The garden was donated to the Carmichael Recreation and Park District by the Jensen family in 1976.
The site hosts a unique 'dawn redwood' (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), a species once thought extinct until 1941.
The garden layout purposefully mimics a natural forest floor, with minimal use of manicured lawns.
Many of the original specimen trees were planted by Charles Jensen personally over several decades.
The garden contains a designated memorial area for community members.
Jensen Botanical Garden is a 3.5-acre woodland garden located in Carmichael, California, featuring a diverse collection of native and exotic plant species. The site was originally the private estate of Charles and Henrietta Jensen, who began planting in the 1950s. It features a dense canopy of mature trees, including redwoods, maples, and dogwoods, providing significant shade throughout the grounds. The garden contains a network of winding paths, small ponds, and a creek bed that runs through the property. The facility is currently managed by the Carmichael Recreation and Park District. It serves as a regional hub for horticultural study and quiet recreation. Several varieties of camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas are dispersed throughout the garden beds.
The wooden footbridge overlooking the creek and the dense camellia grove.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the gravel and dirt paths can be uneven.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the dense canopy and proximity to the creek attract mosquitoes.
Check the park district website for garden club volunteer events if you are interested in local horticulture.
Avoid visiting immediately after heavy rain, as the unpaved paths become muddy and slippery.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive plant roots and ground cover.
