Most people, even local East Bay residents, don't know about Blake Gardens, probably because it is off the main drag with no signage, and it's closed on weekends.  It is a not to be missed  local treasure, located off Arlington Ave. in Kensington, just a few miles north of Berkeley. It is free to the public, with 10.6 acres to explore, ranging from flower gardens, reflecting pools, a creekside redwood grove, and a formal reflecting pool.  There is no public access to the grand home designed by Walter Bliss, for Mr. and Mrs. Anson Blake in the 1920's, however the gardens are reason enough to visit.  While you wander around this amazing property, admiring the beautiful views of the Bay and Golden Gate,  you will often see Cal students who use the garden as an outdoor laboratory for plant identification and to study landscape and architechtural design.  Local nursery schools and children's groups will meet for games on the large shaded lawns, and the garden is also frequently used by plein-air painting groups.  Be sure to meander down the paths on the opposite side of the home, and make a grand tour all the different micro-climates and garden rooms throughout the property. Blake gardens is a great place for a picnic, or just to hang out and admire the beautiful gardens. Just don't try to come on the weekend.

Blake gardens is located at 70 Rincon Rd., Kensington, CA and has free parking.  Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.  From the south, take Arlington Ave. through the town of Kensington, then turn left at the light on Rincon Rd..  Their is a parking lot through the gates on the left, and the gardens are accessed through a small gate to the left of the parking.