The Garden is free, but not wild.
We welcome individual painters and photographers at Gamble Garden for non-commercial purposes. The guidelines protect and preserve the garden, so that everyone may enjoy it.
*Gamble Visitation Policies during Shelter-in-Place*
In response to Shelter-In-Place orders from the County of Santa Clara, Gamble Garden has developed new Visitation Policies, effective Spring 2020 and valid until further notice.
Click to read our Visitation Policies
Click to read our response to the COVID19 crisis
Please give us a heads up.
Garden visitation hours have been modified during Shelter in Place (see our revised Visitation Policies). Please inform the Office to let us know that you will be working in The Garden. Office hours are 9 am – 2 pm, Monday through Friday. On weekends, access to certain parts of The Garden may be limited. Please check with the office one or two weeks prior to your visit regarding upcoming events and activities.
Group numbers should be limited to 15 or fewer. Children must be strictly supervised. We recommend one adult per child, 5 years and younger with 4 or 5 children to a small group.
Plants prefer not to be crushed
Access to a particular area is determined by the Horticulturist. Please be sure that materials are not set up in the middle of the pathway, and where Gamble Garden work or activities will be in progress. You may be asked to relocate to another area if a Gamble Garden activity is planned. Please be aware that the formal gardens are frequently rented for private functions starting at noon on weekends.
Artists and Photographers
Artists and photographers must stay on the paths and may not set up on the brick or tile areas. A protective tarp or plastic must cover all counters and raised bed structures, tables, and benches used. Acrylic, oil, pastel, and watercolor may be used.
No painting or photography may take place in the garden beds. Foliage, flowers or fruits in the garden may not be moved, picked or pruned in any way. No person or piece of equipment, i.e. electrical cords, lights, generators, etc., may be placed within garden beds, lawns or on any plant material, fence or other structure or block a pathway without permission from The Horticulturist. All equipment and paraphernalia must be placed safely on the paths and must not present any unmarked hazard to public safety. The use of nails, tacks, staples, adhesive tape on fences, posts or buildings, etc. is prohibited. Furniture may not be moved.
Download our Guidelines-Photographers-Artists
Restrooms
Restrooms are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. The sinks are not to be used for cleaning brushes or supplies. Artists, please furnish your own water and do all cleaning of brushes off-site. Wastewater and disposal of any other excess materials must be carried off-site and not disposed of on Gamble property.