Ganna Walska Lotusland

Garden Conversations - Members Event
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Admission is Complimentary for Patron Circles$40 for Supporter Members

Please note: After clicking “Reserve Now,” you will be redirected to our ticketing site. Be sure to select your desired date before completing your reservation.

RESERVE NOW

Garden Conversations

Join us for the first Garden Conversations series of 2026 as we tour Lotusland’s expansive Dunlap Cactus Garden.

Led by Paul Mills, Director of Conservation and Curator of the Living Collections, this intimate, members-only experience offers an opportunity to dive deeper into the history of this remarkable collection, bequeathed to Lotusland in 1966 by Merritt Dunlap and transported to Lotusland beginning in 1999. You’ll spend the morning learning about the challenges of maintaining the collection and enjoying a firsthand look at the garden’s notable species, along with the chance to ask questions of the staff who know the garden best.

This event is designed for members who are already familiar with Lotusland and wish to deepen their understanding of its living collections. Engage directly with the experts who steward this extraordinary garden and gain insight into the meticulous care that preserves its legacy. Paths may be uneven so please wear appropriate footwear.

Reservations required and space is limited to 15 participants. For questions, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online.

The Gardens

Ganna Walska Lotusland, with its rare and exotic specimens and unique themed gardens, is an unrivaled botanic treasure and a favorite destination for visitors from both the community and around the world. We invite you to explore our photo gallery and lose yourself in all the beauty.

Spring Equinox Sound Bath with Kymberly Marciano
2026-03-21 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Members: $60 Non-Members: $95Not appropriate for children. Guest passes not accepted. Tickets are non-refundable.

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Well-being at Lotusland

Nature restores us and promotes a sense of well-being. Join us for an opportunity to engage with nature and experience the Garden with a fresh perspective. We encourage participants to make an additional reservation for the afternoon tour to extend the Garden experience.

SOUND BATH with Kymberly Marciano from Grayceland Healing on the Great Garden. This is an extended well-being session .Utilizing her intuitive feminine fluidity, Kymberly weaves together a myriad of tonal harmonics through double alchemy crystal sound bowls, potent gong medicine, melodic healing resonance of the voice, tuning forks, frame drums, Tibetan bowls, breathwork and guided meditation to offer a full spectrum meditative container.Grayceland Healing creates an atmosphere to enhance one’s health, promote healing within the subtle energy bodies, balance the chakra systems and clear the auric and grounding fields with expanded consciousness and awareness.

Kymberly will lead a 90 minute Sound Bath on the Great Lawn

Bring a Yoga Mat and a light weight Towel or Blanket

Dress in layers appropriate for the weather

Refreshments are offered

“Expect the unexpected through transformative dimensional perspective shifts!” Says a Grayceland Healing client.

Kymberly Marciano

Kymberly holds a Master’s Certification in Energy Medicine from The Academy of Intuition Medicine® and is a certified practitioner of Breathwork, Yin Yoga, and various sound healing modalities, including Alchemical, Shamanic, and Gong healing. Her multifaceted approach fosters holistic healing and personal growth.Together her trainings hold a unique sacred space for her clients to heal, transform, and be their best selves.

Grayceland Healing / @GroundedGrayce

Golden Hour Wine Walk - Members Event
2026-03-13 16:30 - 18:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Patron Circle: Complimentary AdmissionSupporter Level Members: $50Member’s Guests: $85+21 and up.Self-guided visit only. Guest pass not accepted for this event. Non-refundable.

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Members’ Golden Hour Wine Walk

VIEW THE GARDEN in the magical light of late afternoon when the botanical colors and textures come alive. Wander at your leisure as you enjoy wine provided by a local winemaker as you bask in the golden hour glow. Our featured winemaker for the evening is Peake Ranch Winery.

The chance to stroll the Garden as the sun begins to set is a special opportunity reserved for Lotusland Members and their guests only.

Space is limited and reservations are required.. For questions or reservations, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online at lotusland.org.

Peake Ranch Winery

At Peake Ranch we believe that only by working in concert with nature, can exceptional wines be achieved. We look to those that came before us for knowledge and guidance. We, however, don’t rest on their achievements but believe it is our responsibility to advance the science for us and future wine producers. We learn from, respect and drive forward simultaneously.

Every vintage of our Peake Ranch wine is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of many. Using this knowledge to guide what nature provides, allows each vintage to produce exceptional wines showcasing our Sta. Rita Hills estate.

Peake Ranch, located in the Sta. Rita Hills enjoys sun-drenched days giving way to nights cooled by the Pacific Fog that envelops our vines and provides the extended hang time for our grapes.

Peake Ranch has a wonderful history full of special people who roamed the land. Before John and Gillian Wagner fell in love with and purchased the property in 2013, the ranch was owned by famed Western artist Channing Peake in convoy with his prize stallion Driftwood. Peake memorialized cowboy life on the ranch through his legacy artwork collection. The historic bunkhouse, a Santa Barbara County landmark notably portrayed in the film Sideways, is also significant to the property’s storied heritage, popularizing red wine varietal Pinot Noir.

COMMUNITY ACCESS DAYS - Sold Out
2026-03-11 00:00 - 2026-03-27 23:59 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

$35: Half-price admission forSanta Barbara County Residents-Only

Limited to one household per year.

SOLD OUT

COMMUNITY ACCESS DAYS AT LOTUSLAND

Beginning in 2026, Lotusland will offer Community Access Days throughout the year as a way of welcoming and celebrating Santa Barbara County residents, inviting locals to experience the Garden at half-price admission during regular tour times.Each month, 30 Community Access tickets are available online, on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are open exclusively to Santa Barbara County residents and may be redeemed once per household per year. Community Access Days reflect Lotusland’s belief that the Garden is not only a place to visit, but a place to belong. We’re proud to share it with our neighbors and to welcome local residents into the landscapes, stories, and seasons that make Lotusland part of this community.

Save the date: Community Access tickets will be release for the April-June visitation period on March 3, 2026.

The 2026 Community Access Program

Half-priced admission for Santa Barbara County residents is generously made possible by the George H. and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation and Montecito Bank & Trust, whose support helps Lotusland offer reduced rate opportunities for residents, particularly those for whom standard admission pricing may present a barrier.

Valentine's Day Sip & Stroll - Public Event - SOLD OUT
2026-02-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Patron Circle Members $35Supporter Members $60 Non-Members $95Ages 21+Non-refundable.Guest passes are not accepted for this event.

SOLD OUT

Valentine’s Day at Lotusland

SET THE MOOD in one of Santa Barbara’s most romantic destinations. Surprise your special someone with a champagne infused promenade and be enraptured by this beautiful botanic paradise.

Three sessions are offered: 9:00 – 11:00 am, 12:00 – 2:00 pm, and 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Ages 21 and up. To guarantee an intimate atmosphere, space is limited. Selection your session by clicking above. Reservations are required.

Live Music

Garden guests will enjoy tranquil flute music by Bob Sedivy in the Japanese Garden during the morning session and the acoustic melodies of Tony Ybarra during the afternoon sessions.
Photo by Lisa Romerein.

Bird Walk - Members Event - SOLD OUT
2026-01-31 08:30 - 11:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

$30 Patron Circle Members$60 Supporter Members$85 Member’s Guests$35 Children 3-12 years of ageFree: Children 2 and Under. Not recommended for children

SOLD OUT

Members Bird Walk

Lotusland is home to a wide variety of birds – from hummingbirds to herons, finches to flickers, and warblers to wrens. Join Jeff Chemnick and Rebecca Coulter on a morning walk as he guides you through the Gardens incredible wildlife in its natural habitat.JEFF CHEMNICK joined Lotusland as Research Associate in the 1990s and is also the owner and operator of Aloes in Wonderland.

This special opportunity to enjoy Lotusland while we are closed for public tours is reserved for members and their guests only. Space is limited. Tickets for this tour are non-refundable. For questions or reservations, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online.

Birding at Lotusland

Lotusland is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife – from hummingbirds to herons, finches to warblers, and wrens. Join us as we draw attention to the bird populations and celebrate the birds that fill our gardens with songs and beauty.

Lotusland Through a Master's Lens: Photography Class in Lotusland's Aloe Garden - SOLD OUT
2026-01-24 13:30 - 16:00 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Photo from website selection of aloe garden. Add copyright on photo: Lisa Romerein

Location

Tickets

Ticket $295Limited to 8 guests Not recommended for children

SOLD OUT

Join acclaimed photographer Lisa Romerein, the artist behind Lotusland’s coveted coffee table book, for an intimate photography class in the Aloe Garden during winter 2026, when the aloes are at peak bloom.

LISA ROMEREINHaving spent a full year photographing every corner of Lotusland for Rizzoli—from macro shots of rare cacti to sweeping drone views—Lisa now invites you behind the lens to discover your own creative eye in one of the Garden’s most striking seasonal moments.Lisa is a Los Angeles based photographer whose clients include Diane Keaton, Scott Shrader, as well as renowned industry pioneers such as Ferguson & Shamamian, Monique Lhuillier, and Cox London. Her work appears in Architectural Digest, Veranda, and Martha Stewart Living. She brings decades of expertise in gardens, interiors, food, and lifestyle photography.
Photography by Lisa Romerein

Aloe Outing Days - Members Event
2026-01-23 09:30 - 2026-01-24 15:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Admission is Complimentary for Patron Circle Members$30 Supporter Members $60 Member’s Guests$25 Children 3-12 years of ageFree: Children 2 and Under. Members with Guest Passes are welcome to use them

SELECT YOUR SESSION

Winter Walk: An Aloe OutinG

Join us for a self-guided walk to enjoy the seasonal treasures on display during the colder months, while the Garden is closed to the public. Take in the spectacular Aloe Garden as over 160 species of aloe dramatically bloom around Lotusland’s iconic Abalone Shell Pond.

This is a special opportunity to enjoy the Garden in the off-season and is reserved for Lotusland members and their guests only. Space is limited. Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the scheduled tour time are eligible for a full refund. For questions or reservations, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online at lotusland.org.

This event is offered in 4 sessions on Friday, January 23 and Saturday 24, 2026 at 9:30 AM or 1:30 PM. Subject to availability. Space is limited.

Log in with your membership ID to access tickets.

Lotusland’s Aloe Garden

Winter months find Lotusland’s Aloe Garden filled with spectacular red, yellow, and orange flowers, accompanied by the buzzy song of hummingbirds. Many people are familiar with Aloe vera due to its medicinal qualities, yet Aloe vera is just one of over 600 species in the genus Aloe. A diverse group of plants with a native range that stretches from South Africa and Madagascar to the Arabian Peninsula, aloes range in size from the diminutive Aloe descoingsii with its tiny rosettes to the massive tree-like Aloe barberae. Lotusland’s spectacular Garden contains more than 160 Aloe species.Notable SpeciesAloe sabaea, A. excelsa, A. lukeana, A. ferox, A.marlothii, A. salm-dyckiana, A. confusa, A. lutescens, A. elgonica, A. barberae, A. dichotoma, A. plicatilis, and A. ramosissima. Large specimens of the gru-gru palm (Acrocomia aculeata) and a ponytail palm (Beaucarnea stricta).

Holiday Shopping & Garden Walk - Members Event
2025-12-13 09:30 - 15:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Admission is Complimentary for Patron Circle Members$30 Supporter Members $60 Non-Member Guests$25 Children 3-12 years of ageFree: Children 2 and Under. Members with Guest Passes are welcome to use them

RESERVE NOW

Celebrate the Season at Lotusland!

Enjoy a leisurely winter walk through the Garden and discover the seasonal wonders that make this time of year so magical. After your tour, stop by the Garden Shop to browse an array of unique gifts and take part in some festive holiday shopping. Share the spirit of Lotusland with those you love this winter!

This is a special opportunity to enjoy the Garden while we are closed for public tours and is reserved for Lotusland members and their guests only. Space is limited. Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the scheduled tour time are eligible for a full refund. For questions or reservations, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online.

2026 Lotusland Calendar

$45 – Limited edition – Now available in the Garden ShopFeaturing fine art photography by Fran Collin.Proceeds from the sale of this calendar support plant conservation, ensuring the renewal and long-term vitality of Lotusland’s world-renowned collections, including our treasured aquatics. In a time of climate pressures and habitat loss, this fund helps protect biodiversity while sustaining Lotusland’s legacy as a sanctuary for conservation, beauty, and education.

Lessons from Lotusland: A Tale of Two Architects at Lotusland
2025-12-02 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Location

Tickets

Free with Registration

REGISTER NOW

Join us for Lessons from Lotusland, our ongoing series of virtual lectures. Get an inside glimpse into the Garden, the collections, its operations and its creators. Be sure to have your conversation questions ready for the Q&A.

Lessons from LotuslandLessons from Lotusland: A Tale of Two Architects at LotuslandTuesday, December 25:30 – 6:30PM PST

While Lotusland is world-renowned for its spectacular gardens, its architectural pedigree is a story less often told. In this fascinating free online talk, A Tale of Two Architects at Lotusland, Principal Architect Anthony Grumbine will explore the creative minds of two of California’s most significant early 20th-century architects—George Washington Smith and Reginald Johnson—who shaped the estate’s architectural backdrop in the 1920s.

Through original blueprints, design sketches, and early concepts—including some for buildings that were never constructed—you’ll gain insight into their building methods, design strategies, and the craftsmanship of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Anthony will also compare other notable projects by these two masters to place Lotusland’s architecture in the broader context of Santa Barbara’s historic Golden Age.

This program will not only illuminate the social and historic influences that guided their work but will also take you inside the organizational and ornamental decisions that helped transform Lotusland into one of the region’s most remarkable estates. And yes—you’ll even discover what a George Washington Smith doghouse design looked like.

Anthony Grumbine

Anthony Grumbine is Principal and Architect at Harrison Design’s Santa Barbara office. Current Chair of the City of Santa Barbara’s Historic Landmarks Commission, Anthony also sits on the Boards for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and Lotusland. Specializing in Santa Barbara’s historic architecture, Anthony regularly works on buildings by George Washington Smith, Reginald Johnson, Edwards and Plunkett, and other notable architects of Santa Barbara’s Golden Age. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Art History and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and received his Master of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN.

Holiday Shopping & Garden Walk - Members Event - SOLD OUT
2025-11-29 09:30 - 15:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Admission is Complimentary for Patron Circle Members$30 Supporter Members $60 Non-Member Guests$25 Children 3-12 years of ageFree: Children 2 and Under. Members with Guest Passes are welcome to use them

SOLD OUT

Celebrate the Season at Lotusland!

Enjoy a leisurely winter walk through the Garden and discover the seasonal wonders that make this time of year so magical. After your tour, stop by the Garden Shop to browse an array of unique gifts and take part in some festive holiday shopping. Share the spirit of Lotusland with those you love this winter!

This is a special opportunity to enjoy the Garden while we are closed for public tours and is reserved for Lotusland members and their guests only. Space is limited.Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the scheduled tour time are eligible for a full refund. For questions or reservations, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online.

Log in with your membership ID to access tickets.

2026 Lotusland Calendar

$45 – Limited edition – Now available in the Garden ShopFeaturing fine art photography by Fran Collin.Proceeds from the sale of this calendar support plant conservation, ensuring the renewal and long-term vitality of Lotusland’s world-renowned collections, including our treasured aquatics. In a time of climate pressures and habitat loss, this fund helps protect biodiversity while sustaining Lotusland’s legacy as a sanctuary for conservation, beauty, and education.

COMMUNITY ACCESS DAYS 2025- Sold-out
2025-11-22 09:30 - 14:30, 2025-11-21 09:30 - 14:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Special Rate for Santa Barbara County Residents.

$30 Adults Free for Children under 2Tickets are non-refundableLimit 4 tickets per household (1 vehicle only)Member benefits and Museums for All access do not apply on Nov. 21-22, 2025

SELECT YOUR SESSION

COMMUNITY ACCESS DAYS

TO DELIVER ON ITS MISSION to educate and inspire the public to the wonders of biodiversity and ornamental horticulture, Ganna Walksa Lotusland is excited to once again invite Santa Barbara County residents to a special opportunity to explore the magic of Lotusland duringour Community Access Days on November 21 and 22, 2025. It’s the perfect chance to experience our serene botanical garden at areduced rate—just $30 per person. Children under two are always free.Community Access Days are offered on November 21 at 9:30 am and on November 22 at 9:30 am, 12:00 pm, or 2:30 pm arrival times. Timed reservations are required to stroll through the Garden at your own pace with a self-guided 90-minute tour. Choose your session when making a reservation. Please consider carpooling as each reservation includes up to four tickets and allows for one vehicle.2025 Community Access days are generously sponsored by Lillian Hahn Shining and Stewart Shining.ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE at Ganna Walska Lotusland with our Digital Guide, a part of the Bloomberg Connects app. Download the app before your visit, then easily access helpful insights on site or dive deeper into your favorite Garden highlights from home-or anywhere, anytime.And don’t forget to bring your headphones.

DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID

DOWNLOAD FOR IOS

SBMA Adult Art Studio Class En Plein Air at Lotusland
2025-11-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Lotusland + SBMA Members: $125 (SBMA Members please provide your Member ID in the comment box at checkout)Non-Members: $175Space is limited.

ReservE NOW

EN PLEIN AIR at Lotusland

Artists of all levels are invited to paint en plein air in the gardens inspired by works currently on view in The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art and Encore: 19th-Century French Art from the Santa Barbara Museum . Museum Teaching Artist Nicola Ghersen will lead an inspiring afternoon of exploring the painting techniques and rebellious spirit of these radical visionary artists. This program is a collaboration between the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Lotusland. This program is a collaboration between the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Lotusland to bring art into the Garden

Lotusland x Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Lotusland is proud to partner with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art to bring the creative experience of art-making into the Garden. This ongoing collaboration offers adult art classes in an inspiring natural setting, inviting participants to explore artistic techniques while immersed in the beauty of Lotusland’s landscapes. Whether drawing from the textures of rare plants or the ever-changing light, these sessions celebrate the connection between art and nature, fostering creativity in one of California’s most extraordinary botanical gardens.

Gardens in Paradise - Santa Ynez Valley
2025-11-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Santa Ynez Valley, 93460
Offsite Event

Location

Tickets

$2,000 – $5,000 Fundraising event

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW

GARDENS IN PARADISE: SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

JOIN US the morning of November 5th for another edition of our exclusive Gardens in Paradise series. This progressive garden tour will uncover the stories behind several breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley properties, guided by experts and homeowners, who will illuminate the artistry and vision that shaped these gardens.

Participants will engage in botanical and architectural discovery, while enjoying a gastronomical experience and local fine wines generously provided by Mattei’s Tavern.GARDENS IN PARADISE is an exclusive private garden tour program presented by Ganna Walska Lotusland benefiting the conservation and care of the Garden and its enduring legacy! Guided by renowned landscape designers, architects and leading experts in their fields, receive insider access to breathtaking private gardens. Each bespoke tour is designed around a series of private visits for a limited number of guests, ensuring an intimate and convivial atmosphere. Enjoy gourmet catering and fine wines. Become an annual sponsor and secure your place for our next tour date in April 2026.Proceeds from this fundraising program benefit the care of Lotusland’s gardens.

This experience is limited to 30 people. Advance reservations are required.

Tickets for this fundraiser are $2,000 per guest and are $1,750 tax-deductible.

Sponsorships are $5,000 ($4,500 tax-deductible) and include an additional tour in April 2026 (details to be announced soon).Please note: Roundtrip transportation is included in the ticket price; guest vehicles will not be permitted due to limited parking.This tour includes a scenic hillside path with some uneven surfaces. While the pace will be relaxed, guests should be comfortable walking unaided on inclines and uneven ground. If you have concerns about accessibility, please contact us in advance.

For more information, please contact Samantha Lloyd-Knauf, Manager of Annual Giving.Telephone: 805.324.8452Email: development@lotusland.org

GARDENS IN PARADISE SPONSORS

PREMIERE SERIES SPONSOR

Louise Casey I Dorothy & John Gardner Adele & Loi Nguyen I Ellin ToddSERIES SPONSOR

CULINARY SPONSORMattei’s Tavern, a culinary gem, offers diverse dining experiences throughout the day. From the sophisticated and chef-driven seasonal dishes of The Tavern to the distinct flavors inspired by ranch life and roadside comfort, each venue at Mattei’s shares a common theme: fresh, local California cuisine. While the menu has a conceptual foundation and uses sophisticated ingredients, the focus remains on approachable, satisfying food designed for everyday enjoyment.

Gardens in Paradise is an exclusive private garden tour program presented by Ganna Walska Lotusland. Receive insider access to the most breathtaking private gardens, meet the homeowners and be guided by renowned landscape designers, architects and leading experts in their fields. Each bespoke tour is designed around a series of private visits for a limited number of guests, ensuring an intimate and convivial atmosphere. Enjoy gourmet catering, fine wines, and specialty cocktails finely crafted for each location. Join us for one tour or become an annual sponsor and secure your place for an upcoming tour. The Gardens in Paradise program supports the conservation and care of Ganna Walska Lotusland. A haven of biodiversity, a laboratory of sustainability, and an incomparable archive of rare and exceptional plants, your support helps us safeguard this treasure and its enduring legacy!

Eco-Printing Atelier
2025-10-25 09:00 - 13:00 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Members: $175Non-Members: $250Space is limited and reservations are required. Special Event Tickets are non-refundable.

Please note: After clicking “Reserve Now,” you will be redirected to our ticketing site. Be sure to select your desired date before completing your reservation.

RESERVE NOW

LEARN HOW TO CAPTURE BOTANICAL PRINTS on fabric with Santa Barbara fiber artist Linda Kollofski and Lotusland’s Assistant Curator Anna Bower. Together they will lead an interactive workshop using plant material gathered at Lotusland. Participants will receive instruction on the basics behind eco printing including: fabric selection and preparation, appropriate plants, and bundling tips. All materials are included in the workshop fee and participants will go home with one silk scarf and one silk table runner of their own design, each prepared using a different dye technique. New this year: the table runner project will feature an additional tannin source to impart a colored background to the cloth. The workshop will culminate with a discussion of the results from the day and a showcase of other eco printed works from the instructors.

Eco-Printing Atelier
2025-10-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Members: $175Non-Members: $250Space is limited and reservations are required. Special Event Tickets are non-refundable.

RESERVE NOW

LEARN HOW TO CAPTURE BOTANICAL PRINTS on fabric with Santa Barbara fiber artist Linda Kollofski and Lotusland’s Associate Curator Anna Bower. Together they will lead an interactive workshop using plant material gathered at Lotusland. Participants will receive instruction on the basics behind eco printing including: fabric selection and preparation, appropriate plants, and bundling tips. All materials are included in the workshop fee and participants will go home with one silk scarf and one silk table runner of their own design, each prepared using a different dye technique. New this year: the table runner project will feature an additional tannin source to impart a colored background to the cloth. The workshop will culminate with a discussion of the results from the day and a showcase of other eco printed works from the instructors.

Well-being Wednesday - Qigong with Linda Peng
2025-10-15 11:30 - 12:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Members: $50 Non-Members: $85

Please note: After clicking “Reserve Now,” you will be redirected to our ticketing site. Be sure to select your desired date before completing your reservation.

ReservE NOW

Well-being at Lotusland

Nature restores us and promotes a sense of well-being. Join us for an opportunity to engage with nature and experience the Garden with a fresh perspective. We encourage participants to make an additional reservation for the afternoon tour to extend the Garden experience.

Qigong wth Linda Peng

Join Linda as she leads an introuction to Qigong.Qigong is based on the philosophy of “harmony between man and nature”, and is an energy practice that combines physical exercise, breathing exercise and mental exercise into one, improving and maintaining physical and mental health, spirit and overall well-being. Qigong reduces stress, generates energy, calms the mind and improves balance, mobility and flexibility.

Linda Peng

Linda has been practicing Chinese Qigong for nearly twenty years. She has a strong interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and continues to study and learn from it.In her daily practice, she prefers to combine Qigong practicing with Meridian opening. She loves the feeling of building up more Qi to store in the Dantian, which will nourish her in the future.Practicing Qigong allows her to connect with nature with both her heart and her breath. Through persistently practice of Qigong, she is grateful to have found inner peace and balance, comfort and harmony in this busy world.

Exceptional Plants
2025-10-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Event

Location

Tickets

Members: $125 Non-Members: $175Patrons: $300

Sponsorship Opportunities Sold Out

SOLD OUT

Exceptional Plants Auction

Join us on October 11 from 1 – 4 pm at Lotusland for the ultimate plant party!

ENJOY signature cocktails and light bites while hobnobbing with more than 300 of the region’s top plant experts, collectors and aficionados. You’ll have the opportunity to bid on numerous rare and specimen plants and vie for the chance to take home exceptional botanical treasures. Featuring impressive contributions propagated in Lotusland’s nursery as well as donations from botanic gardens, universities, private collectors, landscape designers, horticulture specialists, and Southern California’s most esteemed nurseries, this is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about plants, and an opportunity to support the preservation and care of Lotusland’s extraordinary plant collections.

Silent and live auction with more than 250 lots

Rare, drought-tolerant, and climate-resilient plants

Book sale featuring previously loved plant & garden publications

Book signing of Santa Barbara: At Home in Paradise (Rizzoli) by Douglas Woods with photography by Matt Walla

Signature cocktails, wine, and light bites

Great company in a spectacular setting

PREVIEW AUCTION ITEMS

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORSArroyo Seco ConstructionBousa FamilyConnie Flowers Pearcy and John PearcyDan Bifano and Allan BrostromElizabeth and Tom PattersonJeanne and Robert AndersonJulie and Peter MorleyLynn Cunningham Brown and Chris BrownMari and Hank MitchelMark and Ann VuchinichMontecito Bank & TrustNorthern TrustRachael DouglasSea Crest Nursery – Don Lee FarmsSusanne and Gary TobeyTayloe PiggottThe Wood-Claeyssens Foundation

THE ULTIMATE PLANT PARTY!

Lessons from Lotusland: Earth Matters!
2025-10-08 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Location

Tickets

Free with Registration

Reserve Now

Join us for Lessons from Lotusland, our ongoing series of virtual lectures. Get an inside glimpse into the Garden, the collections, its operations and its creators. Be sure to have your conversation questions ready for the Q&A.

Lessons from LotuslandEarth Matters!: Home CompostingWednesday, October 85:30 – 6:30PM PST

Earth Matters! Join Dr David White to explore the relationship between plants and soils. In this online presentation we’ll learn about the complex array of microorganisms that inhabit healthy soils and how to connect and support their presence in the landscapes that you tend.

With insights into composting techniques, you’ll receive guidance on the core biological practices thatLotusland uses to sustain its thriving and resilient ecosystems.

Dr. David White

Born and raised in Scotland, David studied Biological Sciences at Edinburgh University and graduated with a Ph.D. in Cell Biology. After conducting research at Cornell Medical school and the University of Idaho, he moved to Ojai to work in nature based education and organic land management. He currently consults on soil health and regenerative techniques. David co-founded the Center for Regenerative Agriculture in 2002 and worked as its Executive Director for twenty years. Since 2010, David has directed the Once upon a Watershed education program which currently serves 23 public schools in Ventura County.

The Nature Within Wellness Journey by PALMA Colectiva
2025-10-03 13:00 - 17:00 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Members & Non-Members: $395 * Adults Only* This retreat is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

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Well-being at Lotusland

The Nature Within Wellness Journey by PALMA Colectiva

Enter the sanctuary of Lotusland for The Nature Within—a transformative afternoon retreat designed to reconnect you with the oneness of nature through mind, body, and spirit. Curated by PALMA Colectiva, this intimate gathering offers an immersive journey through guided forest therapy, ceremonial cacao, healing sound, and conscious community. Your experience begins with a 90-minute Nature Bathing session led by certified forest therapy guide Giuliana Mottin. Through a series of gentle, sensory-rich invitations, guests will slow down and attune to the rhythms of the garden while engaging sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste in a meditative walk among Lotusland’s rare and sacred plant life. From there, guests will be guided into a Cacao + Sound Ceremony led by PALMA founder Meredith Markworth-Pollack. Cacao is a gentle plant medicine used and revered by Indigenous communities to unify the heart-mind coherence with its deeply healing and nutrient rich properties. Participants will set meaningful intentions and as the cacao integrates, guests will melt into a sound bath held by trees and natural rhythms of the land, allowing oneself to root to the ground and fall into a peaceful state of relaxation with the harmonious frequencies of the sound of nature. The afternoon will also feature nurturing, organic grazing boards and herbal tea provided by Wildflour Kitchen, alongside luxury gift bags from Moon Juice – the perfect pairing of nourishment and beauty to close your experience. Whether you seek grounding, inspiration, or simply the gift of presence, The Nature Within is a rare opportunity to connect deeply with yourself, the land, and others.

Held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 1-5pm at Lotusland Tickets are per person. 25 people maximum capacity.

Palma Collectiva

The Mission of PALMA is to bring together multiple healing modalities working through the mind, body, and spirit in a curated manner that will inspire and bring forth deep wellness. Read more: palmacolectiva.com

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour - Members Event
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Admission is Complimentary for Patron Circles$40 for Supporter Members

Please note: After clicking “Reserve Now,” you will be redirected to our ticketing site. Be sure to select your desired date before completing your reservation.

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Behind-the-scenes tour: Topiary Garden

Join us for an exclusive members-only event at Lotusland: a behind-the-scenes tour of our whimsical Topiary Garden, led by the horticulturists who bring it to life. This intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to delve into the artistry and sustainable practices that shape one of Lotusland’s most enchanting spaces.

Nestled behind the Main House and adjoining the Parterre, the Topiary Garden—fondly dubbed Madame Walska’s “horticultural zoo”—features 26 living sculptures, including a giraffe, gorilla, peacock, and a suite of chess pieces, all encircling the iconic 25-foot Horticultural Clock.

During this special tour, Niloofar Borojerdian, lead gardener for the Topiary Garden, will demonstrate the precise trimming techniques essential for maintaining these vibrant sculptures. She will be joined by Tyler Diehl, Director of Gardens and Grounds, to discuss how Lotusland integrates sustainable plant care and conservation within a public garden setting.

Ideal for Members who are already acquainted with the Garden, this intimate experience will provide a special opportunity to explore a specific garden “in conversation” with the key garden staff who maintain them. Paths may be uneven so please wear appropriate footwear.

Reservations required and space is limited to 15 participants. For questions, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online.

The Topiary Garden

Lotusland’s beloved Topiary Garden is located behind the Main House and connects with the Parterre. Madame Walska referred to the topiaries as her “horticultural zoo.” Currently, there are 26 topiary figures including a giraffe, a series of chess pieces, a gorilla, and the iconic peacock, all encircling Lotusland’s Horticultural Clock. Originally designed by Ralph Stevens in 1955, the clock boasts copper zodiac signs crafted by Gunnar Thielst and is adorned with low-growing succulents.

NOTABLE SPECIES

Afrocarpus gracilior – hippocampus, camel, lion’s mane; Akebia quinata – peacock feathers; Loropetalum chinense v. rubrum ‘Monraz’ Razzleberri® – hummingbird; Juniperus chinensis ‘Mint Julep’ – chess pieces; Ligustrum japonicum – brontosaurus, horse, and pig; Buxus microphylla ‘Winter Gem’– maze and fish

Several different Syzygium taxa are represented. Includes: Syzygium paniculatum – surrounding low hedge; and several cultivars: ‘Globulus’ – fish; ‘Monterey Bay’ – parrot body, cones, pyramids, spheres; and ‘Teenie Genie’ – rabbits

Well-being Wednesday - Mindful Garden Meditation with Kind Mind - Sold out
2025-09-17 11:30 - 12:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Members: $50 Non-Members: $85

Please note: After clicking “Reserve Now,” you will be redirected to our ticketing site. Be sure to select your desired date before completing your reservation.

SOLD OUT

Well-being at Lotusland

Nature restores us and promotes a sense of well-being. Join us for an opportunity to engage with nature and experience the Garden with a fresh perspective. We encourage participants to make an additional reservation for the afternoon tour to extend the Garden experience.

Mindful Meditation with Vivian Valentin of Kind Mind SB

Join Vivian Valentin for a nature-based mindfulness practices with a focus on cultivating connections between mind, body and environment to help deal with emotions around climate change.

Ease eco-anxiety with mindful nature-immersion that engages all the 7 senses and connect with others in a sharing circle. Practices will include mindful communication, movement, body-awareness, seated meditation, visualization, and nature-connection.

Vivian Valentin, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Kind Mind SB

Kind Mind SB works with communities to implement nature-based mindfulness and compassion practices. Focus is on enhanced learning, emotion regulation, relationships, and wellbeing for youth and adults. Vivian Valentin, PhD, and Harrison Heyl, MA, co-founded Kind Mind SB in 2019. They develop lessons through nature, music, art, games, and neuroscience. Vivian is the executive director and a former cognitive neuroscientist. She has been practicing yoga and mindfulness since 1994 and is certified to teach both. She also leads a project on climate resilience for youth. Harrison is the program manager and an associate Marriage & Family Therapist. He has been meditating daily since 1996, teaching mindfulness to adults and youth since 2008, and has co-founded three other organizations for mindfulness education.

End-of-Summer Member BBQ
2025-09-06 15:30 - 18:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Members: $50 (BBQ included)Members: $25 (Bring-your-own-picnic, BBQ not included) Members’ Children (17 and under): FreeNon-Member Guests: $75

Please note: the catering or picnic option you choose will apply to your entire party.

Parking: One vehicle per membership, space is limited!

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End-of-Summer Member BBQ

Celebrate the season with an end-of-summer member BBQ at Lotusland! Join us for a relaxed and festive afternoon in the Garden as we honor the incredible support of our Lotusland membership community.

Choose between a delicious BBQ buffet from local favorite Catering Connection, or bring your own picnic dinner. Please note: the catering or picnic option you (the member) choose will apply to your entire party. Enjoy games and garden-themed fun for all ages on the Great Lawn as live music from Glendessary Jam fills the air. Let’s celebrate the end of another spectacular summer in the Garden with friends, family, and fellow members who make Lotusland thrive!

Wine generously provided by Babcock Winery. Seating will be available, or please feel free to bring a blanket. Limited umbrellas and shade will also be provided. Alcohol is permitted.

Twilight Tour- SOLD OUT
2025-08-30 16:30 - 18:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Patron Circle: Complimentary AdmissionMembers: $30 Members’ Children: FreeNon-Members and Members’ guests: $75Non-Member Children: $25 Tickets are non-refundable

SOLD OUT

Twilight Tour

This is the perfect time to enjoy the Garden as the heat of the day turns into the cool of early evening. Delight in the changing light as the sun begins to set and wildlife stir as you stroll through the Garden on a self-guided tour..

No refunds or exchanges for special event tickets. All tickets are final sale.

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour - Members Event - Sold Out
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Admission is Complimentary for Patron Circles$40 for Supporter Members

Please note: After clicking “Reserve Now,” you will be redirected to our ticketing site. Be sure to select your desired date before completing your reservation.

Sold Out

Behind-the-scenes tour: Water Features

Join us for an exclusive members-only event at Lotusland: a behind-the-scenes tour of our captivating water features, led by the dedicated horticulturists who bring them to life. This intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to delve into the artistry and sustainable practices that shape some of Lotusland’s most enchanting aquatic spaces.

Guided by Anna Bower, Assistant Curator of the Living Collections, and Brigid McManus from our horticultural team, this tour will explore the serene Cycad Garden pond and the vibrant Water Garden. You’ll gain insights into the cultivation and care of our aquatic collections, including the majestic Victoria waterlilies, known for their enormous spiny pads and mysterious night-blooming flowers. ￼ ￼

The Cycad Garden pond, nestled among ancient cycads, serves as a reflective oasis, while the Water Garden showcases a stunning array of tropical and hardy waterlilies, as well as our namesake lotus flowers. Discover how these water features are maintained and the unique challenges involved in nurturing such delicate ecosystems. ￼

This event is tailored for members familiar with the garden, offering deeper insights into the meticulous care and creative vision behind our aquatic collections. Don’t miss this chance to engage directly with the experts who preserve the charm and vitality of these beloved water features. Paths may be uneven so please wear appropriate footwear.

Reservations required and space is limited to 15 participants. For questions, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online.

Victoria Waterlilies

With enormous spiny pads and mysterious night-blooming flowers, Victoria waterlilies have long captivated those lucky enough to witness this fascinating plant. In habitat, Victoria reside in seasonally flooded backwaters of the Amazonian and Paraná River basins and there are three species in the genus: Victoria amazonica, V. cruziana, and the newly described V. boliviana.

Victoria are started from seed at Lotusland’s nursery in the winter. Once the water temperatures in the outdoor ponds are warm enough they are placed in the Water Garden and Cycad Garden ponds. Victoria waterlilies bloom in an intriguing floral display over two nights with female and male structures developing consecutively.

Golden Hour Wine Walk - Members Event
2025-08-22 16:30 - 18:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Patron Circle: Complimentary AdmissionSupporter Level Members: $50Member’s Guests: $85

RESERVE NOW

Members’ Golden Hour Wine Walk

VIEW THE GARDEN in the magical light of late afternoon when the botanical colors and textures come alive. Wander at your leisure as you enjoy wine provided by a local winemaker as you bask in the golden hour glow. Our featured winemaker for the evening is Summerland Winery.

The chance to stroll the Garden as the sun begins to set is a special opportunity reserved for Lotusland Members and their guests only. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Summerland Winery

Summerland Winery’s tasting room is located in the quaint seaside town of Summerland, California, the gateway to California’s riviera. We are a boutique producer of traditional wines and non-alcoholic wines with all of our fruit sourced from world class sustainable and/or organic growers here in Santa Barbara County. With only 3,000 cases produced annually and a beautiful seaside town tasting room in the quaint town of Summerland, Ca. We hope you enjoy all the amazing libations we bring to this member event at Lotusland, and we hope to see you sometime at Summerland Winery!

Well-being Wednesday - Tai Chi with Chao Pang
2025-08-20 11:30 - 12:30 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Public Event On-Site

Location

Tickets

Members: $50 Non-Members: $85

Please note: After clicking “Reserve Now,” you will be redirected to our ticketing site. Be sure to select your desired date before completing your reservation.

ReservE NOW

Well-being at Lotusland

Nature restores us and promotes a sense of well-being. Join us for an opportunity to engage with nature and experience the Garden with a fresh perspective. We encourage participants to make an additional reservation for the afternoon tour to extend the Garden experience.

Tai Chi with Chao Pang

At Lotusland, Chao will introduce and share Qi/Chi exercises working with the flow of the Garden to promote inner peace and calm throughout the day.

Chao Pang

Chao Pang immigrated with his parents to the United States from Taiwan when he was 13 years old. He has a Master of Physics Degree and became a successful entrepreneur while continuing to pursue Eastern traditions through the study of martial arts, philosophies and energetics. He has studied martial arts for many decades and currently focuses on Tai Ji. He has traveled extensively and studied with three different Tai Ji masters of Yang and Wu-Hao traditions. Now he enjoys sharing his knowledge to all those who are interested in understanding Eastern philosophy, energetic and internal martial arts.

LOTUS SEASON SUNDAY - MEMBERS ONLY
2025-08-17 09:30 - 16:00 | Ganna Walska Lotusland, Cold Spring Road, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Onsite Members Event

Location

Tickets

Members: $15Non-Member Guests: $60Choose from 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, or 2:30 PM arrival times.

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LOTUS SEASON SUNDAY

Don’t miss the chance to see the lotus while they are still in bloom! Take advantage of this members-only Sunday and enjoy the beauty of Lotusland before the summer season ends. Explore at your own pace on a self-guided walk and immerse yourself in the vibrant blooms of August.

We hope you can join us for this exclusive opportunity to connect with the Garden that your support brings to life and celebrate the magic of lotus season! Space is limited. For questions or reservations, please call 805.969.9990 or reserve online at lotusland.org.

Lessons from Lotusland: Pollination and Plant Dispersal Strategies
2025-08-13 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Location

Tickets

Free with Registration

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Join us for Lessons from Lotusland, our ongoing series of virtual lectures. Get an inside glimpse into the Garden, the collections, its operations and its creators. Be sure to have your conversation questions ready for the Q&A.

Lessons from LotuslandLessons from Lotusland: Pollination and Plant Dispersal StrategiesWednesday, August 135:30 – 6:30PM PST

“Plants cannot move, which sets up a problem – how to move gametes (genetic material) between individuals of one species, and then how to move the product of fertilization (seeds) away from the parent plant. Consequently plants have evolved a range of fascinating pollination and dispersal mechanisms which enhance the color and diversity of our gardens.

This engaging webinar, presented by Dr. Bruce Tiffney, will explore the diverse strategies that plants use to reproduce and attract pollinators. This presentation will take you on a journey through Lotusland’s living collections, highlighting key examples of these interactions and adaptations.

Reserve your space now for this free program to learn more about pollination and plant adaptations, and to support Lotusland’s mission!”

Dr. Bruce H. Tiffney

Bruce Tiffney taught evolutionary biology for 9 years at Yale University before arriving in Santa Barbara in 1986. He has been a Professor of Geology in the Department of Earth Science and Professor of Biology and Dean in the College of Creative Studies at UCSB. His research is focused on fossil plants, explaining his apparent multiple personalities.
