Jensen Botanical Garden

Carmichael, California, United States

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Jensen Botanical Garden in Carmichael, California, spans about 3.5 acres and was established in 1958 by Charles C. Jensen after his retirement as a produce buyer.

After moving from Oakland, he began transforming the property by planting a variety of trees and shrubs including magnolias, azaleas, dogwoods, camellias, and Japanese maples, many of which he brought from Oakland. Jensen was passionate about hybridizing, grafting, and acquiring new plant varieties, turning the garden into a private paradise that caught public attention.

After his death, local citizens formed a committee to preserve the garden, successfully fundraising so it became part of the Carmichael Recreation and Park District in 1976. Since 2004, a volunteer group called the Friends of Jensen Botanical Garden has played a key role in maintaining and enhancing the garden. It is known for its beautiful springtime displays of tulips alongside its collection of flowering trees and shrubs.

The garden features a special Nature Path for the Blind designed to offer tactile and olfactory experiences, making it accessible and enjoyable for visually impaired visitors. The garden is open during daylight hours and serves as a peaceful and colorful oasis for locals and visitors alike.