Phase One Development

 

To ensure that fund raising and development occurs as part of a strategic implementation plan, construction has been planned in five phases. To market the Botanical Garden as a destination visitor attraction, Phase One needs to include several features to be successful as an income producing facility while completing the remaining four phases. The goal is to open Phase One in 2003. The projected cost of Phase One is $6,000,000.

Phase one will include the following features:

 

Gardens of Exploration

 
  • Fifteen acres of specialized gardens grouped around the Visitor Center.
  • A summary of the Botanical Garden's interpretive concepts while displaying the variety of plants throughout the Mediterranean climate regions.
  • Five areas of interpretation have been identified for exploration:

Horticultural Therapy Garden - a sensory experience

Ecology Garden - a place to study rare and endangered species, plant adaptations, plant communities, fire influences and the food chain

Biology Garden - for the study of the plant structure of drought tolerant plants, water storage and conservation; plant distribution, pollination and fertilization

Cultural Influences Garden - a place to learn about land management, agricultural practices and ethnobotany

Horticultural Opportunities - home demonstration gardens showing landscape design solutions and different types of gardens, gardening practices, ways to attract wildlife and new horticultural introductions

 

Visitor Center - The Hub of the Garden

 
  • The Chumash Circle reception courtyard
  • Inside, a giant globe of the world highlighting the history, plants, climate and people of the five Mediterranean regions
  • Exhibits displaying key themes of the Garden
  • A multimedia show in the auditorium
  • A gift and plant shop
  • Outside, the mosaic-tiled Mediterranean Terrace - with a grand overview of the Signature Landscapes and departure point for exploring the Garden
  • A café

In addition to the major features named above, tree groves will be planted in the five Signature Landscapes and the entry road, entry station, parking area, utilities and visitor facilities will be installed.

 

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