This impressive collection of columnar cacti was begun in 1929 by Merritt Dunlap, who grew about 40 percent of them from seed obtained either from collectors or known nursery sources.

Over a six month period in 2001, Lotusland staff relocated the collection of over 500 plants from Mr. Dunlap's home in Fallbrook, California. This included 31 of the largest specimens which had to be dug up with a backhoe, boxed, and had individual branches framed to insure their making the long trip by flatbed truck intact.

Construction began on the new garden in February 2003. The garden now occupies nearly three quarters of an acre on the eastern edge of the property, and contains about 300 different species of cacti. Paths snake between raised beds, converging on an elevated viewing terrace near the center of the garden. 300 tons of basalt boulders were used to create the beds, and stunning columnar formations of basalt create more drama at the lawn entrance and throughout the garden.

Planting beds in the new garden display the collection in more or less geographically coherent groups. Notable specimens include species of Opuntia endemic to the Galapagos Islands, several blue, sculptural species of Armatocereus from Peru, and a complete collection of the genus Weberbauerocereus. Accent plants, including Fouquieria columnaris(boojum tree), dry-growing bromeliads, and several Agave species provide contrast and interest. As sufficient funding is received, a public restroom will be added.