Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Launches Next Landscape Transformation Project at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden 

New project adds more than 150 native plants to historic display garden, proving the beauty and benefit for people and the planet

Santa Barbara, Calif. – July 9, 2025 – Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, is bringing its Landscape Transformation initiative to Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. This collaborative effort is set to redefine curb appeal by showcasing the beauty and ecological benefits of California’s native plants in a public space. 

One of the Park’s beds is now dedicated to native plants, demonstrating that low-water landscapes can be lush, colorful, and visually striking while also supporting biodiversity. This 2,277-square-foot display now features more than 168 native plants across 14 different species, providing a vibrant and sustainable model for homeowners, landscapers, and city planners alike. 

“This project highlights the aesthetic and ecological value of native plants,” said Steve Windhager, executive director of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. “By thoughtfully designing with texture, structure, and seasonal color, we hope to inspire sustainable landscaping choices that benefit both people and the environment.” 

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden has long been a beloved green space in Santa Barbara, and was originally designed in collaboration with the Garden after Alice Keck Park gifted the land to the City in 1975. While the Garden’s direct oversight of the park waned over the years, this new partnership rekindles the historical connection, aligning with the City’s mission to enhance Santa Barbara’s beauty and protect its natural habitats. 

Under a newly established partnership, the Garden will lead the design, fundraising, installation, and maintenance of the new native plant bed for at least five years. The City will provide essential support, including water access, irrigation maintenance, and waste hauling. Additionally, the Garden will bring the community together by hosting various events in the space, offering public engagement opportunities to learn about native plant gardening firsthand. 

“This partnership brings new energy and expertise to one of our most iconic and maintenance-intensive parks,” said Jazmin LeBlanc, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Santa Barbara. “We are excited to work with the Botanic Garden to enhance the park’s biodiversity, while staying true to its legacy.” 

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Landscape Transformation initiative aims to inspire communities to embrace native plants, demonstrating that supporting biodiversity goes hand in hand with waterwise landscapes that are lush and colorful year-round. With this project at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, Santa Barbara takes another step toward a more sustainable and resilient future. 

As a leader in ecological landscaping, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a wealth of resources to help individuals, communities, and professionals make the shift to native plants. From curated plant lists for water-wise gardens, and where to buy them, to design inspiration and seasonal maintenance tips, the Garden empowers anyone to create beautiful, resilient landscapes that support local ecosystems. Learn more and explore these tools at https://sbbotanicgarden.org/grow/gardening-resources/.  

For more information and project updates, visit https://sbbotanicgarden.org/conservation/landscape-transformations/  

Upcoming Dates and Events 

Sunday, July 13 | Pollinator Party Family Day  

Bring your loved ones to learn about pollinators in Alice Keck Memorial Garden in a family-friendly event with crafts, takeaway tools, and giveaways to inspire everyone to grow with us. Learn more about this free event, no registration required.

Saturday, August 30 | Community Science Day 

Participate in science with us at the garden! 

Saturday, September 27 | Volunteer Work Day  

Another opportunity to get your hands in the soil and mulch, weed, plant, prune, and more. 

Friday, October 10 | Community Science Day  

Participate in science with us at the garden! 

Monday, November 17 | Volunteer Work Day   

Another opportunity to get your hands in the soil and mulch, weed, plant, prune, and more.