San Mateo Arboretum Society

About San Mateo Arboretum Society

The San Mateo Arboretum Society is a member and volunteer-powered organization dedicated to preserving San Mateo's horticultural heritage, with headquarters at the Kohl Pump House in Central Park. Visitors explore specialty gardens including a rhododendron and azalea garden, rose garden with gazebo, fern grove, California Natives demonstration gardens, and a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden. The organization operates a Garden Center offering specialty plants and maintains a restored greenhouse and nursery. The society offers monthly free educational seminars and workshops focused on sustainable gardening practices, such as classes on orchid care for the Bay Area climate and greywater repurposing from laundry. Master Gardeners staff free plant clinics where visitors can bring problem plants or insect samples for diagnosis and advice. The property features a Tribute Bricks Path and landscaped grounds throughout Central Park. San Mateo Arboretum Society welcomes community members interested in learning about plants and gardening through hands-on education and garden exploration.