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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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San
Diego Botanic Gardens Day Trip
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By Matthew
Martz |
San Diego Botanic Garden,
is a 35-acre paradise of garden trails featuring flowering
trees, plants from all climates around the world desert
to tropical, and the world’s largest collection
of bamboo. San Diego Botanic Garden originally began as
the private estate of Charles and Ruth Larabee, and was
known as the Quail Botanical Gardens.
Their humble home was nestled on 30 acres which they landscaped
with the exotic plants and trees collected as they traveled
the world. Their original plantings were diverse and featured
cork oaks, palms, aloes, cacti, hibiscus, and subtropical
fruit-bearing shrubs and trees collected south of the
equator.
The Larabee’s were active Boy Scout leaders and
used their estate as an opportunity to educate their troops
about nature. Continuing with their lifelong dedication
to teaching, in 1957 Mrs. Larabee donated her residence
and land to San Diego County. To preserve the legacy,
a foundation was established and opened the gardens in
1971.
After county support waned in the early 1990’s,
a group of private supporters bought control of the estate.
The non-profit was established to “actively participate
in the conservation of rare, threatened and endangered
plant species, to serve the botanical and horticultural
needs of San Diego County, and to exist as an urban retreat”.
San Diego Botanic Print at Home tickets.
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The four-mile
trail is divided into 24 separate gardens by climate. You
will witness one of the world's most diverse collections
of plants. As you walk through canyons and hillsides, observing
the habitats, many nooks offer a chance to sit and relax.
Escape to any place in the world through the New and Old
World Desert Gardens, a Tropical rainforest, California
native plants, and an Undersea Succulent Garden, the Subtropical
Fruit Garden or Mediterranean climate landscapes.
Bird watching is a must and groups meet the first Monday
of each month. The 16th Annual Orchid Show and Sale takes
place October 1 – 3, 2010 and features a judging Event
with 25 vendors and lectures. Thursday Family Fun Night
is a weekly occurrence.
Be sure to check the event schedule for next year’s
Chocolate festival and Lady Bug Festival! In the “Native
Plants, Native People” exhibit, an instructor from
the Kumeyaay Community College on the Sycuan Reservation
educates on the life of the native inhabitants to the area.
A hut built of Tule (native brush) is on display. More
recently, the focus has returned to children and education,
leading to the establishment of the Hamilton Children's
Garden, the largest interactive garden on the West Coast.
Kids of all ages will love the activities, which rotate
by season. Current activities include the “Butterfly
Bed and Breakfast”, an enclosure where you can watch
caterpillars eat, and transform into butterflies through
all stages of metamorphosis. Summer events include “Microscopes,
Magnifiers and Mother Nature”, a close up view of
nature, bugs, and dirt, which runs on Mondays.
Friday mornings are for “Paint, Plant, Play “,
a craft event. September 19th is “Fall for a Book”,
a grandparents appreciation with book signings and readings.
“Seeds of Wonder” is a collection of events
aimed at toddlers and children. Events feature songs, crafts,
and playing in the dirt. |
The gift shop and nursery
are open daily until 4:00 pm. Gifts include traditional
tourist items, as well as more unique handmade offerings
fitting a botanical theme, as well as bamboo sticks and
books. Many of the plants in the nursery are grown on site
by volunteers or purchased from local growers.
The inventory is dependent upon seasonal cultivation. You
will find California native plants, dragon trees, succulents,
and decorative plantings. Tours leave from the visitor center
and are guided by docents (volunteers). Groups of 10 or
more must schedule and prepay 30 days before their visit.
Weddings can be
hosted, the Victorian Gazebo near the entrance can accommodate
up to 300 people, while the Walled
Garden is a more intimate location for up to 100 guests.
The Waterfall View Deck is the most secluded area and overlooks
a three-story waterfall, surrounded by plants. It’s
perfect for a small ceremony and photo opportunities.
San Diego Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail
Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024,
Traditional hotel and motel lodging is available in the
city. Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana is a great spot for
dinner, while Roxy Restaurant & Ice Cream is perfect
for family lunches. Gaffney's Wine Bar is a more intimate
setting if you are in a romantic mood. |
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