Welcome to

Ganna Walska Lotusland

Madame Ganna Walska, a well-known Polish opera singer and socialite, purchased the Montecito, California estate in 1941 and spent the next 43 years creating Lotusland, today recognized as one of the ten best gardens in the world. The spectacular collections of exotic plants on the 37-acre property are a personal expression of Walska’s penchant for the dramatic, the unexpected, and the whimsical. Lotusland is home to several extraordinary plant collections and around each corner there is a surprise of unique garden design and plant species. After her death in 1984, Lotusland became a nonprofit botanic garden and opened to the public in 1993. Our educational programs serve the Santa Barbara community and our innovative horticultural practices are shared with botanic gardens and garden-lovers around the world.

Don’t miss the last of our Lessons from Lotusland Spring and Summer Series:

Aquatic Plants: Lotuses, Waterlilies, and More with Paul Mills, Curator of the Living Collections

Lotusland Visitor Mask and Social Distance Policy
As of  6.15.2021

COVID-19 safety rules are in effect at the Garden.   Visitors must arrive with a cloth mask or face covering.

Based on Santa Barbara County Health Officer Order, masks with exhalation valves, vents, or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. Masks with valves allow unfiltered exhaled air to escape and are an unsatisfactory form of source control in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings must fully cover the nose and the mouth

If a visitor arrives without a mask or requires a suitable replacement, Lotusland will provide one.

Indoors & At The Visitor Center

Masks or Face Coverings are required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors when indoors or at The Visitor Center. Children under 3 are exempt.

In The Garden

Masks or face coverings are optional when in the Garden. Please keep a six-foot distance from others when possible (visitors, garden staff, volunteers).

If mask-wearing and required social distancing rules are not followed or if your mask is not compliant with Santa Barbara County Public Health Department standards, you will be asked to leave.

If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact our office in advance of your arrival to the Garden, 805.969.9990.