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ENCINITAS, CA - APRIL 18, 2005 - Opening April 30, Quail Botanical Gardens' new California Gardenscapes celebrates the natural beauty and the aesthetic character of San Diego County. In a series of small gardens featuring native plants adapted to local climate and low rainfall, California Gardenscapes provides a unique garden experience. On opening day, two docent-led tours of the new area will depart from the Visitor Center at 10:00 and 11:30 AM.
Originally installed in 1981 by Steve Brigham (then a San Diego County Parks gardener, currently owner of Buena Creek Gardens) as the Native Plant Garden, it has recently undergone a major renovation and been renamed California Gardenscapes . In the past year, a wide selection of attractive, native plants has been carefully added alongside the previous mature specimens to create a variety of small gardens. One of the most alluring of these is the Blue-Grey Garden , featuring plants with grey leaves and blue or purple blooms. In another area, the Wildlife Garden demonstrates how to create a backyard habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other native creatures. The Desert Garden shows some interesting native plants that create a mini-desert landscape for hard-to-water areas. Other gardens provide ideas for planting shady sites and landscaping hillside slopes. Recycled water is used throughout California Gardenscapes, and the emphasis is on drought tolerant, water-wise landscaping.
California Gardenscapes is located next to the northernmost natural area along Quail Gardens Drive and complements the beauty and character of this coastal sage scrub habitat, one of the most endangered in North America.
A series of interpretive signs has been installed through a grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. These signs highlight the different garden areas, and large panels provide information about planting, watering, mulch, weeds and garden maintenance. Other signs provide information on selecting trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers, including some of the most popular California natives like poppies, manzanitas, and ceanothus.
Funds for the renovation have been graciously provided by Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, San Diego County, the City of Encinitas, San Elijo Joint Power Authority, and private donors such as Jeff and Mary Friestedt, Lynn and Phylaine Schermerhorn, and others.
About Quail Botanical Gardens
The mission of Quail Botanical Gardens is 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. Quail Botanical Gardens is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization supported through earned revenues, gifts from individuals, corporate sponsorships, and grants. For more information, visit https://qbgardens.com, or call 760-435-3036 x216.
Contact: Quail Botanical Gardens (760) 436-3036
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