“Gardening here is complex” someone mutters. San Diego County boasts an astounding 2,143 plant species. This makes it the most diverse county in the contiguous United States for plant life. The San Diego Horticultural Society thrives here.
The San Diego Horticultural Society is dedicated to educating residents. It teaches about gardening in San Diego’s rich environment. This area has many micro-climates making horticulture fascinating. The society has served the local gardening community since 1994.
Imagine the early days of San Diego. The San Diego Floral Association formed in 1907. Its goal? To beautify San Diego’s dusty streets. They organized civic flower shows. These events showed residents which plants and trees could thrive locally. The association even gave away free seeds and plants. Many recipients needed guidance.
That’s where the California Garden Magazine came in. Published in July 1909, it aided novice gardeners. Kate Sessions and A.D. Robinson led the society. Sessions is known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Robinson was famous for growing begonias.
The San Diego Horticultural Society invites gardening enthusiasts. They can attend monthly meetings and other events. Meetings happen the second Monday of each month. The location is Congregation Beth Israel in the UTC area, but not in June and December. Speakers of local, national, and international renown present at the meetings. They share expertise. The society hosts educational workshops. Members visit local gardens. An annual garden tour highlights a San Diego County area.
Consider Presidio Hill’s horticultural history. It’s a valuable way to connect with San Diego’s past. The landscape around Presidio Park looks nothing like it used to. Historically, it had low shrubs and maybe an oak or two. Father Junípero Serra arrived in 1769. Working the rocky ground was difficult.
George W. Marston preserved Presidio Hill. He developed the land and built the Junípero Serra Museum. In 1932, Percy Broell became Presidio Park’s first superintendent. He oversaw the original horticultural development. Today, a few trees still thrive in Presidio Park.
The San Diego County Flower and Plant Association strengthens the floriculture industry. It supports it in Southern California. Since 1947, the Association has worked for the common good. San Diego County’s farmers rank number one in California. They lead in production value for nursery and floriculture.
The San Diego Horticultural Society selects a Horticulturist of the Year. The award recognizes achievements and contributions to horticulture. It’s presented at the San Diego County Fair in June.
The San Diego Horticultural Society distributes the e-newsletter, Let’s Talk Plants. It features articles and information on gardening topics. The society promotes horticulture in the San Diego region. Donations help expand these efforts. Susi Torre-Bueno was president. Jim Bishop expanded technical capabilities.
The California Garden Magazine is the oldest continuously published horticultural magazine in the United States. Its centennial compilation is still relevant today. So delve into the world of Horticulture. Discover San Diego’s unique and thriving plant life. Join the San Diego Horticultural Society.