Went to Lotusland gardens near Santa Barbara

[Argos5]

It's a 37 acre botanical garden that's open to the public, although on a reservation basis only...among other things, it has the best cacti/succulent collection that I've seen.

It has a nice topiary









Cacti gardens






Reflecting pool with giant clamshell fountains



And, of course, lotus (although only one had flowered thus far)

[miguynmkoi]

Great shots of  beautiful garden    It's been a while since I visited there and way before ponding came into my life    Love how they grow their lotus freely in the pond. 

[Mikey]

Thanks for sharing those photos.  How did the tour go?  The reason I ask is I heard someone else complain that they felt rushed by the docent.  As I recall it's kind of expensive but I still want to go.  Thanks for reminding me. 

[Argos5]

Mikey...we enjoyed the tour...we didn't feel rushed although there was a fair amount of walking and a lot of grounds to cover...it lasts about two hours with a 10-15 minute sit down break...the weather was perfect.

[Ky Kim]

What a beautiful place........

Kim

[tinkster]

love it all!  the cactus garden is amazing

tinkster