Arizona Garden

The Arizona Garden is a historical garden in the process of renovation and preservation. It is located on the south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road. The garden, also known as the Cactus Garden, was designed for Jane and Leland Stanford by landscape architect Rudolf Ulrich between 1881 and 1883. During the early years of the university, the Cactus Garden became the meeting place for many courting Stanford students.

There are many unusual plants within the garden. Selections from the Cacti family include columnar, barrel and monstrose forms. Selections of succulents include Aloes, Crassulas and rosette-forming Agaves. View a map of the garden which includes pictures of the plants.

Thanks to the students of the Spring Quarter 2023 Communicating Science in Public Spaces class, you can view their in-person exhibition in the garden on June 3, 2023.

Want to help?

To make a donation of plants, funds or time to the restoration project, please contact Christy Smith at christy.smith@stanford.edu.

A dedicated group of volunteers meet once a month to work in the garden. We thank all the individuals and organizations for their generous support! 

Photography Policy

While LBRE manages and maintains the Arizona Cactus Garden, when it comes to film, photography, and video requests at this location and others across campus, we recommend you start by reviewing this General Policy outlined by University Communications.

Where is the best place to park to visit the garden? 

Visit Stanford Transportation's Visitor Parking Page.