San Diego’s Hidden Gardens

When someone mentions the city of San Diego, California, the first thing that many people think of is the San Diego Zoo. The nightlife and beaches are also popular topics. However, there are many other interesting sites hidden away in this city that a visitor may enjoy. These include the various types of gardens available for viewing. In addition, a good majority of these gardens are free to visit, so there is no reason for passing them by. Listed below are some of the most popular San Diego gardens.

Carlsbad Flower Fields

One of the most beautiful flower fields open to the public is the Carlsbad Flower Fields. These fields are planted almost exclusively with Giant Ranunculus bulbs that, when in bloom, come in red, blue, yellow, orange and purple. Although these flowers are grown commercially for their bulbs, and the fields were not meant to be a tourist site, people cannot resist the beautiful colors and visit every year during the blooming season. The Carlsbad Flower Fields also have a Miniature Rose Garden and a Sweet Pea Maze. (http://gocalifornia.about.com)

The San Diego Botanic Garden

For those who enjoy learning about plants from around the world, the San Diego Botanic Garden is the place to visit. Because of the mild temperatures of the area, it has been possible to set up many different plant collections. These include collections such as desert plants and plants found in a tropical rain forest, as well as examples of plants that are on the endangered list and the conservation efforts being made to save them. In addition, the San Diego Botanic Garden has a children’s section known as the Hamilton Children’s Garden. Visiting this area gives children a hands-on experience with plants from a child’s point of view. Tours and various activities centered on plants are also available to them.  (http://www.sdbgarden.org/index.html)

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

A trip to the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve will give a visitor a glimpse into the past of the area as well as the present. Native Americans are a part of the history and were here as long as 7000 years ago. There are 14 habitats in the preserve. These include a forest of giant California oaks, sycamore groves, a fresh water marsh and the many mammals who call this preserve their home. (http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/penasq.shtml)

Harper’s Topiary Garden

Public Gardens are becoming more and more popular within the city of San Diego. One of the most captivating of the San Diego gardens is the Harper’s Topiary Garden in Mission Hills. Topiary is the trimming of shrubbery to look like animals as well as other objects. There are more than 50 topiaries in this garden, all made for the public to enjoy.  (http://sandiego.about.com/od/thingstodo/a/topiary_garden.htm)

Balboa Park

One of the most popular of the San Diego public parks is Balboa Park. In addition to the San Diego Zoo, there are attractions such as museums, as well as various displays such as folk art and rare aircraft. However, many travel to this park to view the beauty of the seasonal flowers, as well as the abundant trees and paths meandering through the lawns in the park. After viewing the colorful displays, one can take advantage of the family picnic areas which are provided throughout the park. (http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/balboa/index.shtml)

To most people, San Diego is a busy city with its crowds and traffic jams. However, if one can take the time to find and explore the out of the way sites hiding within the city, they will find places to go when they need an escape from daily stress. Almost everyone can use an escape plan when the world closes in, and taking a visit to the gardens in San Diego or the San Diego public parks is the perfect destination.