Every year the American Public Gardens Association, of which we are a part of, dedicates a week to encouraging the public to spend time in public gardens – whether it be taking a walk, buying a plant, or volunteering. Public gardens are vital to their communities, and we hope you all feel compelled to help support South Coast Botanic Garden during these Go Public Garden Days, happening May 9 through 15. And if supporting this campaign wasn’t enough for you, there are PLENTY of additional reasons to visit the Garden this week. Don’t believe us? Take a look below and then be sure to go grab your ticket! 

  1. Bamboozled: An Unexpected Bamboo Adventure: Now on display throughout the Garden, this new exhibit features 8 larger-than-life bamboo bird sculptures made by The Myth Makers, each with their own unique story to tell. Guests will also come across some surprises along the way. 
  2. Secret Adventure Ticket: Bamboozled is an experience in and of itself, but with the Secret Adventure Ticket you can unlock even more adventure, uncover secrets, fun facts and surprises at every sculpture.  This ticket comes with a FREE Adventure Kit, which includes an exclusive map, clues for further discovery and a secret tool that unlocks an activity for each feathered friend! 
  3. SOAR – Tropical Butterflies: The butterflies are back! Immerse yourself amid hundreds of tropical butterflies as we celebrate our 5th year of SOAR! SOAR features hundreds of tropical butterflies including at least one new species this year. We’ve also refreshed our plantings and created all new interpretive signage for 2025. 
  4. The Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden is in full bloom and looking spectacular with more than 1,000 bushes and 100 varieties! It’s a great spot to snap a photo or to sit and take in the beautiful variety of blooms and colors. 
  5. Dottie’s at the Koi Pond + Bamboo Bar has an all-new menu that you MUST check out. From mini mimosa flights to avocado toast (gluten-free bread available!) and breakfast burritos, our food and beverage scene is on another level. 
  6. Nature is good for your health! Sunshine and fresh air can help boost your immune system.
  7. Hide and Seek: Art Meets Nature allows Garden visitors to see world-class art, including 6 sculptures on loan from LACMA. We’ve recently refreshed all of the plantings around the sculptures, and now is the time to come and see them!
  8. It’s spring and the Garden has a ton of new blooms! 
  9. Volunteer opportunities abound. We can’t do what we do without the help of our volunteers – and we are always looking for more! It’s a great way to give back to your community, enjoy some Vitamin D and enjoy nature all at once!