Update on Ventura Botanical Gardens

Jonell McLain Updates Rotary Ventura South
On Plans for Ventura Botanical Gardens

At our regular meeting on Monday, September 29, Jonell McLain, a Board member of the Ventura Botanical Gardens, provided members with an enthusiastic and comprehensive update on plans for the Gardens, currently under construction in the hills behind Ventura City Hall and adjacent to Grant Park. Jonell noted that, upon completion, the 107-acre garden will be significantly larger than the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

"This will truly be a new destination of choice for visitors to Ventura County," said Jonell. We have over a hundred acres of lush coastal hillside overlooking one of the historic mission cities of California. This is truly a unique opportunity to enhance the already stunning beauty of the Ventura hills."

Jonell explained that the Gardens will actually be a combination of five garden areas: Australia, California, Cape, Chilean, and Mediterranean. "The Chilean section will feature the largest selection of native plants outside of Chile, including a grove of native palms."

Jonell also noted that there's an app for iPhone and Android, narrated by Stephanie Edwards, that will lead visitors through an audio tour of the completed Gardens, pointing out important botanic and geologic features. The Gardens will also include a library and visitors center.

For more information, visit the Gardens' website at venturabotanicalgardens.com. Thanks to Jonell for a terrific presentation!