Dedicated to the residents of the Conejo Valley in December 2001, the Gardens of the World is a beautiful tribute to various cultures of the world. The 4.5 acre site is located in the heart of Thousand Oaks at 2001 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, literally across the street from the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and sandwiched between a strip mall on one side and Mastro's Steakhouse on the other side.

Gardens of the World is privately-owned and operated by the Hogan Family Foundation, Inc. You will find peace and serenity here in gardens representing England, France, Italy and Japan, as well as a Mission Courtyard which features murals of the 21 remaining California Missions. There are benches dispersed throughout the gardens for relaxing and enjoying the peace, beauty and serenity.

There's also a resource center where the work of local artists is often displayed. And since 2003, Gardens of the World has hosted a great jazz series on Sunday afternoons in August in the traditional American Bandstand area.

Gardens of the World is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.gardensoftheworld.info or call 805.557.1135 for more information. Parking is available on Thousand Oaks Boulevard and limited parking is available in a parking lot on site.