In the foothills of Santa Barbara lies a spectacular 37-acre garden estate. Created by Polish opera star Ganna Walska as her private retreat, the Ganna Walska Lotusland Estate is a botanical exhibit unsurpassed in diversity and beauty.

This beautiful Montecito estate is being preserved and maintained by the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation and is open to the public for guided tours on a reservation-only basis. The walking tours are 1-1/2 to 2 hours long and are conducted mid-February through mid-November on Wednesdays through Saturdays. For reservations call (805) 969-9990.

The estate grounds are divided into several interesting gardens: one surprise after another. The lotus blossoms are in full bloom during late spring and early summer, yet our visit in early September provided plenty of visual delights. Take a very limited virtual tour of Lotusland by visiting our Galleries:

Lotusland Gallery Page One

Lotusland Gallery Page Two

View more Lotusland Pics at Rivenrock.com