Sherman Library and Gardens

Sherman Library and Gardens is a botanical facility on about 2.2 acres with patios, conservatories, flower beds, and fountains. The space displays desert plants and tropical vegetation alongside ferns, herbs, and flowering varieties across different sections.

Arnold D. Haskell founded the gardens in 1955 after purchasing Norman's Nursery and named them after his mentor M. H. Sherman. The transformation of the original nursery land into a public botanical garden shaped the site's purpose and identity.

The gardens reflect California's interest in plants and botany, with visitors seeing how desert plants and tropical species thrive side by side. This mix of different climate zones shows how the region connects gardening and plant stewardship.

The site is easy to explore on foot with marked paths through different garden areas and clear signage. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection on sunny days, as shade is limited in some sections.

The Fern Grotto houses mature staghorn ferns that look like living sculptures, and the Herb Garden grows unusual varieties like chocolate mint and tri-color garlic. These specialized collections show the depth of plant cultivation here.