The flowers (and events calendar) at San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) are truly in bloom and ready for locals and visitors alike.
SDBG is San Diego County’s leading public botanical outreach and education institution. SDBG has 15 gardens that represent different regions of the world, 12 demonstration gardens where visitors can learn in a hands-on setting, and the largest public bamboo collection in North America. SDBG also has three interactive children’s gardens, including its flagship, one-acre Hamilton Children’s Garden, the largest kids’ garden on the West Coast. We are also thrilled to share that as part of SDBG’s effort to educate the community, they are now a part of the Museums for All program, which allows visitors who receive food assistance to gain reduced admission (only one dollar at the door per person, for up to four people) to SDBG.
I’ve rounded up some of the newest events and ongoing programming that SDBG has to offer through the spring for your spring coverage consideration of things to do and places to see in San Diego. You can also find general images here and here in addition to event specific images liked below.
Please let me know if you have any questions or wish to interview a member of San Diego Botanic Garden’s team.
Springtime events include:
- Don’t Miss the April bloom of the Sapphire Tower which just started blooming TODAY!: The San Diego Botanic Garden will feature the striking Puya alpestris this month, as the plant native to Chile debuts metallic-turquoise blooms and bright orange anthers. See other plants that typically bloom during the spring with SDBG’s bloom calendar for April and May!
- SAPLinGS (Wednesdays – Friday from 10 a.m. – Noon) – Drop by anytime!
- Kids can participate in activities through SDBG’s SAPLinGS (Science, Art and PLay in Garden Spaces) program. Kids are able to help the team garden in the Incredible Edibles Garden, learn cool science, play in Toni’s Treehouse, make music and art, and splash in the mountain stream! SDBG has three children’s gardens:
- Hamilton Children’s Garden – the largest kids’ garden on the west coast – home to Toni’s Tree House, the Incredible Edibles garden, a mountain stream, a Bird and Butterfly garden; and many more discovery areas
- Seeds of Wonder – a magical garden space for early learners that includes model trains; and
- Junior Quail Trail – an immersive area to explore and play outdoors – using interactive elements to blend physical challenges with observations of the natural world.
- Images here
- Kids can participate in activities through SDBG’s SAPLinGS (Science, Art and PLay in Garden Spaces) program. Kids are able to help the team garden in the Incredible Edibles Garden, learn cool science, play in Toni’s Treehouse, make music and art, and splash in the mountain stream! SDBG has three children’s gardens:
- Open Air Yoga Experience (Saturday, April 16, 23, and 30 from 9-10 am)
- Breathe in fresh air while being surrounded by lush gardens and leave restored and rejuvenated after gently moving your body. Bring your own mat, a towel or padding and sunscreen.
- Cost: Members $10, non-members $24. Class fee includes Garden admission.
- Class format: In-person, outdoors
- Please register by 5pm the Friday before each class, walk-ins welcome (space-permitting, credit card only).
- Breathe in fresh air while being surrounded by lush gardens and leave restored and rejuvenated after gently moving your body. Bring your own mat, a towel or padding and sunscreen.
- Sound Healing and Yin Yoga (Sunday, April 24 from 9-10 am)
- Experience the powerful synergy of sound and yoga amongst the picturesque gardens. Sound healing immerses you in a sea of vibrations that gently coax your mind and body into balance. Yin is a slower-paced style of yoga that incorporates longer holds while seated or lying down, for the purpose of relaxation and restoration. Bring your own mat, a towel and sunscreen.
- Cost: Members $12, non-members $28. Class fee includes Garden admission.
- Class format: In-person, outside
- Please register by 5pm the Friday before each class. Walk-ins welcome (space-permitting, credit card only).
- Experience the powerful synergy of sound and yoga amongst the picturesque gardens. Sound healing immerses you in a sea of vibrations that gently coax your mind and body into balance. Yin is a slower-paced style of yoga that incorporates longer holds while seated or lying down, for the purpose of relaxation and restoration. Bring your own mat, a towel and sunscreen.
- Yoga & Meditation in the Garden (Sunday, April 17 from 9-10:00 am)
- Meditation is a powerful tool to calm your mind and restore balance to your nervous system. This 60-minute class incorporates breathing techniques, yoga poses and guided meditation to help you reconnect and get centered. Green gardenscapes and birdsong create a relaxing atmosphere for this mindfulness experience. Please dress in comfortable layers and bring a yoga mat and cushion or blanket to sit on. The class is outside on grass with limited shade, so please a hat or sunscreen
- Cost: Members $10, non-members $24. Class fee includes Garden admission. Class format: In-person, outside
- Meditation is a powerful tool to calm your mind and restore balance to your nervous system. This 60-minute class incorporates breathing techniques, yoga poses and guided meditation to help you reconnect and get centered. Green gardenscapes and birdsong create a relaxing atmosphere for this mindfulness experience. Please dress in comfortable layers and bring a yoga mat and cushion or blanket to sit on. The class is outside on grass with limited shade, so please a hat or sunscreen
- World of Orchids (Saturday, May 7 through Sunday, June 12)
- The Garden will stage the exhibition, which kicks off Mother’s Day weekend, in its state-of-the-art, 8,000 square foot, glass-enclosed facility – the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. On select days, the show will feature sales of plants, potting materials, reference guides, and other merchandise by vendors, conservation organizations, and local orchid societies.
- Please find a selection of images here.
- The Garden will stage the exhibition, which kicks off Mother’s Day weekend, in its state-of-the-art, 8,000 square foot, glass-enclosed facility – the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. On select days, the show will feature sales of plants, potting materials, reference guides, and other merchandise by vendors, conservation organizations, and local orchid societies.
- Monthly Bird Watch (First Monday of Each Month)
- SDBG hosts a bird walk led by our birding specialists Rita Campbell, Sue Smith, and Gretchen Nell. SDBG is a birding hotspot providing a home to our native birds, migrants, and wintering guests. Starting at 8am to get the most out of our early morning birding hours, the group searches out the greatest number of bird species in our native and ornamental gardens.