Jensen Botanical Gardens

Jensen Botanical Gardens is a 3.5-acre site in Carmichael with many different plant species including camellias, dogwoods, azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese maples throughout its grounds. Paths lead through various planted areas that together form a diverse collection.

Charles C. Jensen founded this garden in 1958 after retiring from his work as a produce buyer and moved many plants from his property in Oakland to create it. The collection grew from his personal interest in growing different plant varieties.

The garden serves as a place where visitors naturally discover and learn about different plant species while walking through its paths. People use the grounds to explore various sections and observe how different plants grow together.

The garden is free to enter and open from sunrise to sunset, so visitors experience different light and warmth depending on the season. Wearing comfortable shoes is wise since you need to walk around the grounds to explore.

One feature is the Nature Path for the Blind, a special route with plants chosen for their different textures and scents that can be explored by touch. This area shows how the grounds were made accessible to people with vision impairments.