Ganna Walska Lotusland, also known as Lotusland, is a hidden oasis in a Montecito, California residential area. This non-profit botanical garden is 37 acres of 3,000+ plants and over 23 different gardens. Created by Madame Ganna Walska, Lotusland has been recognized as one of the top 10 botanical gardens in the world.
This hidden gem is a must visit destination if you are in the Santa Barbara area. It feels at times like you are stepping straight into Jurassic Park surrounded by the lush breathtaking landscapes.
History
The plot of land that would eventually become Lotusland was bought by Ralph Kinton Stevens in 1882. Stevens and his wife established a lemon and palm nursery and other tropical plants. He also implemented an irrigation system for the property to maintain its luscious green glow.
In 1916 the estate was sold to the Gavit family who added new landscape elements. The main residence was designed and added in 1919 by architect Reginald Johnson in the Mediterranean Revival style. In the 1920’s, new buildings and changes to the residence were made by architect George Washington Smith. His works on the property include the water garden pool house, stable, and the pale pink walls of the estate.
By 1941, Lotusland began to take shape under opera singer Madame Hanna Walska, who made it her life-long mission to grow her gardens. Madame Walska originally intended for the gardens to be a Tibetan spiritual center, but other plants took precedence. Architect Lockwood DeForest Jr. transformed the front lawn of the residence into a forest of golden barrel cacti and the stables into a music studio. Madame Walska was the head gardener of the estate until her passing in 1984. The gardens were opened to the public nine years later in 1993. Now, Lotusland strives to educate others on plant conservation, horticultural practices, and preserve the gardens as Madame Walska intended them to be.
Gardens
Over 23 different tropical gardens are housed on the property containing plants from eucalyptus to olive trees. Specialized plant-named gardens include the aloe, bromeliad, cacti, cycad, dracaena, fern, succulent, euphorbias, and shade palm. In the Insectary Garden, a Dove and Finch Aviary sits as a reminder of Madame Walska’s pet cockatiel, Happy.
Find your zen in the carefully crafted Japanese Garden complete with a foot bridge, a huge zen garden, and a reflection pool. At the Miwatasu, a scenic overlook that marks the highest point in the garden, you can view the various pink wisteria plants floating in the pond below.
In the Theatre Garden, Madame Walska’s love of performance arts is brought to life with little stone figures shipped directly from her home in Versailles during WWII. The various shrubs in the garden are meant to mimic the set up of a stage, dressing rooms, and the other elements of a European theatre.
Over in the Water Garden are the beautiful pink lotus flowers that gave Lotusland its name. The large pond was once a swimming pool that acquired a leak and was promptly turned into a pond by Madame Walska. Architect Washington’s bath house is here alongside colorful species of waterlilies, duckweed, and lily pads.
Visiting
The County of Santa Barbara has set specific restrictions on visitations, so visits to Lotusland are by reservation only. Reservations are timed at two hours and you must arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure you will gain entry. Adult reservations to explore Lotusland are $60.00, $25.00 for youth, and free for children two and under.
The garden is open for reservations for only a short time from February 15 through November 15. It is recommended to make your reservations three weeks in advance. Tours can be purchased for an added fee and trinkets to remember your visit can be found at the Garden Shop.
We are so glad we had the chance to check out all of the greenery that Madame Walska spent decades of her life perfecting and growing. The variety of plants you can find here and the architectural design behind it is truly one of a kind!