California has no shortage of beautiful gardens, but one estate has been singled out as the most stunning of them all, according to a new study from HGTV.
HGTV’s “The Most Beautiful Garden You Can Visit in Every State” recognized Ganna Walska Lotusland in Montecito as the Golden State’s most enchanting garden.
The botanical property in Santa Barbara County is renowned for its rare plant collections, including cycads, cacti, palms, and euphorbias. Lotusland is divided into multiple themed gardens, each with its own special collection of plants.
The property’s history dates back to 1882, when Ralph Kinton Stevens purchased it as both a family home and commercial nursery, naming it Tanglewood. In 1916, E. Palmer and Marie Gavit acquired the estate, adding Spanish Revival-style buildings and formal gardens that remain today.
Opera singer Ganna Walska bought the estate in 1941 and transformed it into a showcase of dramatic design. She collaborated with landscape architects to incorporate new features, including a Japanese garden, an orchard, and a converted swimming pool that was transformed into a water garden.
After Walska’s death in 1984, the property was left to the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation, which opened the gardens to the public in 1993. Those interested can make reservations to visit here.
The complete HGTV study can be found here.