San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden  Nature Nights

November 17-December 31, 2023

Actual dates: November 17, 18, 24 & 25, 2023; December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 & 31, 2023
 

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
3450 Dairy Creek Rd.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
$27 general admission sold online, slobg.org

Opening Gala November 16, 2023 $125

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, (SLOBG) immersive outdoor holiday light and art exhibit, Nature Nights, assures  a memorable immersive event for the entire family. Throughout the eight-acre garden are large format light projections by Bryn Forbes, illuminated sculptures by Michael Reddell, and artistic lighting of garden areas by Kody Cava.

Culinary delights, regional wine, and beer are sold to enhance the guest experience.

The 150-acre botanical garden in El Chorro Regional Park features five Mediterranean regions of the world. For more than 30 years since its founding in 1991, the nonprofit garden has helped to educate and stimulate public interest in the idyllic  San Luis Obispo County surroundings, characterized by dry summers and mild, wet winters. Mediterranean climate zones are typically located along the western coasts of continents.

Mediterranean climates where the 'Mediterranean trinity' of agricultural products have traditionally included wheat, grapes and olives can be found globally in 5 regions distinguished by vegetation such as:

• Chaparral in California
• Garrigue or maquis in the Mediterranean Basin
• Fynbos in South Africa
• Mallee in Australia
• Matorral in Chile

The concept for San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden originated from a Horticulture student at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo. Unable to find examples of and information on Mediterranean climate plants for her senior project, she researched the possibility of starting a botanical garden that would showcase these plants.

The Portico Group Design Studio (Seattle, WA) which specializes in the design of botanical gardens, zoos and parks, produced the Garden's Master Plan under the direction of the incorporated 'Friends of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden'.

The Botanical Garden now includes Life Celebration Garden, Oak Glen Pavilion, Children's Gardens of Exploration and Discovery Trail. Storytimes, Nature Walks and Yoga are among the program activities visitors enjoy throughout the year. The Pavilion can be rented for private functions such as weddings with 100-200 guests.

An online Plant Gallery Database includes pictures and scientific names of more than 150 flowering plants seen the Gardens.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.