Sherman Library & Gardens

2647 East Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
thesherman.org

Plant and Flower Shows
 
Ikebana Show February 28-March 1, 2026, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Presented by The Ikebana Sangetsu West Coast and Ikebana Lessons Groups

Clivia Show & Sale March 21-22, 2026
Presented by the North American Clivia Society

Sherman Library & Gardens is a nonprofit garden and library spanning one city block in Corona del Mar. The garden named for educator and California pioneer, Moses H. Sherman (1853-1932),  contains over one thousand species and two hundred genera of rare cacti, succulents and exotic vegetation. Many of the plant specimens are labeled by origin, generic family and common names with plant directories available for those who wish to study the plants in depth. 
 
Principal founder Arnold D. Haskell established the Library and Gardens in 1966 to furnish the community with an educational and cultural center. Programs include lectures on horticulture and arts, group tours led by volunteers and docents, and something very special, the Discovery Garden. Blind and wheelchair visitors find easy access and enjoy plants chosen not for appearance, but for appeal to the senses of smell and touch. The general public loves this section of the Garden, as well.
 
Wander the grounds to enjoy several fountains and an indoor koi pond with colorful fish. There's also an historical research center devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest with emphasis on transformation of the region over the past 100 years. Included are over 15,000 books and pamphlets, a sizable collection of maps and photographs, more than 2,000 reels of microfilm and about 200,000 papers and documents.
 
A small donation of several dollars is requested as you enter the garden gate but don't hesitate to pay the modest price for something you will appreciate. There is a gift shop with hundreds of floral themed gifts such as cards, placemats, aprons and cottage plates similar to those sold on nearby Balboa Island. A meeting room and the gardens are available for special events such as weddings and receptions.

Each year the volunteers and staff look for ways to attract more people to the Gardens, with the goal of increasing revenue for programs. Recent holiday seasons have included special night-time lights displays that transform a beautiful, flower-filled garden into a city of lights.

CAFE JARDIN, AFTERNOON TEA & TEA GARDEN CREPERIE

Luncheons are a delight at tables set near the flower gardens. Make a reservation (949) 673-0033 and date for a special dining experience, garden-side. Brunch is served on Sundays, afternoon teas the 2nd and last Wednesdays of the month, and Creperie is open Saturday and Sunday with window service only.