Southern California climate-appropriate plant species: 2,000. Geographical regions represented: five. Acres of land: 18.4. Discovering a free garden of solitude in the middle of bustling Orange County: priceless. The Niguel Botanical Preserve in Laguna Niguel is a treasure trove for Southern California gardeners and hikers, who can wonder at the self-proclaimed Mediterranean climate demonstration garden through four miles of trails (grab a digital map). All of the flora featured here (native and from Australia, Chile, South Africa and Baja California) can theoretically thrive in your backyard. Some favorites include grevillea, also known as the spider flower or toothbrush plant, for itsorange-bristled buds, and firewheel tree (check out the red umbel flowers) in the Australian forest, as well as the inflorescent red blooms of the tower of jewels (Echium wildpretii), a species endemic to the Canary Islands that can be found in Palm Canyon. Meander through the space to find a rose garden, butterfly sculptures and a meditative labyrinth at the high point of the botanical belt, which offers a head-on vista of Saddleback. Ultimately, it’s hard to physically get lost among the versatile vegetation, but it’s a soothing practice to let your mind wander in such a pleasant, peaceful preserve. And don’t forget to thank the volunteers who help out here.

Park in the free paved lot; no dogs allowed. Start at the Crown Valley Community Park, next to the amphitheater on this DIY ramble.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7ra3ToqSeq16YvK5706uYr52cZLmqv9NoaGtlkprAtXnHoqKeq12eu2670ZqloJ1dmLy2utOy