Nestled in the hills of Montecito, California, Ganna Walska Lotusland is recognized as one of the world’s top botanical gardens, celebrated for its exceptional landscaping design, diverse plant collections, and its pioneering role in sustainable horticulture.  Opened to the public as a non-profit garden in 1993, it is revered as the nation’s first organic botanical garden and an international model for plant conservation. With one third of its living collections listed on the IUCN red list, Lotusland plays a vital role in global biodiversity preservation while engaging the community through education and wellness programs that deepen our connection to nature and its power to inspire and enrich our lives.

Lotusland is 100% privately funded by individuals, foundations, and business affiliates. Lotusland Celebrates is the Garden’s largest fundraising event of the year, generating a quarter of the annual operating funds needed to sustain this extraordinary sanctuary for plants and people. Your sponsorship ensures that we can keep Lotusland cared for, accessible, and continue to maintain and develop the vital programs and initiatives that make Lotusland so special.

The Gala begins at 3:30 pm with welcome cocktails and a Garden Walk where guests discover Lotusland’s incredible landscapes brought to life by surprise performances and unique installations. Cocktail hour continues on the Great Lawn where a magnificent scene sets the stage for an enchanting al fresco dinner and program hosted by Jane Lynch with remarks by Honorary Chair Wendy Schmidt and Special Guest Martha Stewart. The exhilarating live auction, conducted by Jim Nye, begins at 7:00 pm when bidders vie for their chance to acquire our most coveted lots. The evening concludes with acknowledgements by gala co-chairs Jeanne Anderson and Julie Morley, alongside CEO Rebecca Anderson and Board President Mari Mitchel before a sunset Farewell Walk, a magical send-off concluding a memorable evening.

The Lotusland Celebrates Auction is a centerpiece of the evening’s fundraising efforts, the auction plays a vital role in supporting Lotusland’s mission.  

The Live auction will be held at the Gala on July 18, 2026 and will feature no more than eight unique and exceptional lots. The Online auction will showcase approximately 30 lots and will open for online bidding from July 10 to July 19 allowing bidders worldwide to participate.

Registration for proxy-bidding for the Live auction and participation in the Online auction will open soon.

Table sponsorships and tickets are open to Lotusland Members beginning February 5 at 12:00 pm. If you are not yet a member, join today. Additional opportunities are available to support this event even if you are unable to attend the gala, from underwriting opportunities and tax-deductible gifts to corporate and media sponsorships.
For all event-related inquiries, please contact us at lotuslandcelebrates@lotusland.org