A Collector's Treasure Garden in Piedmont

Photo by Janet Gracyk

A Collector's Treasure

Kaplan Billings Garden 

in Piedmont, California

Spend the morning exploring the many fascinating plants and garden spaces in this magnificent landscape. Lovingly tended by Jon Kaplan and Julie Billings, this treasure of a garden contains many unusual plants over its 1.5 acre lot. Piedmont is nestled in the hills near Oakland.

The home and formal garden layout were designed by Willis Polk in 1912. Legacy plantings are mixed with a collection of the familiar and the unusual. Jon is a very knowledgable horticulturist and propragator specializing in rare and unusual plants from around the world. 

We have suggestions for those who want to extend the day in self-guided activities. We'll provide a document with a walking tour highlighting the many wonderful architectural gems in the neighborhood. We also recommend a stop at the Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland, nearby.

Please note that some of the paths in the Kaplan Billings garden

are on uneven and sloping ground.