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It’s a warm day at Ventura Botanical Garden (VBG) just above downtown Ventura, tucked into the hillside behind city hall. The coastal breeze means it is always a good time to roam the trails on the 107-acre property, stopping along the climb to take in the breathtaking vistas of Ventura and—on a clear day like this one—the Channel Islands.
VBG was built to “create and maintain public gardens for the preservation, education, cultural contribution and enhancement of the entire community,” according to their website. Just over 20 years ago, a small group of Ventura residents came together with a vision: a world-class botanical garden showcasing native flora, set against the dramatic backdrop of Grant Park’s 360-degree views of coastline, mountains, and agricultural greenery. What followed was years of community-driven planning, using a “Master Plan” envisioning gardens representing the earth’s five Mediterranean climate zones, along with spaces for education, conservation, and art. The garden founders leased the property from the City of Ventura in 2011 and then signed a 40-year agreement in 2015. Today, VBG receives no ongoing tax funding; it remains community-envisioned, community-built and community-sustained.
This summer, that community spirit takes a playful new shape.
Overhead, whimsical suspended hummingbird sculptures catch the light. Around a bend, a giant nest built from fiber and stained glass invites you to step inside. And scattered throughout the gardens interactive exhibits abound—including oversized hummingbird-head scopes pointing toward the coastline, the islands and native blooms—many sharing fun facts about the tiny, iridescent creatures that have called this landscape home for millennia.
Welcome to Summer Hummerz, VBG’s newest signature exhibit, running through August 31.
The idea was the brainchild of executive director Joe Cahill, a botanist whose relationship with the natural world runs deep. “As an organization, we are always looking for exciting opportunities for our visitors to engage with nature, and this seemed like the perfect vehicle,” says garden board member and former president Barbara Brown. And really, why not hummingbirds? “No one doesn’t love hummingbirds,” she says simply. “They captivate audiences of all ages, are a delight to watch and, unlike rattlesnakes or other wild creatures, there’s no controversy.” And at a time when pollinators are getting good attention, they are part of a bigger story that has been more than a year in the making.
Coordinating twelve invited artists alongside large-scale structural installations took careful, long-term planning. Time, Brown says, was the single biggest challenge in bringing it all to life.
The results are everywhere you look. The Painted Perchers collection features twelve artists, each given creative freedom to interpret the hummingbird in their own way. Some leaned into anatomical detail; others reimagined the surrounding landscape and the views themselves. The pieces will eventually be auctioned off, with proceeds supporting VBG’s daily operations and long-term vision—everything from the specialized care its plant collections require to the educational programming that brings visitors closer to nature.
Then there’s the nest. Developed with help from artist Terry Cahill on the fiberglass fabrication, painted inside by local artist Andy Payton, and topped with a giant bird sculpture by award-winning local artist Mike Horwitz, it’s already being called one of the best photo opportunities in the gardens. Step inside and you’ll understand why.
Inside the giant hummingbird-head scopes, curated video content shares fascinating details about how hummingbirds feed, fly and migrate. Because, Brown points out, hummingbirds are notoriously unreliable about showing up on cue.
That said, your odds of seeing one are actually pretty good. Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas, and VBG’s Chilean and Australian Gardens were designed to highlight the biodiversity needed to attract the hummers. Keep an eye on the Chilean Lobelia—known locally as the Devil’s Taco—and the California fuchsia, both serious hummingbird magnets. In fact, if you’re hoping to attract these little visitors to your own backyard, California fuchsia is the VBG team’s top recommendation for Ventura gardens.
For younger visitors, a hummingbird-themed treasure hunt winds through the gardens, with educational nuggets tucked along the way. “We are looking forward to seeing what the children get most excited about,” says Brown.
The hummingbird’s greatest champion in the garden? Anthony Lujan. A board member of the International Hummingbird Society and author of Endangered Hummingbirds: Seeing the Crisis Through My Lens, Lujan will be joining VBG for exclusive book-signing events throughout the summer. Check the VBG Facebook page for dates.
Looking ahead, Brown tells me that some great ideas were shelved simply due to time. If Summer Hummerz resonates with visitors the way they hope, it lays the groundwork for an even richer exhibit down the road.
But for all the artistry, scopes and storytelling, VBG offers one final piece of advice: the real thing still beats everything else. So as you wander the trails this summer, slow down near the blooms. Listen for that telltale hum. With any luck, you’ll catch sight of tiny wings. Then, you too will understand why everyone falls for hummingbirds.
Summer Hummerz runs June 2 through August 31. Garden admission is $15 and includes the exhibit; free for VBG members and children 18 and under accompanied by an adult. For more information visit VenturaBotanicalGardens.org.
FAQs
What is Summer Hummerz? Summer Hummerz is a new signature exhibit at Ventura Botanical Gardens celebrating hummingbirds through art and interactive installations, including the Painted Perchers collection of twelve artist-designed sculptures, a walk-in nest made of fiber and stained glass and giant hummingbird-head scopes with curated video content overlooking the coast and Channel Islands.
When does Summer Hummerz end? Summer Hummerz runs through August 31, 2026.
How much does it cost to visit Summer Hummerz? General admission to Ventura Botanical Gardens is $15, which includes access to Summer Hummerz. Admission is free for VBG members and for children 18 and under accompanied by an adult.
What is the Painted Perchers collection? Painted Perchers is a collection of twelve hummingbird-themed art pieces created by invited artists, each offering a different interpretation — from anatomically detailed designs to pieces inspired by the surrounding landscape and views. The pieces will eventually be auctioned to support VBG’s operations and educational programs.
Who is Anthony Lujan? Anthony Lujan is a board member of the International Hummingbird Society and author of Endangered Hummingbirds: Seeing the Crisis Through My Lens. He’ll be joining VBG for exclusive book-signing events during Summer Hummerz; dates are posted on VBG’s Facebook page.
Is Ventura Botanical Gardens kid-friendly? Yes. During Summer Hummerz, younger visitors can take part in a hummingbird-themed treasure hunt that winds through the gardens, with educational content along the way.
Is Ventura Botanical Gardens pet friendly? Leashed dogs are welcome at Ventura Botanical Gardens on Wednesdays, Fridays, and monthly free days. Trained service dogs are welcome throughout the Garden regardless of the day. If you’re planning a Summer Hummerz visit with your pup, it’s worth checking the calendar ahead of time and confirming current pet policies on VBG’s website, since these can change.
