Blake Garden, Botanical garden in Kensington, California, US.
Blake Garden is a botanical garden spanning roughly 11 acres with around 1500 plant species and two water courses running through it. It features a formal garden with a reflecting pool and dedicated sections showcasing Mediterranean plants.
The garden began in 1924 as part of the Blake family estate and was designed by landscape architect Mabel Symmes. UC Berkeley acquired it in 1957 and transformed it into an educational resource for the university.
The garden serves as a teaching space for UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design, where students study landscape architecture hands-on. Visitors can observe how this place functions as an outdoor classroom in everyday use.
The garden is located on Rincon Road in Kensington and offers free admission to all visitors. Check opening hours before your visit, as they change with the seasons.
The property includes a Spanish-style mansion with 27 rooms that served as the University of California President's residence from 1967 to 2008. This grand building is a surprising historical feature that many visitors do not expect to find here.
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