Welcome to the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, a place where history and horticulture converge in the heart of Santa Rosa, California. This site, now a cherished city park, was once the residence and workplace of Luther Burbank, one of the most influential horticulturists of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Luther Burbank was born in 1849 in Lancaster, Massachusetts. He moved to Santa Rosa in 1875, drawn by the favorable climate for his plant-breeding experiments. From 1884 to 1906, Burbank lived in the Greek Revival house on this property, which he designed himself. During these years, he developed hundreds of new plant varieties that would reshape agriculture and home gardening alike.
Burbank’s work at this site was groundbreaking. Imagine a time when most plums were small and bitter. Here, Burbank introduced over 250 new varieties of fruit, including numerous plums that became staples in agriculture. His innovations didn’t stop at fruit. Between 1907 and 1925, he developed over 60 varieties of spineless cacti, a boon for livestock feed in arid regions.
The gardens you see today are a living testament to Burbank’s legacy. They include a wide array of his plant creations: from ornamental grasses to medicinal herbs, fruit trees, and roses. Each plant is labeled, offering a botanical exploration of Burbank’s world.
In 1964, a portion of this property was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance in American horticulture. Burbank’s legacy extends beyond these gardens; his work influenced agricultural practices worldwide, enhancing food production and gardening techniques.
After Burbank’s death in 1926, his widow, Elizabeth, returned to live in the house until her passing in 1977. Today, the house and gardens are open to the public, providing a serene escape and a glimpse into the past. Guided tours offer deeper insights into the life and work of this remarkable man. As you stroll through the gardens, imagine Burbank himself, tending to his plants and envisioning new possibilities for the world’s gardens and farms.
