Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a 6 1/2 acre park located in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. It incorporates elements traditional to gardens built for feudal lords in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are paved paths, water features and a tea house. Many water birds, especially egrets and ducks, can be seen enjoying the area. The garden shares its address on Woodley Avenue with a wastewater treatment plant which supplies the water for the garden's lake. Although visually appealing, the experience is affected by a distinctive odor whose pungency varies depending on the weather and the direction of the wind. The treatment plant can be viewed from an elevated walkway at one end of the garden.

The Botanic Garden at Pierce College

This two-acre garden on the Pierce College campus displays "Mediterranean" plants suitable for the Southern California climate. In addition to native California plants, there is a nice variety of specimens from Australia and South Africa. The plants are labeled, so it's easy to borrow these ideas for your home garden. The area is bisected by "Evolution Walk", a pathway depicting major periods in the history of life on earth. There are additional pathways, benches and shaded seating areas. A small pond is home to turtles and frequently hosts ducks and egrets. Many other species of birds are attracted to the garden, which includes a fair number of hummingbird feeders.