Newcomers are welcome to attend work parties to care for the palm trees. A group meets at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month.

Dovale rhododendron
from Australia

Refined design elements enhance the atmosphere of Lakeside's Japanese Garden. Lichen-encrusted boulders, a melodious waterfall, and the rich foliage of ferns, maples and pines shaped by artful pruning contribute to the garden's satisfying solitude.

Coast and dawn redwoods and giant sequoias grace the area around the Garden Center building. One massive tree stump survives as a rough-hewn throne. Head gardener Rocha worked with a city tree crew to fashion the unique garden bench.

The Bonsai and Suiseki Display Garden, a carefully manicured realm funded by donations and sustained by volunteer labor, is enfolded within the Lakeside Horticultural Center boundaries.

Step through the impressive gateway dedicated to bonsai master Mas lmazumi and you enter an open-air environment serving as domicile for the Golden State Bonsai Collection-North. The setting also calls attention to the art of suiseki - three-dimensional stones imbued with landscape associations or images from nature.

Garden-lovers of all persuasions are encouraged to explore Lakeside Horticultural Center's stimulating arena of demonstration gardens and uncommon plants.

Located in Lakeside Park at 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland (on Lake Merritt)

Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday
10 am to 5 pm weekends.
During Daylight Saving Time, 10 am to 4 pm daily.