The public tour season for 2024 is now closed. The Garden re-opens for public tours on February 15. We look forward to welcoming you in 2025.
Insectary Garden
Lotusland was one of the first public gardens to become fully organic
Photo by Lisa Romerein.
Insectary Garden
Insectary Garden
Lotusland was one of the first public gardens to become fully organic. We believe that healthy, living soil is the foundation for healthy plants. The Insectary Garden attracts predatory insects to eat pests and a healthy array of pollinators are attracted to its year-round display of flowers and fragrances. Lotusland’s soils are enriched with our own brew of compost tea, and we encourage birds of prey that help perform pest control. Our organic program ensures a safe and non-toxic environment for staff and visitors and protects our community’s potable water supply and ocean health.
the
Noteworthy
Features
Dove and Finch Aviary
The aviary honors Madame Ganna Walska’s beloved avian companion, “Happy.” Madame Walska was frequently seen with Happy on her shoulder, and even had an entire room set aside for her beloved cockatiel. Enjoy a rest on the nearby benches as the soft coos of doves fill the garden.
Photo by Lisa Romerein.
Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Until living specimens were discovered in China in 1944, the ancient dawn redwood was known only from fossils and thought to be extinct. The dawn redwood is the only remaining species in the genus Metasequoia. Unlike most redwoods it is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter. This ancient giant produces surprisingly small cones and seeds. Look for them scattered around the base of the tree.
SUSTAINABILITY
Compost tea is a great way to enrich your soil and help plants thrive without carrying around heavy loads of compost. We brew our own compost tea at Lotusland using oak mulch compost with other ingredients incorporated to add nutrients for the plants.
Red Velvet Sage (Salvia confertiflora)
As you walk through the Insectary Garden, breathe deeply and you may catch the smell of many sages, mints, and lavenders — all members of the mint family (Lamiaceae). These fragrant plants have short nectar-producing flowers. This feature makes them more accessible to pollinators with short mouthparts such as native bees.