Gilroy Gardens has welcomed several generations of families since first opening to the public on June 15, 2001—but did you know our park actually began as a tree nursery? It all started in 1975, when Michael Bonfante opened a nursery called Tree Haven to pursue his passion for growing and selling large trees. Over time, the property transformed through several name changes and exciting additions, eventually blossoming into the unique garden-themed park it is today.

Though much has evolved, Gilroy Gardens continues to be a place where nature, fun, and family come together to create lasting generational memories.

• Gilroy Gardens covers over 26 acres in park.
• There are over 10,000 trees at Gilroy Gardens!
• The most planted tree in the park is the Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). These trees are the tallest in the world, with some growing to a height of 364 feet.
• There are over 200 topiaries in the park.
• The land on which Gilroy Gardens was built was once home to Costanoan Indians and later part of a Spanish land grant called Rancho Solis. It was previously used as a cattle ranch and vineyard (with some original grape vines still located near the corner before the parking toll booths).
• Park staff spent 8,500 hours and 3 years restoring and reassembling the Illions Supreme Carousel.
• Gilroy Gardens recycles the water used for watering plants and filling the park’s lake, creeks and waterfalls.