Enjoy “Flamboyance” FREE at South Coast Botanic Garden!
Head out to the South Coast Botanic Garden and check out the beautiful Flamboyance displays! Read on to learn more about this display and how to enjoy it for FREE!
What is the South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG)?
The South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) is a gorgeous Los Angeles County garden nestled in the South Bay. This 87 acre property boasts a children’s garden, rose garden, and a large variety of plants and flowers. You can get lost walking through the trees and gorgeous pathways, forgetting that you are just miles from the local freeways.
Aside from the beautiful views, the garden is home to plenty of programing. You can read all about our experience with The Great Pumpkin Hunt by reading our post, The Great Pumpkin Hunt at SCBG: Is It Worth It? I’ve even taken part in a Goat Yoga class at the garden and it was a dream come true for this animal lover! You can read about my experience with Goat Yoga at the garden by reading, Goat Yoga: Everything You Want To Know
What is Flamboyance?
Flamboyance at the South Coast Botanic Garden is a neat collection of topiary animals (and a set of butterfly/fairy wings). If you are an avid gardener, plant enthusiast, or just love nature, this display will bring you joy. Shrub clippings, succulents, and flowers are placed in shapes to make these fun topiary displays.
I personally made a date of it and took in the sights of topiary flamingos, dogs, monkeys, dolphins, and bunnies! In between, we walked throughout the garden and the exercise combined with nature made for a perfect day date.
You will find that there are 6 spots to stop and view (unless I missed some ;). General admission to the garden includes Flamboyance. However, you can check out Flamboyance for free if you are patient (more on that later).
Check out more pictures and video of our visit @asocalwayoflife on Instagram!
Flamboyance is at the garden now through July 31st at the South Coast Botanic Garden.
Is it kid friendly?
Yes! Not only are the topiaries fun for kids of all ages to look at, you don’t have to hike deep into the garden to see them! I would say that all of the topiaries are in the top half of the garden. You don’t have to go out to the creek bed or past it to see anything. Regular garden goers will know what I’m talking about 😉 This is ideal for those heading out with little ones that tend to get tired after walking for a short while.
Is Flamboyance accessible to all?
I believe that you will be fine heading out with the stroller if you typically find it to be easy on a regular visit to botanic gardens.
The garden website notes that some areas might be impassible with wheelchairs. The garden has a limited number of tickets for Saturdays in which those with mobility issues can get a 20-minute golf cart ride to see the topiaries. Just contact the garden’s Guest Services Department for more details and to make a reservation.
How do I enjoy Flamboyance for Free?
You can absolutely see Flamboyance and enjoy the entire South Coast Botanic Garden for free if you plan ahead. The garden offers free admission to all every third Tuesday of the month. Since admission to the garden includes Flamboyance, You can see all of Flamboyance for free with garden admission!
You must reserve your tickets in advance. I reserved for the free Tuesday and did in fact find that some time slots were “sold out.” So beware, you want to make note on your calendar of the free day and reserve tickets when you are able to head out.
That being said, you can become a member of the Garden and enjoy it year round. They even sell family memberships (I’ve purchased them a few times myself!). As a member, you don’t have to reserve a spot to get in on any given day. Also, your tickets are 100% tax deductible. Make sure that you check out the reciprocal garden admissions included with your membership if you grab one!
Anything else I should see at the botanic garden?
There are always offerings at the garden. You can stay up to date by checking out their calendar. Right now, there is a paid exhibit called SOAR where you can see some butterflies. I’ve never been, but I would love to check it out.
There are sculptures in the garden, a beautiful banyan tree area that you might miss if you don’t know it’s there, as well as a SUPER ADORABLE kid’s garden.
Know before you go:
Here are a few things you might want to know before you head out to Flamboyance at the South Coast Botanic Garden:
- Make a reservation online to enter the garden if you are not currently a member. You can make reservations at the SCBG website here.
- Tickets range from free to $15 depending on age. However, you an go for free the third Tuesday of every month.
- The exhibits are all at the top half of the garden. If you pass the creek bed, you’ve gone to far.
- Wear comfortable shoes and some sunblock.
- Parking is free!
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