Manhattan Beach Botanical Gardens: Growing Goodness

In 1992, South Bay residents with professions in business, horticulture and landscape design got together with a local organization called V.O.I.C.E. (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Community’s Environment).

Concern over the environment brought them together, and they came up with an idea of how to teach resource conservation to the community in a fun and positive way. Their creation was the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden.

The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is an educational tool in the community to build awareness and solutions for sustainable gardening techniques that use the California native plants in a pursuit to conserve our natural resources. A non-profit public education organization, they provide tours, classes, volunteer opportunities and Sunday bird walks, in addition to the free garden that anyone can enjoy for free from dusk until dawn.

Take a tour
To learn more about the Garden and organization, tours are offered per request. Individuals can receive a tour during our Friday work day between 9:30 am and 11:30 am or group tours can be arranged for other times.

Volunteer
Friday morning 9:30-11:30 am

Take a class
Some classes have included “Success with succulents,” “How to compost the garden,” and “Sustainable Landscaping.”  See their website for the most up to date schedules.

Sunday Bird Walks
During the last three years over 130 different bird species have been recorded in Polliwog Park.  Learn to ID these birds by sight and sound.

Enjoy wildlife
Because MBBG incorporates only water-wise plants including many CA natives, and practices Earth-friendly gardening prohibiting chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, it has earned a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation by the National Wildlife Federation. Different birds, insects and other critters can be seen.

Location:
1236 N. Peck Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA
(West of Polliwog Park)

Check the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden’s website for more information.