Edwin Percy Gamble, one of the founders of Procter & Gamble built the house on this site in 1902. His daughter, Elizabeth, lived at the house until her death in 1981 when the property was willed to the City of Palo Alto.

The garden today is operated by a non-profit community group and volunteers maintain it. There are two major parts to the garden; the restored formal gardens around the house and a working garden on the side.

Areas within the garden include the shrub border, cherry aliée, rose garden, carriage house and patio, wisteria garden, woodland area, shade and sun garden, Mediterranean garden, ornamental beds, cutting border and perennial borders.