Located at 8520 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Carmichael, CA 95608

Park Hours: Opens at Sunrise - Closes at Sunset (Weather permitting - Parking lot floods during winter and spring months leading to the closure of the area to vehicles.  You can also access the Jensen Botanical Garden from the Sutter-Jensen Park parking lot.)

Please stay on pathways, no amplified music, no bikes or sports activities allowed. A portable restroom is available.

For tree and plant identification please view our Plants and Trees document below.

The History of Charles C. Jensen

The 3 1/2 Acre garden was founded in 1958 by Charles C. Jensen. After his retirement as a produce buyer. Charles and his wife Marguerite Jensen moved from their home in Oakland to their new property in Carmichael. They made regular trips to Oakland to bring back truckloads of plants and trees. The property already had Oaks, Coastal Redwoods and blackberry brambles. He gradually cleared the land and began planting the many Magnolias, Azaleas, Dogwoods and Japanese Maples which were among the first plants brought from Oakland.

Hybridizing, grafting and acquiring new varieties of plants, he built a garden that caught the eye of many passersby. He especially enjoyed showing visitors around his garden and opened it to parties and weddings. After his death, a group of citizens formed the Charles C. Jensen Botanical Garden, Inc Committee to preserve the garden. Their fundraising efforts were successful and the garden became the property of the Carmichael Recreation and Park District in 1976.

Today, the District continues to work the garden in cooperation with the endless talent of the Friends of Jensen Botanical Garden. Since 2004, this volunteer group has transformed the garden into the beautiful paradise that it is today. One of the jewels of Carmichael, it has many varieties of Magnolias and Dogwoods, Japanese Maples and thousands of Tulips. Springtime is amazing.

Nature Path for the Blind 

Jensen Botanical Garden features the Nature Path for the Blind for the visually impaired. We encourage you to stop by and experience the pathway. By feeling the different textures and experiencing the unique fragrances of the various plants the pathway appeals to the visually impaired and those with physical challenges. The project was inspired by a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Jacqueline Coffroth.

Events & Photography at the Garden

In order to keep the gardens beautiful, access and use of the garden for groups is limited and controlled. Wedding receptions and short special events with limited numbers can be rented and scheduled as space is available and when workdays are not taking place. One portable restroom is available and limited parking (Approximately 20 vehicles).

To check availability or reserve an event, please contact us at (916) 485-5322.

Volunteer and Donation Information!

If you would like to be a volunteer please fill out the Volunteer Membership Application form and send to info@carmichaelpark.com.

Garden Work Days – 2nd Saturday of every month from 9am-1pm. Bring your work gloves, hand pruners, and lunch!

Monetary donations for the restoration of the garden may be made to CRPD Foundation, Attn: Jensen Garden, 5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608