We first went to the
Ecology Center. I read about the large one in San Juan Capistrano and learned there was a branch locally. We arrived Saturday around 10 AM and there was absolutely nothing happening. It looks like they are setting up chicken coops and there is a small bungalow, but really nothing to see.
Fortunately, it is almost across the street (Quail Run) from the
San Diego Botanic Garden, always a pleasant place for a walk. The Garden offers delightful shade, cool ocean breezes and a wonderful collection of plants from around the world. The climate in San Diego accommodates plants from Africa, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, South American and Asia readily. There was an outstanding fig from Mysore, India the size of a house.
There is also something in bloom. I spent many minutes photographing the dozens of butterflies flitting about. The Garden is much appreciated by local hummingbirds. There are many water features, including a large waterfall, so you feel transported to another world.
The gardens are arranged by region. There is also a section of native plants and a section of chaparral left in its original form. There is a charming garden for children with a tree house, running stream, edible garden and bathrooms (very important when you have young children). There is an observation tower with a view of the ocean and also of a resident galapagos tortoise. I've seen the tortoise on previous visits, but today he was probably taking advantage of the shade.
The Garden has a lot of programs for children and also community educational programs. To me, the price of admission is a bit high. It is $18 per adult and $10 for children over age 3. It is a great place for an hour or so, but not big enough to spend too much more time.
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| The tree house is magical for younger children |
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| I saw around ten distinct species of butterflies |
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| This is a fig from Papua New Guinea. It is enormous! |
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| This turtle was enjoying his day and happy with his own pond. |
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