Gardens > USA > California > Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden

Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden

Forrest E. Deaner inspired and helped organise a native plant botanic garden in California. It is near the town of historic Benicia and has views of the Carquinez Strait, the San Joaquin River and the Sacramento River. It has a Butterfly/Hummingbird Garden, a Riparian Garden, a Residential/Community Garden, a Native American Garden, a Wildflower Meadow and a collection of Oaks and other Native trees.

Head Gardener's Comment

The Garden has been recognized as one of the thirteen leading native plant collections in the State.

Photograph © Norma Deaner

Photograph © Norma Deaner

Photograph © Norma Deaner

Photograph © Norma Deaner

Photograph © Norma Deaner

History

The Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden was founded by Forrest E. Deaner, a retired journalist and California native plant enthusiast, in 2000. It specializes in California native plants. The Garden is situated at Benicia State Recreation Area, in the charming little town of historic Benicia, California, where the old capitol still stands. The Garden affords a scenic view of the Carquinez Strait, where two of Northern California's great rivers (San Joaquin River and the Sacramento river) meet on their way to the Pacific Ocean. The Garden is 100% serviced by volunteers.

Plants of note

California Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolocia californica)- The larva of the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) feeds only on the foliage of plant. Unusual flower shape, resembling a fanciful Dutchman's pipe.

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)- Larva of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) feeds only on the foliage of this plant.