Things to do |

Spring gardens putting on a show across San Diego County

In a region known for its mild weather and largely predictable sunny days, the record-setting rainfalls of these past few months have been remarkable.

They brought substantial damage — cleanup and rebuilding continues after flooding devastated some neighborhoods — but they also leave hopes for a long and lush growing season.

That’s the part that has local gardeners excited, and busy planning the tours that draw plant lovers throughout the spring. Here are some of the must-see home and garden tours, displays and festivals scheduled throughout San Diego County this season, listed in date order.

Remember that some events sell out quickly, so early purchase is advised. These are also the main annual fundraisers for some local groups, many of whom give right back to their communities, so your generosity is appreciated.

Have an event to add to this list? Email to martha.lynch@sduniontribune.com.

MARCH 1 to MAY 12

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

For six to eight weeks every year, vast stripes of brilliantly colorful Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers burst into bloom across this hillside near Interstate 5 and Palomar Airport Road. In addition to walkways with stations for photo opps, there are family-oriented activities including a sweet pea maze, butterfly garden, tractor-drawn wagon rides, vendors, entertainers, workshops and more. Members of the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County maintain a demonstration garden on site with nine vignettes, a small backyard orchard and vegetable bed.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with timed entry, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad

Tickets: $23 general admission, $21 for seniors and military, $14 for ages 3 to 10. Must purchase in advance online; no on-site ticket sales. Season passes are available.

Info: theflowerfields.com

MARCH 7-10

Cherry Blossom Festival at Japanese Friendship Garden

Stroll upper and lower gardens at the Japanese Friendship Garden’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, extended to four days this year, and enjoy serene views and colorful blooms, a tradition to welcome spring and celebrate the Japanese custom of hanami, or “flower viewing.” The festival includes live entertainment; a children’s area with temporary tattoos and a sticker bar; food vendors and merchants; and a beer and sake garden inside the Inamori Pavilion. Tip: Download the 12-acre garden’s app at niwa.org/app for a map and festival details and plant identification.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last admission at 5 p.m. at 2215 Pan American Road E. in Balboa Park

Tickets: Daily $14 general admission, $12 military/student/senior with ID, free for ages 6 or younger, $25 VIP or $60 for a three-day VIP bundle. Available online only until 5 p.m. March 6, then only in person March 7-10. VIP tickets available.

Info: niwa.org/cbw

MARCH 16

Borrego Desert Garden Tour

Explore five gardens at your own pace during this primary fundraiser for the nonprofit Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association. The tour features a garden with multiple types of palm trees and a small citrus orchard; a whimsical home and garden of a collector who has a mix of metal sculptures and native artifacts, a view property with pool and outdoor fireplace, a garden and art studio, and a Southwestern-style house with rocks and rustic charm. Closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and snacks are recommended. No dogs, please.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets: $30 general admission, $23 ABDNHA members, $20 ABDNHA volunteers. Purchase tickets by March 6 and save $2 per ticket.

Info: abdnha.org/gardentour or visit the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs; (760) 767-3098

APRIL 6-7

Native Garden Tour

California Native Plant Society celebrates its 10th anniversary of its Native Garden Tour, celebrating the beauty and diversity of San Diego’s native gardens. The 2024 theme is “Planting Animals,” highlighting the ties between native plants and the animals that rely on them. This year features the gardens of three visionaries: Dennis and Pamela Mudd in Poway and Jim Smith in Del Mar. Together, they created Calscape, a key online tool for the home gardener that identifies native plants. The tour gardens are situated in two areas within San Diego County — along the coast and inland. Each area is open for visitation on separate days; the ticket allows access to both. A tour booklet will be mailed in early March and serves as the access pass for both days. After March 1, pick up the booklet at the March 20 CNPS San Diego chapter meeting or Will Call gardens during the tour.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 for gardens in Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Miramar Ranch North and Scripps Ranch; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7 for gardens in La Jolla, North Clairemont, University City, Del Mar and Solana Beach.

Tickets: $40; free entry for ages 17 or younger

Info: cnpssd.org/native-garden-tour-2024

APRIL 13

Spring Garden Tour – San Diego North Coastal

San Diego Horticultural Society and Association of Professional Landscape Designers-San Diego District present the self-guided 2024 Spring Garden Tour, featuring gardens in Carlsbad, Encinitas and Leucadia. With the theme “Sustainable Beauty: Gardens For All Life,” this year’s tour highlights elements that exemplify how to support nature and our planet, while bringing more beauty into the landscape. Design elements include rainwater capture, native and climate-appropriate plants, plants for habitat, efficient irrigation, permeable paving and the utilization of compost and mulch. No disabled access, and no pets or strollers permitted.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 SDHS members, $35 APLD members; must purchase online, in advance

Info: sdhort.org/Tours

APRIL 13

45th annual Flower Show and Plant Sale

The 45th annual Flower Show and Plant Sale, a National Garden Club Standard Flower Show presented by the Poway Valley Garden Club, will be held at Old Poway Park. This year’s theme is “Celebrate” and features horticulture, floral design, education and botanical arts in the form of miniature gardens. The public is invited to submit entries as long as they conform to the show schedule, available at powayvalleygardenclub.org. The plant sale in the gazebo next door to the show will include items for spring planting needs, garden art and garden gifts, including succulent dish gardens and hand-crafted birdhouses. Also on site will be members of the PVGC Youth Garden Club and the PVGC Pollinator Project.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway

Tickets: Admission is free. The event is ADA accessible.

Info: powayvalleygardenclub.org/flower-show

APRIL 19-21

San Diego County Orchid Society Show and Sale

Orchid appreciators, growers and vendors from the U.S. and abroad will celebrate the orchid at the San Diego County Orchid Society 2024 spring show and sale the weekend before Earth Day. Themed “Orchids of the Earth,” the annual spring show and sale will fill Room 101 and adjacent patios at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. Plant sales will be on the large patio north of Room 101. Learn about orchid conservation and browse member sales and orchid supplies. Members of the society will teach free, walk-up classes about how to grow an orchid, how to repot an orchid, and how to rebloom an orchid. Volunteers will be on hand to answer orchid questions and hand out free care sheets for a dozen different types of orchids.

Hours: noon to 7 p.m. April 19 (early bird sales start at 10 a.m.), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 at Casa del Prado Room 101 and adjacent patios in Balboa Park

Tickets: Admission is free.

Info: sdorchids.com

APRIL 20-21

Coronado Flower Show

The 102nd annual Coronado Flower Show, presented by the Coronado Flower Association and the city of Coronado, is the largest tented flower show in the U.S. and Coronado’s longest-running tradition, with a weekend of festivities. The 2024 show, themed “Ocean of Flowers,” includes landscape displays, a variety of floral competitions, educational lectures and demonstrations, live bandstand entertainment, food, a beer and wine garden with locally crafted beers, and shopping. There’s also a Home Front competition that awards exceptional home and business gardens throughout the city.

Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. April 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 at Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave., Coronado

Tickets: $10 admission, sold only at the door; children under 12 admitted free.

Info: coronadoflowershow.com

APRIL 27

Point Loma Garden Walk

The yearly walking tour, which this year will feature diverse home gardens in Ocean Beach Highlands, is known as “San Diego’s most beautiful way to support Rady Children’s Hospital,” presented by hospital auxiliary volunteers from the Point Loma/Dana unit. Tour net proceeds benefit the San Diego hospital’s Division of Plastic Surgery Craniofacial Services. The event will also feature a boutique at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, 1475 Catalina Blvd., with local artisans, crafters, clothing, jewelry and food trucks as part of the Point Loma Artists in the Gardens and Point Loma Artist Association Art Sale.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets $40, or $35 each for a purchase of 10 or more, available online or on April 27 at the boutique at All Souls’ Episcopal Church.

Info: pointlomagardenwalk.com

Palomar Cactus & Succulent Society’s Spring Show and Sale

The Palomar Cactus & Succulent Society will hold its annual Spring Festival Plant Show and Sale at the Park Avenue Community Center, 210 E. Park Ave. in Escondido. The event, which welcomes those just starting out as well as experts, will also include workshops on cactuses and succulents.

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free.

Info: info@palomarcactus.org or palomarcactus.org

APRIL 27-28

San Diego Bonsai Club Show & Sale

The annual Spring Bonsai Show and Sale of the San Diego Bonsai Club will have more than 50 beautiful bonsai of various species on display in Room 101 of Casa del Prado in Balboa Park, along with demonstrations by bonsai experts and sales tables featuring hundreds of trees, pots and a variety of other bonsai merchandise.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: Admission is free.

Info: sandiegobonsaiclub.com

San Diego Spring Home/Garden Show

The 39th annual San Diego Spring Home/Garden Show returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a two-day extravaganza of demonstrations, hundreds of home-improvement products and services, exhibitors, plant sales and face-to-face consultations with top experts. The Garden Marketplace will provide plants for sale from San Diego-area garden and nonprofit plant societies, specialty growers and wholesalers, including Terra Bella Nursery and free horticultural advice from Master Gardeners. Seminars will also return beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and the event will offer live music and a bar.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: Admission is free.

Info: springhomegardenshow.com

MAY 3-4

Julian Wildflower Show

The Julian Woman’s Club will present its Wildflower Show, held annually for more than 90 years, at the group’s clubhouse, 2607 C St. in Julian. Club members collect specimens from the 855 plant species in the area surrounding Julian. The plant display ranges from desert cactuses to high mountain dogwood. The show focuses on how to nurture these “jewels of the backcountry” by learning about the plants, conservation efforts and what grows best in our climate and region. The event will include speakers, displays of local school artwork and science projects that are wildflower related, and items for sale, including books, seeds and plants, as well as an opportunity for raffle prizes. The Julian Woman’s Club provides scholarships and supports other local nonprofit organizations.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days

Tickets: Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Info: julianwomansclub.org/event/julian-wildflower-show

MAY 4-5

Annual Spring Rose Show and Auction

The San Diego Rose Society will host its 96th annual Rose Show and Auction at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon. Passionate rose fans will find many to put on their wish list, with the show running Saturday and Sunday, and a live auction Sunday afternoon.

Hours: rose show from 1 to 5 p.m. May 4 and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 5; live auction at 2 p.m. May 5

Tickets: Admission and parking are free; donations are accepted

Info: sandiegorosesociety.com/roseshow

Vista Garden Club’s 88th annual Flower Show and Plant Sale

The Vista Garden Club presents “Come to a Garden Party,” a two-day NGC Standard Flower Show, Plant Sale and Garden Art Boutique, at Jim Porter Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. This event will include floral designs, horticulture, educational and photography exhibits and an opportunity to purchase plants and garden art. Amateur gardeners and designers may enter any division of the flower show, at no cost; if interested in submitting an entry, email to Marsha at vistagardenclub@gmail.com.

Hours: Plant and garden art sale from 2 to 5 p.m. May 4; flower show from noon to 4 p.m. May 5; all events open from 10 to 4 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free.

Info: californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub

MAY 4

Clairemont Outdoor Living and Garden Tour

Find inspiration to make your property more inviting at the 27th Clairemont Outdoor Living and Garden Tour, a self-guided look at 12 varied gardens. Some of the gardens are clustered within walking distance; others are within a short drive. The Jim Wright palm paradise is on the tour again, along with succulents, cactuses, low water, veggie/fruit, sustainable, and entertainment gardens. These gardens in Clairemont, including Bay Ho and Bay Park, showcase solutions to managing canyon views, gardening in small spaces, overcoming steep hillsides, managing pests and providing luxurious entertainment accommodations. A featured school will provide multiple plant, tool care, composting and community educators, as well as a food truck. Several artists will have artwork for sale.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets: $20 early bird tickets are available April 1 through May 2, online only; free for kids under 12. Tickets can be purchased in person May 3 and 4 at the Clairemont Town Square, 4821 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, for $25. Online ticket purchasers will be able to pick up wristbands and programs at the same location.

Info: clairemontonline.com

MAY 4

Bernardo Gardeners Club Spring Garden Tour

Explore seven standout gardens in Rancho Bernardo and Poway on May 4 as part of the annual Spring Garden Tour, presented by the Bernardo Gardeners Club. The self-guided tour, held rain or shine, will include vendors, complimentary refreshments and Master Gardeners available to answer gardening questions. Tourgoers can browse unique handmade crafts, jewelry, garden art, fine art, plants and plant arrangements. No disabled access; walking shoes required. Children older than 12 are welcome. No pets, please.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets $30, available starting March 15 at brownpapertickets.com or in person at Walter Andersen Nursery, 12755 Danielson Court in Poway, and El Plantio Nursery, 1322 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido. Day-of tickets at tour homes are cash or check only.

Info: bernardogardeners.org

MAY 4-5

Vista Garden Club’s 88th annual Flower Show and Plant Sale

The Vista Garden Club presents “Come to a Garden Party,” a two-day NGC Standard Flower Show, Plant Sale and Garden Art Boutique, at Jim Porter Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. Visitors can see stunning floral designs, horticulture, educational and photography exhibits and purchase plants and garden art. Note: Amateur gardeners and designers may enter any division of the flower show; there is no cost to enter.

Hours: May 4, plant and garden art sale from 2 to 5 p.m, flower show from 2 to 4 p.m.; May 5, all events are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free.

Info: Email to Marsha at vistagardenclub@gmail.com

MAY 4-27

“World of Orchids” at San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden hosts its annual spring orchids showcase, “World of Orchids,” an immersive display in its 8,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed facility — the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. In addition to the orchids that typically grow in the garden’s conservatory, displays will include plants on loan from local private growers from the San Diego County Orchid and Palomar Orchid societies — as well as orchids and materials from local businesses. Vendors on select weekends will sell plants, potting materials and other merchandise.

Hours: Garden is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays) at 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Reservations highly recommended for “World of Orchids” and will designate an entry time.

Tickets: Admission to “World of Orchids” is free for members, and an additional $7 for nonmembers ages 17 or older. with the purchase of a one-day ticket or free with annual membership; no cash transactions. Nonmember admission is $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 3 to 17, free for ages 2 and under. Discounted tickets are available for military, students and seniors ages 60-plus. General admission includes access to the vendor booths and the garden’s 37 acres during the same visit.

Info: dbg.org/world-of-orchids

MAY 4 and MAY 18

UCCE Master Gardeners of San Diego County Spring Garden Expo

The Spring Garden Expo, presented by the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program of San Diego County, will offer two days of education, inspiration and camaraderie. Day One, “Let the Young Buds Bloom,” will be on May 4 at Home Depot Lemon Grove, 7530 Broadway in Lemon Grove. Day Two, “Grow, Sow, Shop,” will be on May 18 at College Area Community Garden: Zura Way and Montezuma Road in the College Area. Visitors can expect gardening talks and demonstrations by Master Gardeners, crafts, free tool sharpening and garden sales (both on Day Two), and more.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days

Tickets: Admission is free.

Info: www.mastergardenersd.org

MAY 11

Mission Hills Garden Walk

This year’s theme of “Another Day in Paradise” will be illustrated in 12 gardens, including the Grant TK-8 School organic Gecko Garden. Local musicians and artists will be in the gardens to add to the festivities. The Garden Walk will begin at the Mission Hills Nursery, 1525 Fort Stockton Ave., where attendees will pick up their wrist bands and booklets. Trolleys will be available to transport attendees along the route. Tickets $40, free for kids under 10, sold online in half-hour increments at missionhillsgardenclub.org. Funds raised will be used to continue the club’s community college scholarship program, support Mission Hills Summer Concerts in the Park and help fund neighborhood beautification projects. Ticket purchasers who become garden club members will receive a $15 discount from their membership fee. missionhillsgardenclub.org

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets: $40, free for kids under 10, sold online in half-hour increments at missionhillsgardenclub.org

Info: missionhillsgardenclub.org

MAY 11-12

San Dieguito Art Guild Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour

The nonprofit San Dieguito Art Guild presents its 27th annual self-guided, driving tour on Mother’s Day weekend, exploring eight North County homes where tourgoers can peruse more than 30 unique exhibits of locally made art and relax in each unique coastal or inland garden. Artists from the San Dieguito Art Guild will be in the gardens — showing and selling their paintings, ceramics, glass, gourd art, fiber arts, photography, jewelry and more. Free refreshments will be served. The eclectic group of homes, gardens, and art studios include a mature forest; a bocce ball court; a water feature using recycled parts; raised beds for vegetables; work barns where the home owner restores vintage cars and trucks;  a home with a 180-degree view to the ocean; outdoor kitchens; a sculpture garden where the homeowner creates with fused glass and metal; a Japanese themed garden with a bridge over a small stream and plants from Japan, including bonsai; a glasswork studio, a native plants garden where over 1,000 seeds have been sown throughout; and an aviary for finches and budgies. Tickets are good for both days and homes may be revisited.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days

Tickets:  $35 for purchase at the Off Track Gallery (937 South Coast Highway 101, Suite C-103, Encinitas), at offtrackgallery.com, or day-of at tour homes. Ticket sales begin in early April. Children 17 and under are free.

Info: sandieguitoartguild.com/events

MAY 11-12

San Diego Epiphyllum Society Mother’s Day Weekend Show and Sale

Get an up-close look at the “ultimate Epi flower show” during the San Diego Epiphyllum Society Mother’s Day Weekend Show and Sale, held at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. This year’s theme is “Rainforest Gifts,” featuring a plant and cutting sale on Saturday and Sunday, and flower show on Sunday. The event will showcase the latest Epiphyllum hybrids as well as many species and epicacti. The sale will contain a variety of Epiphyllum cuttings and potted plants ranging from 4-inch to 1-gallon pots, occasionally larger. The association helps maintain the San Diego Safari Park “Epiphyllum Trail” display, one of the largest public displays of epiphyllums in the world.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12 at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. The flower show is Mother’s Day only, in room 101; the plant and cutting sale are both days.

Tickets: Admission is free

Info: sdepis.org

MAY 18

Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla and Secret Garden Boutique

This unique event, a key fundraiser for the La Jolla Historical Society’s education and public programs, marks 25 years in 2024 and provides a rare opportunity to stroll behind the garden gates of some of La Jolla’s most beautiful secluded gardens. The Secret Garden Boutique at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St., will be open free throughout the day, with gardening accessories, plants and gifts available for purchase. A Friday Night Soiree on May 17 is an intimate garden gathering with hors d’oeuvres, wine and music by candlelight, for $115.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; registration opens at 9 a.m. at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St., gardens open at 10 a.m.

Tickets: $55 general admission, $45 for La Jolla Historical Society members, or $65/$55 day of event. Platinum Tour tickets, which include complimentary brunch and tour bus shuttles, are $155/$145.

Info: lajollahistory.org/secret-garden-tour

JUNE 1

San Diego Floral Association Garden Tour

The San Diego Floral Association’s annual “garden tour with a difference” will return to University Heights for the first time in a decade. The “Timeless Gardens Gems of University Heights” tour visits different areas of the neighborhood, offering access to a dozen small and large gardens ranging from cozy Arts and Crafts homes to spectacular canyon landscapes. The tour will coincide with a variety of community events held that day at the Trolley Barn Park on Adams Avenue. The event is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit San Diego Floral Association, which is based in the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. The association has a horticulture library and produces a bimonthly magazine, California Garden, published since 1909. It also offers classes, lectures, garden tours and its annual eco fair, “Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees” and annual holiday celebration, “Festival of Trees,” both in Balboa Park.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets: available April 1

Info: sdfloral.org/garden-tour.htm