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About Hortus Californica

Our team is committed to sharing California’s rich history of diverse people, plants, and cultures with the world. By bringing this history to life though research, storytelling, and education, we can create a space where California’s historical horticulture can be celebrated.

Celebrating Stories Of Plants, People , and Culture

People
Plants
Culture

Our People

From the arrival of the first human to the latest immigrant, all have contributed to the shaping of California. As a immense and ecologically diverse landform called California has been the new home to people from all over the world. These relationships, and the fascinating stories that embody the history of this precious land, are important for us to share and preserve.

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Our Plants

Plants touch virtually every aspect of our lives. With more ecological diversity than any other state, California’s native plant palette is extensive, and vital to thousands of indigenous animal species. Imported plant species and exotics are just as diverse, and have had a profound impact on the growth and advancement of the state’s inhabitants and industry. From their inception, human civilizations have depended upon plants for their progress and prosperity. Our continued study of these natural wonders is vital to our survival, as well as the future health of the planet.
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Our Culture

Distinct cultures from six continents have left their footprints on this land. They brought their knowledge, customs, plants, medicine, and personal determination. After settling here, people integrated their foods, languages and traditions throughout every region of the state. Much of these customs were influenced by the plants they brought, or by plants they found once here. Entire civilizations have been built on plants and agriculture, and so it is with the many rich traditions established here that are in need of being shared, chronicled and documented.

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Our Mission


Preserve and share the rich history and complexity of California’s diverse people, plants, and cultures.

Our Vision For The Future

To build a world class, sustainable botanical garden that…

Invites the world to experience California’s unique and diverse cultural and ecological mosaic.

Influences the future through innovative design and environmental conservation.

Conserves historical accounts, and then disseminates that knowledge to future generations.

Shares rare collections of flora and fauna for all to enjoy.

Supports an International Sustainability and Research Center.

Provides opportunities for artistic, educational, and cultural enrichment.

Displays unique ecosystems, habitats, and panoramas of California.

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Board of Directors

Kent Gordon England

President/Director of Strategic Planning
kent@hortuscalifornica.org

Charles Allison

Vice President
charles@hortuscalifornica.org

David Von Aspern

Treasurer/Director of Fundraising
david@hortuscalifornica.org

Frances Brandon

Director of Events
frances@hortuscalifornica.org

Nancy Hutton

Board Member at Large
nancy@hortuscalifornica.org

Ron Allison

Chairman of the Board
ron@hortuscalifornica.org

EST. 1996

California Garden Project

Imagine a place that felt completely removed from the rest of the world. A garden you could visit and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty and serenity of plants. Together, we are building a world class garden for people of all backgrounds to find joy, inspiration, and resources. With education and research at the heart of everything we do, visitors will be immersed in the history of California’s horticultural diversity.

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