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The horticultural bounty of the center is made possible in part by coastal California's mild Mediterranean climate on a site with a multitude of microclimates and growing conditions, and water supplied by existing wells. The treasure trove of mature trees, native and ornamental, buffer afternoon winds and provide cool, dappled shady planting locations adjacent to open sunny ones. A seasonal stream, Kittle Creek, bisects the property providing a riparian habitat and wild lands intersected by a nature trail surrounding the eastern border. The serpentine walls that border the center were modeled after English-styled "crinkle-crankle walls," said to provide greater strength, efficiency of materials, and beauty without the need for buttressing while enabling plants to be grown in the alcoves.
 The vibrant landscape at MAGC is maintained as a Pesticide-Free Zone and is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Habitat Sanctuary. The diversity of plants, including California natives, provides fruits and seeds for more than thirty species of birds and a host of beneficial insects. It is also home to a number of owl boxes used for rodent control in conjunction with the Hungry Owl Project (HOP). Started in 2002, HOP operates under the non-profit WildCare: Terwilliger Nature Education & Wildlife Rehabilitation with a mission to "reduce the need for harmful pesticides and rodenticides by encouraging natural predators, through conservation of habitat, erecting nest boxes when appropriate, through research and education, and by providing a resource of help and information on alternative methods of sustainable pest management." One of the owl boxes at MAGC is connected to a continuously running video camera during the breeding season. Viewers can observe the development process of the barn owl from egg stage to fledgling by logging on HOPs website www.hungryowl.org, or the monitor at the Butterfly Cottage at MAGC.
The entire landscape at MAGC is maintained by a small staff along with a cadre of volunteers. There are plenty of garden challenges - deer, gophers, moles, weeds and other garden pests to name a few, all managed without the use of pesticides. Weeds are pulled by hand, or in some cases torched; irrigation water is supplied by in-ground wells and garden recycling through composting provides for "black gold" that is used in planting and as mulch.
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