How to Visit Gardens in San Diego

San Diego and gardens go together in the same breath. The combination of sunshine and ocean air make for elegant displays of flowers and foliage. Start with some of the specialty gardens in San Diego's Balboa Park and then head to north San Diego County for another garden treat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit several beautiful gardens in Balboa Park, beginning with the Alcazar Garden. This formally planted area features Spanish-style fountains, Moorish tiles and thousands of flowering plants for year-round color.

2. Head to Balboa Park's Japanese Friendship Garden. The serene plantings cover two acres with a koi pond, a wisteria arbor, a Zen garden and much more. Ask about the classes on Japanese language and culture.

3. Think again if you consider the desert uninteresting. The Desert Garden in Balboa Park highlights more than 1,000 plants of fascinating shape and size. You'll find the best blooms during the first three months of the year.

4. Before you leave Balboa Park, don't miss the historic Botanical Building. The big lath structure contains colorful seasonal blooms as well as foliage such as ferns and palms. Be sure to take a photo of the building with the famous lily pond in front.

5. Drive north to Encinitas for the Quail Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a wide variety of treats including bamboo groves, a tropical rain forest, Mediterranean plantings, an undersea garden and an interactive children's area.

Resources

• More about the gardens in Balboa Park

[stanleytheflat]

on 10/11/2009 I love these gardens!