations and stewardship opportunities in the native plant garden.
Monday, Nov. 17 | Volunteer Work Day
Volunteer work party in the native plant bed at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Tasks include weeding, prepping the bed for fall planting, pruning/deadheading, and mulching.