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The Heaps Peak Arboretum Demonstration Gardens are a place to learn about which plants grow well in the San Bernardino Mountains between the elevations of approximately 4,000' and 6,000.' There is no fee for visiting the Arboretum but we welcome donations. The “donation box” can be found at the trailhead. Most of the plants you will see have been transplanted from native plant nurseries. Not all of our plants are "native" to the San Bernardino Mountains; some are "cultivars, but they are all native to California. The gardens contain over thirty species that are botanically identified with signs which list the genus, species, common name, botanical family name, and common family name. Many local mountain residents come to us and learn about what plants will do well in their gardens. You will find a large variety of flora and naturally occurring wildflowers in the Spring and Summer such as splendid gilia, penstemon, and milkweed. Native herbaceous perennials, and introduced native California plants are also present. There are trees such as giant sequoia, black oaks, coulter pines, and white fir which will provide you some shade during your stroll. There are benches to sit on and relax, a drinking fountain, and restrooms are nearby. Picnicking is permitted but we ask that you use our trash cans located behind the Kiosk. The “footprint trail” or animal tracks that were placed in the concrete when it was freshly poured over twenty years ago are fun to investigate and young people especially enjoy this treat.

Our volunteers travel to a native plant nursery every Fall in San Juan Capistrano and purchase plants to put in our Demonstration Gardens, so there are always new additions each year. In this way we can experiment with different species and “demonstrate” how they perform in our climate zone. All of our gardens are irrigated by state-of-the-art battery operated sprinkler systems. We have no electricity on site due to our isolated location.

Our Butterfly Garden is a spectacular show of color all Summer. We have many buddleja species, or “butterfly bush” that bloom from August to September and dozens of butterflies can be observed from the path pollinating these shrubs.

Wild California roses are planted along our split-rail fences and border most of our gardens which bloom a soft pink in early Spring and turn to bright red when they turn to “hips,” or fruit, in late Summer.

The Meadow Garden occupies a large portion in the center of our Demonstration Gardens and the visitor will find false indigo, box elder, western red bud, golden current, Oregon grape, and California buckwheat around the perimeter near the pathway. This garden is still under construction and we will be adding other natives this fall. The Heaps Peak Arboretum Gazebo is located in the Gardens and historical information on logging operations at the turn of the last century on the mountain can be found inside. Also, a brief history of the Arboretum is illustrated. Visitors sometimes use the gazebo for picnics and a shady resting spot.

There are many plants to view in our gardens and much information to be had, so even if you don't have time to hike the open portion of our trail, at least take a few minutes to walk through the gardens and see what is blooming.