The SDG is comprised of 16 individual themed gardens. All plantings are designed around low-water, low maintenance plants that do well in El Dorado County. Several gardens address challenges such as gardening in shade and under oak trees, plants for wet soil, or sunny rocky areas. There is also a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, and a Cottage Garden.

Normally open 9am to noon on Fridays and Saturdays -- but closed if hotter than 95, and in the winter (starting November) it's only open first Saturdays. $2 FLC campus parking fee.

The garden entrance is on the walkway that leads to the observatory.