Entry No. 11 — the Santa Cruz file — filed under: sculpture garden
Sculpture IS: In the Garden (Sierra Azul Nursery)
A retail plant nursery specializing in Mediterranean-climate species turns its two-acre demonstration garden into an open-air sculpture show every summer — over 90 weatherproof pieces by 45 local artists tucked among succulents and olive trees, now in its 20th year running.
The story
Pull off Highway 152 directly across from the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds and Sierra Azul looks like any other plant supplier specializing in drought-tolerant, Mediterranean-climate greenery. But walk past the retail pot tables and into the back two acres, and the commercial setup gives way to a dense demonstration garden that doubles as a seasonal rogue art gallery.
Every summer through October, owners Lisa and Jeff Benregno hand over their garden paths to Pajaro Valley Arts for an exhibition called 'Sculpture IS: In the Garden.' Over 90 outdoor works from roughly 45 local artists are planted directly into the landscape—bronze forms, ceramic figures, forged iron, and glass installed right between mature olive trees, spiky agaves, and low-water groundcover.
It has quietly run for two decades without the sterile pretense of a traditional gallery. You're left entirely to your own devices to navigate the unpaved paths, hunting through the foliage for heavy stone fabrications and metal dragonflies hiding at knee-height in the succulents.
What it's like
Park in the nursery lot off East Lake Avenue and head straight past the plant sales into the two-acre demonstration garden. It is free, self-guided, and usually quiet, with dirt and gravel pathways cutting through dense plantings. Watch your step on uneven ground and keep your eyes low—smaller ceramic and glass pieces are often tucked deep under low-slung shrubs. Peak traffic hits when fairground events are happening directly across the highway, so check their schedule beforehand if you want a clear drive.
The move: Wander the nursery's planted paths together hunting for sculptures half-hidden among the plantings (free, self-guided, open daily 10am-5pm through October 31), then continue on to Watsonville's coastline nearby.
- 📍 Watsonville
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 2660 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Byrne-Milliron Forest — Jeff Helmer's Hidden Trail Sculptures — Trade Sierra Azul's cultivated Mediterranean plant show for a hike six miles up into the redwoods to hunt for Jeff Helmer's folk-art carvings hidden along forest trails.
- Botánica San Pedro — Swap fine-art garden browsing for Watsonville's working spiritual supply shop just two and a half miles down the road.
- Annieglass Craftbar — Keep the craft and molded art theme going by heading south into the ag fields to see slumped-glass tableware made inside the factory.
Good to know
Is there an entry fee to see the sculptures?
No, walking through the demonstration garden to view the sculptures is entirely free.
When is the sculpture exhibit open?
The exhibit runs seasonally through October 31, open daily during nursery hours from 10am to 5pm.
Are the sculptures for sale?
Yes, the exhibition is co-presented with Pajaro Valley Arts, and many of the weatherproof pieces scattered through the garden are available to purchase.
Where is it located?
At 2660 East Lake Avenue (Highway 152) in Watsonville, right across from the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · pvarts.org · pajaronian.com · jannelsonlandscapedesign.com
last checked: 2026-07-20