Gardens of the World

What is Gardens of the World?

Gardens of the World covers 4.5 acres and brings together several themed gardens, each with its own style and features. The French Garden greets visitors with a waterfall and formal parterre beds. The English Rose Garden has hundreds of rose bushes and a pergola. The Italian Garden offers a grape arbor and cypress trees. The Japanese Garden includes koi ponds, a pagoda, and a waterfall. The Mission Courtyard features murals of California missions, a statue, and a Spanish fountain, all surrounded by native plants.

The history of Gardens of the World

The garden opened in December 2001 as a gift to the city from local travel agency owners. It was designed by landscape artist Wendy Harper. The idea was to showcase garden styles from around the world, reflecting the diversity of horticultural traditions. Each section draws on the plants, layouts, and features typical of its region, such as the Versailles-inspired fountain in the French Garden and the mission murals in the California Courtyard.

What there is to see

Visitors enter through iron gates and follow a concrete loop trail connecting the gardens. The French Garden features butterfly- and sun-shaped parterres bordered by boxwood. The English Garden has arches and seating among rose beds. The Italian Garden includes a grape arbor and a chain fountain with a Venus de Milo statue. The Japanese Garden has a koi pond, wooden bridge, and bamboo. The Mission Courtyard displays murals, a statue, and a three-level Spanish fountain, with olive and citrus trees.

When to go

Gardens of the World is open to the public for walking, picnicking, and guided tours. The central bandstand hosts musical performances. The gardens are a local spot for relaxation, photography, and learning about different garden traditions. The Mission Courtyard highlights California’s history, while the themed gardens offer a glimpse of international horticulture.

Parts and collections

Each garden represents a different tradition: the French Garden with formal parterres and a Versailles-style fountain; the English Garden with bush and climber roses; the Italian Garden with grapevines and cypress; the Japanese Garden with koi, a pagoda, and symbolic rocks; and the Mission Courtyard with murals and native flora. The gardens are distinct but connected by a central path.

Why Gardens of the World matters

The park celebrates both local and global garden traditions. The Mission Courtyard honors California’s mission history with murals and a statue of Junípero Serra. The Japanese Garden’s waterfall is named for a fable about koi turning into dragons, symbolizing perseverance. The gardens serve as a cultural and educational space for the community.

The flowers of Gardens of the World

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursBitter orangeThe citrus tree behind Seville orange marmalade and Neroli oil

Questions people ask about Gardens of the World

Good reading and sources

• Landscape Artist Designing World Garden ParkLos Angeles Times, Article

• Gardens of the World on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data