About the San Mateo Arboretum Society Peninsula resident and garden enthusiast Marion Panaretos founded the San Mateo Arboretum Society in 1974.  Because of her own love of gardens, Mrs. Panaretos recognized the importance of protecting the botanical aspects of San Mateo's Central Park, and also the Kohl Pumphouse.   The San Mateo Arboretum Society continues today as a “member and volunteer powered” organization dedicated to the preservation of San Mateo’s rich horticultural heritage.  Over 200 members and approximately 75 regular volunteers currently participate in this effort.  Our mission is to: -  Encourage interest in gardening -  Collect and propagate diverse plant species -  Educate the community on horticultural subjects -  Support Central Park and maintain the Rose Garden Our work is performed primarily from the historic Kohl Pump House area in Central Park, in downtown San Mateo.  Ongoing activities include monthly free educational seminars and workshops, Master Gardeners’ free plant clinics, operation of the Garden Center which sells specialty plants to the public, maintenance of the park’s beloved Rose Garden, as well as the Kohl Pump House and surrounding landscaping.  Regular newsletters provide useful, season-specific gardening information and anecdotes.  Our primary yearly event is the popular Annual Garden Tour, featuring gardens reflecting a broad variety of methods and designs.  As a 501(3)(c) California Nonprofit organization, funds received for membership as well as donations to the San Mateo Arboretum Society are tax- deductible to the member or donor.  Funds generated by our activities are contributed towards beautification, preservation and major maintenance projects for Central Park.  Our wonderful working relationship with the City of San Mateo has significantly contributed to our success.  In collaboration with the City, the San Mateo Arboretum society has accomplished the following major projects: - Restored and modernized the Kohl Pumphouse - Developed a master plan for Central park - Created the fern grove in honor of Mayor John Condon - Developed the rhododendron and azalea garden - Developed, enlarged and maintain the rose garden and gazebo - Restored the greenhouse and nursery comprising the Garden Center Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved. 101 9th Avenue | San Mateo, CA 94401-4202 Tel. (650) 579-0536 Original Web Design by Vincent Lee Design, 2009; Ongoing maintenance by Peggy Aycinena, SMAS The Arboretum Society Address & Map Central Park The Kohl Pumphouse The Rose Garden Facility Rental Membership Volunteering About Us Events Greenhouse Join Us! Home About Us Events Greenhouse Join Us! Volunteer Home