Jensen Botanical Garden is one of Carmichael’s hidden gems and a beloved destination for nature lovers, photographers, and families looking for a peaceful place to explore outdoors together. Founded in 1958 by Charles and Marguerite Jensen, the 3.5-acre garden began as a personal passion project and has since grown into one of the community’s most treasured natural spaces. Filled with magnolias, azaleas, dogwoods, camellias, Japanese maples, and seasonal blooms, the garden offers visitors winding pathways, quiet seating areas, and an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature in the heart of Carmichael.

Today, the garden is owned and maintained by the Carmichael Recreation and Park District with support from dedicated volunteers and community partners. Beyond its beauty, Jensen Botanical Garden also serves as a place for exploration, observation, and learning for children and families alike. Silvia Anderson of Nature’s Lab School, the 2026 Community Garden Sponsor, shares that outdoor experiences are a vital part of healthy childhood development. Whether children are watching butterflies and pollinators, observing how plants change from week to week, or simply listening to birds and exploring with curiosity, nature helps support emotional regulation, focus, sensory development, confidence, and resilience.

This spring, consider:

• Visiting the Jensen Botanical Garden to look for butterflies and pollinators
• Bringing a magnifying glass to look closely at leaves, flowers, or insects
• Listening for birds and noticing different sounds
• Collecting fallen petals or leaves for nature art at home
• Sitting quietly outdoors for one minute and noticing what children observe on their own

This season is an invitation to pause for a moment, step outside, and experience:

• The excitement of spotting a butterfly
• The curiosity of watching ants
• The pride of discovering something new

To learn more about children and the outdoors, visit Nature's Lab School at: https://www.natureslabschool.com/homenlscrpd