Exciting Updates in Progress
To help plan your visit, please view our interactive map HERE.
Sherman Gardens, An Inspiring Oasis in a Busy World
Come and visit The Gardens and its collections:
- William L. Beck Bonsai Collection – Sherman is thrilled to welcome this this fabulous rotating “living art” bonsai collection. There are 70 specimens in the collection and selected trees will be rotated into the viewing area over time. See the collection in the Library courtyard and peruse some of Beck’s wonderful books on bonsai in a special seating area in the Library Gallery.
- Sherman’s famous California Pepper Tree is the site of many a “wish” for visitors, who tie on a message during special events. This shady tree is the centerpiece of the Succulent Garden, a unique collection of succulents interspersed with garden art to make a sumptuous collection of drought tolerant plants.
- The Fern Grotto is a cool oasis of ferns and shade loving plants, including impressive staghorns, in a lattice-covered walkway.
- The Central Garden with its lovely fountain is an ever-changing seasonal display of the best of SoCal flowering plants to create a magical and ever-changing space. The Central Garden is also the site of important events for Sherman.
- Frequently updated micro-exhibits are scattered throughout the garden areas to provide educational opportunities for visitors.
- Plenty of benches and seating areas allow ample dwell time for visitors to sit and enjoy the gardens.
Please see the map of The Gardens to plan your visit to Sherman Library & Gardens.
Although the Gardens are being reimagined and under construction, there is still plenty to do and see while here! There are classes and events held that appeal to all ages.
Please check out our calendar of events and register for a class.
Our Commitment To the Environment
Ecological Horticulture
Ecological horticulture is a method of designing, building, and maintaining gardens that considers the ecology of a site and creates gardens that enhance the surrounding environment for the benefit of humans and all other life in the ecosystem.
When the earth is disturbed during the construction of buildings, homes, driveways, and roadways, the land is forever altered. Although the natural landscape can never be restored completely, with thoughtful attention to the site, ecological gardeners can create outdoor spaces that are practical, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing. Ecological gardening strives to balance the building site with the natural environment. It draws upon the wisdom of and is inspired by natural systems.
By studying the inter-relationships between living things, non-living things, and the environment, ecological gardeners can create a “garden community” that will conserve natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and protect the environment. With proper design and implementation, a healthy pattern begins to form with each component in the landscape; people, animals, plants, water, soil, insects, and wildlife, all interacting in a sustainable way.
Conservation is an important part of ecological gardening. The objectives of an ecological gardener are to reduce water consumption, preserve water quality, prevent soil erosion, protect biodiversity, diminish the use of toxic pesticides, and minimize the use of non-renewable resources. By striving toward these goals, the ecological gardener can create gardens that are both environmentally responsible and enjoyable to experience.
When ecological gardening is done right it will inspire others to follow, imitate, and create their own ecological gardens!
*Adapted from the Ecological Landscape Association
