Plant yourself in one of the area's many gardens

Local gardeners don't have to go far to find inspiration. Our region is dotted with memorable public gardens that offer beauty and food for thought along with relaxation. A stroll through any of these destinations may turn up a new favorite shrub or eye-catching flower. In these gardens, you can see firsthand how thousands of plants have adapted to our climate and often low-water conditions. Best of all: Admission is free.

1. UC Davis Arboretum

Where: UC Davis campus, Davis

When: Open 24 hours daily. Free admission; free parking weekends, $7 weekdays.

Details: arboretum.ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-4880.

Stretching the length of the university's campus, the arboretum's gardens are connected by a 3.5-mile loop trail, open to cycling and jogging as well as strolling. The whole campus is getting a water-wise makeover with demonstration gardens highlighting the popular Arboretum All-Star series next to the teaching nursery on Garrod Drive. In the spring or early summer, check out the luminous flowers in the Carolee Shields White Flower Garden and Gazebo; it's particularly striking in moonlight. Want to save water? Find drought-tolerant beauty in the Mary Wattis Brown Garden of California native plants and the Ruth Risdon Storer Valley-Wise Garden.

2. Historic City Cemetery

Where: 1000 Broadway, Sacramento

When: Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays; 7 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. Free admission and parking.

Details: www.oldcitycemetery.com, (916) 448-0811.

Known for its spectacular collection of old garden roses (which are at their best in March and April), the cemetery also is home to the Hamilton Square perennial garden and the California Native Plant Society demonstration garden.

Both are packed with reliable flowering plants that thrive in Sacramento with little fuss. Don't miss the cemetery's Open Garden Day on April 20 with guided docent tours.

3. University Arboretum

Where: J Street and Carlson Drive, on the campus of California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J St., Sacramento

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission; parking, $3 for two hours.

Details: www.csus.edu/ bios/#Arboretum.

Which plants can survive in Sacramento's summer heat and winter frost? Located next to the university's main entrance, this 3-acre oasis offers hundreds of examples including more than 1,200 trees. Its "Mediterranean pizza" – a pie-shaped garden contrasting African, Australian and Mediterranean natives – shows several examples of plants well-adapted to our own Mediterranean climate. Compare those to more than 250 California natives nearby.

4. Charles C. Jensen Botanical Garden

Where: 8520 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission and parking.

Details: www.carmichaelpark.com/ jensen.htm, (916) 485-5322.

Spring flowers can reinvigorate any gardener. This 3 1/2-acre oak-studded landmark once was the home of Charles Jensen, who loved lots of flowers. This time of year, more than 5,000 tulips bloom under one massive oak. Hundreds of daffodils blanket a hill. Heritage camellias frame every view. Soon, the garden will showcase blooming dogwoods, magnolias and rhododendrons.

5. WPA Rock Garden

Where: Land Park, next to the amphitheater off Land Park Drive at 15th Street, Sacramento

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission and parking.

Details: www.cityofsacramento.org

The handiwork of longtime city parks gardener Daisy Mah, this botanical jewel – originally constructed as a beautification project by the Depression-era Works Progress Administration – is now packed with thousands of perennials, bulbs and shrubs in some eye-catching combinations. Something is always in bloom.

6. Water-Efficient Landscape demonstration garden

Where: Fair Oaks Park, 8100 Temple Park Road, Fair Oaks

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission and parking.

Details: http://cesacramento.ucdavis. edu, (916) 875-6913.

Next to the UC master gardeners' Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Fair Oaks Park, this large garden highlights how to save water with unthirsty but pretty plants. These drought- tolerant shrubs and perennials attract beneficial insects as well as provide year-round interest.

7. Capitol Park

Where: 11th and L streets, Sacramento

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission; metered street parking.

Details: www.parks.ca.gov

In the shadow of the state Capitol is this historic botanical collection, featuring the diversity of California gardening. Now in bloom, the camellia collection is first-rate, but notice the cactus and succulent gardens, too. Water-efficient landscapes surround the newer monuments.

8. World Peace Rose Garden

Where: 15th Street and Capitol Avenue, Sacramento

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission; metered street parking.

Details: www.worldpeacerosegardens. org, (916) 381-5433.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary May 5, this formal garden was voted one of the Top 10 public rose gardens in America – as well as one of the most romantic spots in Sacramento. Interested in roses? This garden is a living library of newer varieties that look great with less care.

9. Frederick N. Evans Memorial Rose Garden

Where: McKinley Park, H Street between Alhambra Boulevard and 33rd Street, Sacramento

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission and parking.

Details: www.friendsofeastsac.org

Recently renovated, this 1.5-acre garden features more than 1,150 roses, most of them newer varieties. Also new are large perennial beds and easy-care companion plants in attractive combinations.

10. Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven

Where: UC Davis' west campus, next to Laidlaw Honey Bee Research Facility, 1 Bee Biology Road, Davis

When: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission and parking.

Details: http://beebiology.ucdavis.edu, (530) 754-9390.

Want a bee-friendly garden? Built for bees, this haven now is home to more than 6 million. Don't worry; they're focused on the flowers. It's an excellent example of how to bring more nature into an urban setting.

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