Adjacent to the McNeil property (Victorian home) was the eight-acre William J. Dingee property, later subdivided as Cliff Manor. In 1907, Dingee began plans for a large mansion and estate here that were never completed; however, an elaborate garden was planted with full-grown trees, designed by renowned public-garden visionary John McLaren, Landscape Architect of San Francisco’s Historic Golden Gate Park.

While exploring our gardens, we encourage you to pray any of our Spiritual Readings and Devotions, including a simple “meditation mode” so you can use your phone and pray.

Our gardens are very close to the water. You can easily find us just off to bike paths and West Cliff drive.

Wander on a self-guided tour as we expand our collection of banksias, grevilleas, proteas, and other plants from Australia, New Zealand, China, South America and South Africa.  Look for the stunning red and yellow pincushions (Leucospermum), which resemble finely tendriled sea creatures.

Enjoy an impressive succulent collection adorns the Garden’s walkways throughout the property, as well as many old-school Santa Cruz garden favorites, i.e., belladonna amaryllis/naked ladies, or tropical canna lillies.

Gardening has changed over the past 100 years, most significantly water conservation and water-wise gardening. The Shrine is committed to responsible stewardship of our earth’s resources, specifically respecting Santa Cruz’s own watershed challenges. With your support we seek to install diverse, and dynamic specimens that compliment McLaren’s vision as we transition over to a Four Season landscape that will include:

• California Natives
• Low Water Perennials
• Lawn Substitues
• Low Maintenance Trees and Shrubs

Santa Cruz affords us an ideal coastal Mediterranean climate. where these sacred grounds can be home to a diverse collection of botanicals from around the World.

A beautiful statue of Jesus Christ within our gardens.

While exploring our gardens, we encourage you to pray any of our Spiritual Readings and Devotions, including a simple “meditation mode” so you can use your phone and pray.