The Gardens at Heather Farm embraces a rolling hillside in Walnut Creek’s Ygnacio Valley. Residing on six acres adjoining the City’s 100 acre park and wildlife sanctuary, the site offers sweeping views of majestic Mount Diablo while overlooking the park’s lagoon. The name of The Gardens (GHF), is also a self-supporting educational nonprofit whose mission is to educate and inspire the community about sustainable gardening and stewardship practices that preserve and protect our environment. A Certified Wildlife Habitat and Certified Green Business, The Gardens displays plants suited to our Mediterranean climate and provide educational programs for youth, adults and persons with disabilities.

A vision in 1968, the founding committee incorporated their emerging group in 1971, obtained tax exempt status as a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1972, and got busy raising funds with which to construct the Howard Center and with which to develop the gardens. The Howard Center houses office space, a classroom and a community banquet hall and the gardens have now grown to include 3.5 acres of developed gardens. The Gardens today reflects the unified efforts of those who have and still are investing their time, talents and financial resources. A volunteer based nonprofit, The Gardens operates with a small part-time staff. Together, the staff and volunteer team provides:

- The Natural Science Classroom series, serving 12,000 school children each year
- 24 gardens which demonstrate sustainable gardening practices
- Adult classes for gardeners of all levels and areas of interest
- Horticultural therapy for youth, adults and persons with disabilities
- Rental opportunities for meetings, weddings, corporate retreats or private parties

Heather Farm Park and The Gardens at Heather Farm, carry the name in legacy to the original ranch located at this site and the ranch owners prized race horse, King Heather.