This is a sponsored post through Conejo Valley. All opinions, thoughts and photographs are our own.
While visiting Conejo Valley we discovered an oasis in the middle of the city. Thousand Oaks Gardens of the World is a breath of fresh air amongst the hustle and bustle of the surrounding community. The gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m., and closed Mondays, most national holidays and during inclement weather.
The gardens were not crowded during our visit. There were perhaps a half-dozen other people walking or sitting and enjoying lunch. It’s a wonderful place to escape and rewind from the hussle and bustle going on all around. Directly across the street from the main entrance is Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, along with many other area businesses.
The gardens are definitely a welcoming oasis!
There are docent led or self-guided tours. We chose to self-guide, which worked well for us. We took our time, soaked in the beauty, and even got inspiration for our gardens at home. There are six unique gardens, each with a delightful and different-world flavor of its own.
The French Garden greets you as soon as you walk through the magnificent iron main gate. The centerpiece is a beautiful six level cascading waterfall surrounded by low hedges and vibrant colored flowers arranged into intricate designs.
The Mission Courtyard depicts early Californian history with its famous Mission Trail. It’s an authentic Mission Courtyard surrounded by colorful hand-painted murals of each of the 21 early California Missions. A Spanish style fountain graces the center of the courtyard. One very interesting bit of trivia we learned: traditional mission courtyard fountains had three levels. Chickens were known to drink from the first level, horses from the middle, and people from the top. We had no idea!
The Japanese Garden is a delicate balance of harmony inspired by ancient Asian culture. At the center is an authentic Japanese Pagoda. The pagoda is in the midst of a Koi pond surrounded by bamboo and bridges. It’s a wonderful place to sit, ponder and savor a tranquil moment.
The English Perennial & Rose Garden is an explosion of color with vivid floral displays. The rose varieties are of all different shapes and sizes that bloom seasonally. Even the arbor is covered with gorgeous roses.
The Italian Garden is surrounded by distinctive cypress trees, indigenous to the famed gardens of Italy. There’s also a beautiful chain fountain running through the garden, inspired by historic Italian architecture.
The Bandstand is an authentic replica of a real American Bandstand. A perfect setting for concerts in the park that can be enjoyed from the grassy amphitheater. There’s also a picnic area with quintessential tables and benches. A great setting for being entertained while enjoying the moment.
The gardens are gorgeous and serene. We took our time strolling the grounds and enjoyed every single minute we were there. We’re big fans of nature and botanical spaces. Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks is an inspiration.
The Facts:
Who: David and Cathi
When: September 27, 2017
Where: Gardens of the World
2001 Thousand Oaks Boulevard
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Main Phone: 805-557-1135
Website: Gardens of the World
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is such an amazing place! I love to explore botanical gardens like this. It’s a great way to see all the ways that different cultures use different plant varieties.
Jeanette says
I have driven through Thousand Oaks a lot but I have never stop there. Looks like there is a lot to do there that I would enjoy. Who love to have a break from driving and stretcher legs at this place. It looks beautiful.
Melissa Chapman says
This botanical garden has so many great corners and aspects. I don’t know if you can see it all in one day. I will keep it in mind if I am in California.
Amy Desrosiers says
This location looks so tranquil and gorgeous! I love the water falls and landscaping.
Claudia Krusch says
I would love to go to Thousand Oaks Gardens of the World. I find it so relaxing to walk around in a garden and smell the flowers. All the colors are so pretty.
Liz Mays says
I’m very impressed with all of the different kinds of gardens. Exploring them sounds really relaxing and fun!
TColeman says
This looks like such a beautiful place. I love to visit gardens. They bring stress relief for me!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I would love to spend an afternoon in the Thousand Oaks Gardens of the World. The grounds are just gorgeous.
Tara says
I would love to visit these gardens. The plant life is so lush and it would be so peaceful.
Amanda West says
That place looks so serene and beautiful! I would love to visit there
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This place is really relaxing! Would love to spend some time here with the family!
Anna says
What a beautiful place, I did not know until now. I’m sure I’ll take a day to visit him.