South Coast Botanic Garden

California, United States

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The South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, California, spans 87 acres and sits atop a former diatomaceous earth mine and later a sanitary landfill site.

After mining ceased in 1956 and the landfill closed in 1965, local citizens successfully persuaded the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 1960 to transform the site into a botanical garden. The garden development began with topsoil importation, irrigation installation, and planting more than 40,000 donated plants in 1961.

It now houses over 150,000 landscaped plants from around 2,000 species across specialty gardens such as roses, cacti, fuchsias, and a Japanese Garden complete with a koi pond. The site includes a 2.5-acre lake with a recycled water system, walking trails, and facilities supporting education and community programs.

Although challenges like ground settling and methane emissions occurred due to its landfill past, the garden has successfully become a rich, diverse botanical resource and a peaceful public space emphasizing horticulture and conservation.