The entrance was just off High Street about a mile and a half outside downtown Santa Cruz. The entrance lay around a curve so the approach was a surprise. Note that the arboretum itself lacks an address so set your GPS to find the gift shop instead at 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz.

Across from the gift shop was the only rest room in a block house. Notice the drinking fountain outside and a warning about mountain lions advising the visitor to, "Stay alert."

A sign introduced the renovated Aroma Garden, with its highly fragrent mint-family of flowers.

Example of the Pelargonium Orange flower, planted in 2007, was available to sniff.

Overview of the Aroma Garden in late winter while some trees still remained without leaves. The short path through the Aroma Garden was one of the few exhibits with steps.

The Erica Brachialis flower is in decline in South Africa because its use in tea is rumored to break kidney stones. It was classified as 2007 Interim Global Status ENDANGERED. Erica Brachialis was planted in the African exhibit area.

Thamnochortus spicigerus is a grass native to South Africa. It is part of the Restionaceae of rush like plants largely from the southern hemisphere. A tall species to 6 feet (180 cm.) in height that is drought and cold resistant.

An unlabeled statue was set in a shaded nook just off the trail in the Afraican exhibit area.

A berm of rocks and sand divided one growing area from the next.

The Phylica Pubescens bush (lower right) appeared to have flowers, but the flower look was actually the color of the branch ends.

Many kinds of small birds were found in the arboretum. This was an Allen's Hummingbird seen perched on the very end of a bare branch.

Paved paths led through much of the arboretum. The made for an easy walk, while still alowing side trips over smooth grass to visit some plants up close.

A lichen enchrusted map showed New Zealand and its islands. This map was at the entry to the New Zealand exhibit area.

The New Zealand exhibit area was more forested looking than the African exhibit area.

Homes were visible just beyond the end of the arboretum. Although the University was built well outside Santa Cruz, the town was rapidly growing to meet it.

At the furthest eastern edge of the arboretum was an exhibit of eucalyptus trees. Each group of trees was a different variety and each group was individually labeled.

The sign identifying each tree was on or near the tree which required close approach. But deadfall littered the ground which increased the difficulty needed to approach individual trees.

The eucalyptus trees were mature and very tall.

A picnic table in the middle of the eucalyptus grove had fallen appart.

Here grouped together in the African exhibit area were flowers, a Silver tree, and Thamnochor Tuslucens grass.

A picnic area with tables and chairs was available behind the gift shop.

A small carved wooden statue was seen near the entrance just under a bush. Just beyond this statue was the parking lot.