Located in the historic heart of Palo Alto, the Elizabeth Frances Gamble Garden has been a local attraction since 1985. The Victorian-style garden offers a vibrant escape for visitors seeking a chance to relax, enjoy the view, and immerse themselves in nature.
Spanning two and a half acres, the garden is home to over 20 signature trees and countless flower species. It is renowned for its extensive collection of camellias, with over 50 cultivars and 60 plants. Cultivations such as the Camellia japonica ‘Shiragiku,’ Camellia japonica ‘Usu-otome,’ and Camellia japonica ‘Kumasaka,’ were originally purchased by Elizabeth F. Gamble herself, the previous owner of the house.
Throughout the property, visitors can wander past blooming tulips and fragrant magnolias, unwind in the gazebo, and appreciate the buildings dotted across the grounds. From the grotto fountain to the rose garden, the iris bed to the wisteria trees, the greenhouse to the orchards, the Gamble Garden’s beauty is hard to miss.
Visitors can attend the garden’s annual Spring Tour, follow the provided self-guided tour, or simply wander to their heart’s desires. They also host events such as organized floral workshops, plant sales, and luncheons throughout the year. Additionally, the garden is a go-to spot for weddings, offering a beautiful setting for these celebrations.
Not only is the garden a sight for sore eyes, but the attraction holds a compelling past.
The main house of the garden, also known as the Gamble House, was built in 1902. Additional buildings, such as the Tea House, were added in the following years, along with an enlargement of the Gamble House.
After her passing in 1981, Gamble gifted both her house and garden to the city of Palo Alto, leaving the place to become a historic property. The City Council deliberated for four years on what to do with the property.
The Garden Club of Palo Alto—a nonprofit organization dedicated to horticulture, conservation, and more—succeeded in leading a community campaign to restore the garden and buildings left by Gamble in 1985. The garden has become a public garden supported by its own non-profit horticultural foundation ever since.
“Well, one thing I like about [the garden] is [you don’t have to buy tickets to come in. You [can] just stroll in,” volunteer Nancy Frizzell said. Frizzell spends her time helping plant sales, growing tomatoes, and tending to the garden. “The staff here are so friendly, and they appreciate everything you do. It’s really a great, great place to volunteer,” she said.
She first got into gardening through her father, an avid gardener, and her passion has only grown since then. “I love propagating, and I have a greenhouse at home, so I’ll propagate. It’s very rewarding,” Frizzell said.
“Today, the garden is paying back, offering beauty as inspiration and endless opportunities for people of all ages. This is a story about stewardship, investing in nature, and taking big risks,” Lucy Tolmach, Former Director of Horticulture at Filoli, from the Foreword to Gamble Garden: Landscape of Optimism by Susan Woodman, said.
“Come and enjoy the beauty. The camellias are in bloom now.” Frizzell said. “It’s just a wonderful place.”
The garden is open every day during daylight hours and is hosting an upcoming Spring Tour from April 24-25.
