Tag: gardening

Natural beauty at amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.

Visitors stroll through endless natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.
Visitors stroll through endless natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

Please enjoy the following photographs. They were taken today at the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego’s wonderful Balboa Park. As you can plainly see, natural beauty is abundant in this amazing garden. I hope you have a chance to visit.

Gleaming droplets of water descend from a hollow bamboo kakei into the tranquil, cleansing tsukubai basin.
Gleaming droplets of water descend from a hollow bamboo kakei into the tranquil, cleansing tsukubai basin.
Even age and imperfections in this fallen leaf are beautiful beyond description.
Even age and imperfections in this fallen leaf are beautiful beyond description.
A rocky island, seemingly, in the karesansui dry stone garden, with carefully raked gravel encouraging meditation.
A rocky island, seemingly, in the Karesansui Dry Stone Garden, with carefully raked gravel inviting meditation.
Looking upward into the sunlit leafy canopy near the koi pond.
Looking upward into the sunlit leafy canopy near the koi pond.
The day's light makes striking patterns of living green.
The day’s light makes striking patterns of living green.
Flaming red bougainvillea blooms catch the eye of a young person walking through the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego.
Bright red bougainvillea bracts catch the eye of a young person walking through the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego.
Bougainvillea flowers are beautiful sights in the bonsai garden.
Bougainvillea red is an especially beautiful sight in the bonsai garden.
A yellow day-lily which is growing near the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate.
A yellow day-lily which is growing near the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate.
Bamboo leaves flutter in a gentle San Diego breeze.
Bamboo leaves flutter in the gentle San Diego breeze.
This small sculpture of a child is a mystery. One of the groundskeepers told me that. It might be a young Buddha, or an infant who tragically died. No one seems to know its history.
This small sculpture is a mystery according to one of the groundskeepers. It was placed in the garden by someone unseen.  The sculpture might be a young Buddha. It might have been placed here by someone who lost a child.  No one seems to know its history.
Bright green palm fronds produce instant human delight.
Bright green palm fronds produce instant human delight.
Close-up photograph of the amazing seed pod of a sago palm.
Close-up photograph of the amazing, strange seed pod of a sago palm.
Delicate white flowers of the star jasmine seem to have descended into this world from a heavenly place.
Delicate white flowers of the star jasmine seem to have descended into this world from a heavenly place.
Close-up photo of torn wood fibers where a dead tree limb finally separated from the trunk.
Close-up photo of torn wood fibers where a dead tree limb finally separated from the trunk.
Water cascading over stone shines in the sunlight. A small happy river flows through the bottom of the spacious garden canyon.
Water cascading over stone shines in the sunlight. A small gentle river flows through the bottom of the spacious garden canyon.
Looking down through magical, glistening, jewel-like water.
Looking down through magical, jewel-like water.
Jumbled leaves have turned many colors.
Jumbled leaves have turned many colors.
Nature's fantastic patterns are evident everywhere you turn in the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.
Nature’s fantastic patterns are evident everywhere you turn in the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.
I believe this is a white azalea, but I'm not certain.
After being corrected by a great reader, this appears to be a gardenia.  I first thought it might be a white azalea!  That shows you how much I know!
Visitors at the Japanese Friendship Garden stand in the shade of the Inamori Pavilion looking down at a very beautiful waterfall.
Visitors at the Japanese Friendship Garden stand in the shade of the Inamori Pavilion looking down at a pleasant waterfall.
A pink saucer magnolia bloom and buds. In the background you can see the new Inamori Pavilion, which opened this year.
A pink saucer magnolia bloom and buds. In the background you can see the new Inamori Pavilion, which opened this year.
Another photographer was recording the infinite natural beauty that anyone can plainly see at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Another photographer was recording the carefully arranged natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Even dry brown curled leaves can take one's breath away.
Even dry brown curled leaves can take one’s breath away.
Leaves and shadows of leaves.
Leaves and shadows of leaves.
If one small place can contain such abundant wonder, imagine what the vast universe holds.
If one small place can contain such abundant wonder, imagine what the vast universe holds.
Natural beauty at the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden
Natural beauty at the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden

…

Follow this blog for more photos of amazing and beautiful things! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Watercolor Society members paint portraits near roses.

Artist works at edge of the Sybil Stockdale Rose Garden behind the Command Center at NTC Liberty Station.
Artist works by the Sybil Stockdale Rose Garden, behind the Command Center at NTC Liberty Station.

Yesterday, while I waited for the San Diego Comic Art Gallery to open, I walked a bit around NTC Liberty Station. I was pleased to stumble upon painters at work in the beautiful rose garden behind the old Command Center. I learned the artists were members of the San Diego Watercolor Society, which has its gallery in one of the nearby buildings. I took a few photos that you might enjoy.

Members of the San Diego Watercolor Society practice painting portraits amid beautiful roses
Members of the San Diego Watercolor Society practice painting portraits amid beautiful roses
This creative lady at an easel sported a cool paint palette hat!
This creative lady at an easel wore a unique paint palette hat!
Brushes wait on a nearby bench.
Brushes wait on a nearby bench.
The painters appeared to be mostly working from photographs.
The painters appeared to be mostly working from photographs.
Friendly gentleman receives some feedback as he carefully applies color to a canvas.
Friendly gentleman receives some feedback as he carefully applies color to a canvas.
Artist in a corner of NTC Liberty Station creates a watercolor portrait.
Artist in a corner of NTC Liberty Station creates a watercolor portrait.
Another member of the San Diego Watercolor Society walks toward the old Command Center on a perfect Saturday.
Another member of the San Diego Watercolor Society walks toward the old Command Center on a perfect Saturday.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Pics of Garden Party of the Century in Balboa Park!

Child gives potted plant to spectator during floral wagon parade in Balboa Park.
Child gives potted plant to spectator during floral wagon parade in Balboa Park.

It was a memorable day in Balboa Park!

To celebrate its centennial, San Diego’s historic Balboa Park is throwing a number of special events this year. Today our beautiful park was the scene of the Garden Party of the Century. And what a party it was!

As the title suggests, the emphasis was on gardening and the many incredible gardens of our world-class urban park. Spring flowers filled every corner, and lots of people came out to enjoy excellent exhibits. A unique parade also took place, as you’ll see in the following photographs.

The event’s main ceremony involved Marines from San Diego’s Marine Corps Recruit Depot, which is perhaps a mile (or two) from the park. The Marines played an instrumental role during the early days of Balboa Park, which was created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The mere presence of a Marine camp inside the large park back then eventually helped to preserve many of the wonderful old Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings visitors marvel at today.

Many tents with horticulture exhibits were around Balboa Park for the Garden Party of the Century. Some can be seen next to the Botanical Building.
Many tents with horticulture exhibits were around Balboa Park for the Garden Party of the Century. Some can be seen next to the Botanical Building.
These friendly folks explained that dahlia blooms can be as large as fourteen inches!
These friendly folks explained that dahlia blooms can be as large as fourteen inches!
Displays concerning gardening were front and center during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
Displays concerning gardening were front and center during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
These master gardeners showed me what a ladybird larva looks like! (It's the critter on the right.)
These master gardeners showed me what a ladybird larva looks like! (It’s the critter on the right.)
There were lots of flower arrangements and botany-themed art throughout the park!
There were lots of flower arrangements and botany-themed art throughout the park!
It's still early in the morning, so some exhibitors are still setting up near the reflecting pool.
It’s still early in the morning, so some exhibitors are still setting up near the reflecting pool.
This super cool lady talked to me about the work of the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department.
This super cool lady talked to me about the work of the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department.
Smiling lady from the San Diego Epiphyllum Society.
Smiling lady from the San Diego Epiphyllum Society.
Lots of plants were for sale in the park, including on the Casa del Prado patio.
Lots of plants were for sale in the park, including on the Casa del Prado patio.
Ducks and baby ducklings were swimming about the lily pads in the Balboa Park reflecting pool!
Ducks and baby ducklings were swimming about the lily pads in the Balboa Park reflecting pool!
Sign shows the way to the Rose Garden across Park Boulevard.
Sign shows the way to the Rose Garden across Park Boulevard.
One example of Balboa Park's Adopt-A-Plot volunteer gardening program--this plot is in Sefton Plaza.
One example of Balboa Park’s Adopt-A-Plot volunteer gardening program. This plot is in Sefton Plaza.
A photo I took this morning of beautiful flower beds in the Alcazar Garden.
A photo I took this morning of beautiful flower beds in the Alcazar Garden.
Another exhibitor near the Moreton Bay Fig Tree and Natural History Museum has a cool trash can painted with flowers and a bee.
Another exhibitor near the huge Moreton Bay Fig Tree and Natural History Museum has a cool trash can painted with flowers and a bee.
The Navy was showcasing its environmental programs.
The Navy was showcasing its environmental programs.
Marines cross street in front of the Casa del Prado Theatre building.
Marines cross street in front of the Casa del Prado Theater.
The floral wagon parade staged in a parking lot by the Balboa Park carousel.
The floral wagon parade was staged in a parking lot by the Balboa Park carousel.
Musicians stand ready for the beginning of the big parade through Balboa Park.
Musicians stand ready for the beginning of the big parade through Balboa Park.
San Diego's own Fern Street Circus has gathered for the parade holding colorful banners.
San Diego’s own Fern Street Circus has gathered for the parade holding colorful banners.
Other performers from the Fern Street Circus wait a bit further down the parade route for the spectacle to begin.
Other performers from the Fern Street Circus wait a bit further down the parade route for the spectacle to begin.
The Garden Party of the Century Parade is underway and turning onto El Prado!
The Garden Party of the Century Parade is underway and turning onto El Prado!
Kids, families, wagons and flowers. An overcast day after our recent stormy weather.
Kids, families, wagons and flowers. An overcast day after our recent stormy weather.
Here come drummers and a flag down the festive parade route!
Here come drummers and a flag down the festive parade route!
Look at the boldly colored dresses and fantastic costumes!
Look at the boldly colored dresses and fantastic costumes!
Here come some lush, wonderful floral wagons.
Here come some lush, wonderful floral wagons.
Garden Party of the Century parade turns the corner and heads down El Prado toward Plaza de Panama.
Garden Party of the Century parade turns the corner and heads down El Prado toward Plaza de Panama.
Flower-laden wagons pass in front of ornate Casa del Prado.
Flower-laden wagons pass in front of ornate Casa del Prado facade.
A bee is followed by a beekeeper!
A bee is followed by a beekeeper!
The parade approaches the reflecting pool as it passes booths lining El Prado.
The parade approaches the reflecting pool as it passes booths that line El Prado.
This lady in an elegant old-fashioned dress was handing out goodies to the watching crowd.
This lady in an elegant old-fashioned dress was handing out goodies to the watching crowd.
A painter in Balboa Park gets an eyeful as the parade passes by.
A painter in Balboa Park gets an eyeful as the parade passes by.
Uncle Sam and lots of other happy San Diegans.
Uncle Sam and lots of other happy San Diegans.
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
The cool parade finally reaches the Plaza de Panama in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
The cool parade finally reaches the spacious Plaza de Panama in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
A second parade nears! Marines from San Diego's MCRD march down El Prado for a special historic ceremony.
A second parade nears! Marines from San Diego’s MCRD march down El Prado for a special ceremony.
The band leads the way as marchers from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot enter Plaza de Panama.
The band leads the way as marchers from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot enter Plaza de Panama.
The Marines played an important role in Balboa Park's beginning, and are duplicating their march from 100 years ago!
The Marines played an important role in Balboa Park’s beginning, and are duplicating their march from 100 years ago!
Marines stand at attention before San Diego mayor, MCRD commandant and other dignitaries speak during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
Marines stand at attention. The San Diego mayor, MCRD commandant and other dignitaries spoke during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
Civilian and military bystanders look on as a memorable San Diego event is taking place.
Civilian and military bystanders look on as a memorable San Diego event is taking place.
Proudly marching Marines head west down El Prado toward California Tower and Museum of Man.
Proudly marching Marines head west down El Prado toward California Tower and Museum of Man.
Marines start across the Cabrillo Bridge to reproduce a famous photograph from one hundred years ago!
Marines start across the Cabrillo Bridge to reproduce a famous photograph from one hundred years ago!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

A flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail.

A tiny barn in a fun garden between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.
A tiny barn and rabbits in a narrow garden, located between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.

I recently walked through Bankers Hill, a historic neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego. During my small adventure I got a few interesting photos on and around Olive Street. Like the sights in any city, they form a mixture. Here’s a flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail!

Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 on Olive Street by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
A few unusual features foretold the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
A few unusual features anticipated the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as some might have seen on KUSI News' Turko Report.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as you might have seen on KUSI News’ Turko Files.
Large medical office building on Fifth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished. I saw a doctor here many years ago!
Huge medical office building between Fifth and Sixth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished.
Cool art on wall of residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.
Cool art hangs on residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Spring color blooms in Balboa Park rose garden.

Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet

Spring is only a few days old and flowers are blooming everywhere. The gardens in Balboa Park are fairly exploding with dazzling color. This weekend my feet directed me through the bright, sprawling rose garden along Park Boulevard. Using my camera’s macro setting, I took some close up photographs that you might enjoy! The rose variety is shown in each caption.

The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of blooms of bright color!
The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of brightly colored blooms!
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through the south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden next to Park Boulevard.
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden, next to Park Boulevard.
Strike It Rich
Strike It Rich
Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet
Koko Loko
Koko Loko
Shockwave
Shockwave
Sheila's Perfume
Sheila’s Perfume
Love Song
Love Song
Gold Medal
Gold Medal

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

A small Moorish garden of outstanding beauty.

The Casa del Rey Moro garden is a small gem in Balboa Park.
The Casa del Rey Moro garden is a small gem in Balboa Park.

In the 1920s, prominent San Diego architect Richard Requa visited Europe. During his extensive tour, he carefully observed a Moorish king’s garden in Ronda, Spain. A book that he later authored stated: “In my travels about the world, I had found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty… The finest of these is in a small town in southern Spain called Ronda. Viewing it for the first time, there came instantly to mind the spontaneous exclamation, ‘I hope to die before I see anything more lovely.'”

Inspired by what he’d seen, Requa designed the Casa del Rey Moro garden (House of the Moorish King) for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition in San Diego’s Balboa Park. In 1997 the garden and adjacent House of Hospitality were rededicated after a major renovation. The garden, today a popular wedding spot, includes a replica of the wishing well in the Guadalajara Museum of Gardens.

Balboa Park is an enormous place full of competing attractions. It’s strange how I always feel compelled to walk through the Casa del Rey Moro garden!

View from House of Hospitality balcony of The Prado restaurant's outdoor seating near the garden.
View from a House of Hospitality balcony of The Prado restaurant’s outdoor seating near the garden.
A wishing well frames two elegant, classic fountains.
A wishing well frames two elegant, classic fountains.
The garden is a reproduction of the Moorish gardens in Ronda, Spain.
Beautiful elements are reproduced from a Moorish garden in Ronda, Spain.
A close up photo of one picturesque fountain.
A close up photo of one picturesque fountain.
Visitors read about the history of the Casa del Rey Moro garden.
Visitors read about the interesting history of the Casa del Rey Moro garden.
In my travels about the world, I have found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty...
“In my travels about the world, I have found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty…”
One can see why this venue is extremely popular for weddings.
One can see why this venue is extremely popular for weddings.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Cherry blossoms at Japanese Friendship Garden.

Beautiful cherry blossoms have opened at the Japanese Friendship Garden!
Beautiful cherry blossoms have opened at the Japanese Friendship Garden!

Because a big storm is on its way into Southern California, I got my weekend walk in this morning. I didn’t want to venture too far and get caught in the rain, so I decided to head up to Balboa Park to check out the cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden!

Next weekend is the big, super popular Cherry Blossom Festival. I don’t like crowds generally, so my small adventure today was just perfect! Relatively few people were visiting the quiet Friendship Garden. I guess other folks, like me, were worried about getting caught in a chilly shower. Turns out most of my walk was in sunshine!

Not long ago the Japanese Friendship Garden occupied just a small narrow spot in Balboa Park, and visitors could see and enjoy everything with a very short visit. No longer! The spectacular expansion into the canyon and additional coming expansions promise to make this a truly world-class garden.

In addition to traditional Japanese garden features and the cherry blossoms, one can walk among many beautiful trees and down shady hillsides of flowers, which include azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas. Anyone with an interest in gardening must go see this incredible place!

A shout out to the friendly folks at the garden!

View of the Japanese Friendship Garden expansion in Balboa Park canyon.
View of the Japanese Friendship Garden expansion in Balboa Park canyon.

The above pic was taken from a viewing deck between the House of Hospitality and the Tea Pavilion. We’ll be heading down there in a bit!

Sign near entrance explains history of the garden. In 1915 a Japanese tea house was built at another location in Balboa Park for the Panama-California Exposition.
Sign near entrance explains history of the garden. In 1915 a Japanese tea house was built at another location in Balboa Park for the Panama-California Exposition.
Today's Japanese Tea Pavilion is next to the Friendship Garden and offers many choices of tea and great food.
Today’s Japanese Tea Pavilion is next to the Friendship Garden and offers many choices of tea and great food.

If you’ve ever been to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, you’ve surely seen the Japanese Tea Pavilion right next door. Next time you enjoy a concert, grab a bite here!

People enter Japanese Friendship Garden. The San-Kei-En entrance stone, gift from San Diego's sister city Yokohama, translates Three Scene Garden--Water, Pastoral and Mountain.
People enter Japanese Friendship Garden. The San-Kei-En entrance stone, gift from San Diego’s sister city Yokohama, translates Three Scene Garden–Water, Pastoral and Mountain.
Water gently drips from hollow bamboo, inviting meditation.
Water gently drips from hollow bamboo, inviting meditation.
Visitors check out thought-provoking historical and cultural displays in the Exhibit House.
Visitors check out thought-provoking historical and cultural displays in the Exhibit Hall.

The Exhibit Hall includes a room with benches that look out a big window at the Dry Stone Garden. The gravel is raked into simple patterns for meditation. I didn’t want to disturb people, so no photos of that.

Oribe-doro lantern. Exhibit House with views of Karesansui (Dry Stone Garden) in background.
Oribe-doro lantern. Exhibit Hall with views of Karesansui (Dry Stone Garden) in background.
The amazing Koi Pond is a favorite spot to relax and feel alive.
The amazing Koi Pond is a favorite spot to relax and feel alive.
The koi are colorful and curious. They seemed interested in my camera!
The koi are colorful and curious. They seemed interested in my camera!
People stroll slowly along a tranquil path in one of San Diego's most beautiful gardens.
People stroll along a tranquil path in one of San Diego’s most beautiful gardens.
Stepping stones lead toward the Activity Room, where various Japan-related clubs meet.
Stepping stones lead toward the Activity Room, where various Japan-related clubs meet.
Looking down at a path that leads into canyon. New construction is a large pavilion that will open later this year.
Looking down at a path that leads into canyon. New construction is a large pavilion that will open later this year.
A special Bonsai Exhibit area.
A special Bonsai Exhibit area.
Perfectly pruned bonsai includes a bright red bougainvillea!
Perfectly pruned bonsai includes a bright red bougainvillea!
That bright tree in the distance is a pink trumpet tree.
That bright tree in the distance is a pink trumpet tree.
Light of Friendship.
Light of Friendship.
Walking down a path through a scene of carefully maintained beauty.
Walking down a path through a scene of carefully maintained beauty.
The Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate leads into the canyon, where the Japanese Cherry trees await. That's another pink trumpet tree!
The Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate leads into the canyon, where the Japanese Cherry trees await. That’s another pink trumpet tree!
Former San Diego mayor Charles Dail created the Sister City Association with Yokohama.
Former San Diego mayor Charles Dail created the Sister City Association with Yokohama.
Visitors head down a fairly easy hiking trail to see the cherry blossoms and other flowers.
Visitors head down an easy hiking trail to see cherry blossoms and other flowers.
Another look at the large canyon pavilion buildings, which will be finished soon.
Another look at the large canyon pavilion buildings, which will be finished soon.
Here are some cherry blossoms! Many are blooming, even though it isn't spring quite yet!
Here are some cherry blossoms! Many are blooming, even though it isn’t spring quite yet!
A sparkling man-made river runs through the canyon bottom, surrounded by a gorgeous landscape.
A sparkling man-made river runs through the canyon bottom, surrounded by a gorgeous landscape.
A waterfall and gurgling, bubbling water put me in a thoughtful mood.
A waterfall and gurgling, bubbling water put me in a thoughtful mood.
A patient gardener tends to one of the many shrubs and plants in the garden.
A steady-handed expert gardener tends to one of the many shrubs and plants in the garden.  I envy him!
Delicate pink cherry blossoms hover over lush green grass.
Delicate pink cherry blossoms hover over lush green grass.
Gauzy pink blooms seem so new and promising.
Gauzy pink blooms seem so new and promising.
One last photo of the new pavilion under construction. Looks inviting!
One last photo of the new pavilion under construction. Looks inviting!
There are about 160 ornamental cherry trees in this grove. I think I'll be going here more often!
There are about 160 ornamental cherry trees in this grove. I think I’ll be going here more often!
The Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego's Balboa Park is a place of beauty.
The Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego’s Balboa Park is a place of beauty.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

A garden and poem at New Children’s Museum.

New Children's Museum Garden Project beside Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
The New Children’s Museum Garden Project beside Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.

I can’t stand being cooped up inside, especially on Christmas, so around noon I went out for a short walk around a sunny but very quiet downtown San Diego. I didn’t intend to blog about anything, but here I am posting a few pics anyway. That’s because I was impressed by the beauty of a very small spot along a popular walkway.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade runs along a portion of Harbor Drive, and it passes San Diego’s fun New Children’s Museum. In addition to a playground right next to the pathway, there’s a very small urban garden. The museum’s Garden Project is a demonstration area that allows children to explore a few plants and the basics of gardening. Some art is incorporated into the space, and a surprising poem!

Small garden plot beside children's play area contains flowers and a few edible plants.
Small garden plot beside children’s play area contains flowers and a few edible plants.
Kids can explore gardening and learn with their own hands about our environment.
Kids can explore gardening and learn with their own hands about our environment.
Bicycle wheels and a couple scarecrows add to the fun in the Garden Project.
Bicycle wheels and a couple of scarecrows add to the fun in the Garden Project.
A few vegetables in plots enjoy the downtown San Diego sunshine!
A few vegetables in plots enjoy the downtown San Diego sunshine!
A whimsical poem is inscribed on a long wall enclosing the small garden.
A whimsical poem is inscribed on a long wall enclosing the small garden.

I should’ve photographed this entire poem, but I assumed at the time that it could be found on the internet. I was wrong! The poem seems like a fun, playful bit of writing, and I can’t make heads or tails of it looking at my few photos. Oh, well. I’ll leave it to you to reconstruct the verses I’ve selected!

I did figure out that the poem was written by Quincy Thomas Troupe, Jr., who used to be a professor at the University of California, San Diego, just up the coast in La Jolla. He is known for his biography of Miles Davis, the legendary jazz musician. Quincy also helped to write The Pursuit of Happyness, a true story which was adapted into the popular film starring Will Smith. (I love that movie!)

The poem bounds along with crazy, almost nonsensical words.
The poem bounds along with crazy, almost nonsensical words.
Hopping frogs seem to be important characters in this silly poem.
Hopping frogs seem to be important characters in this silly poem.
The poetry was written by local San Diego author Quincy Troupe.
The poetry was written by local San Diego author Quincy Troupe.
A beautiful sight greets pedestrians strolling down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
A beautiful sight greets pedestrians strolling down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.

Here are two photos I took the following spring of flowers in the garden:

Perfect beauty.
Perfect beauty.
Bursts of color.
Bursts of color.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Founders of Balboa Park linger in Sefton Plaza.

Kate Sessions, the Mother of Balboa Park, holds a pine cone by the grass.
Kate Sessions, the Mother of Balboa Park, holds a pine cone by the grass.

Balboa Park is bursting with cool sights wherever you go. If you’ve ever driven or walked along El Prado a short distance west of the Cabrillo Bridge, you’ve probably seen some slightly larger than life sculptures of people standing on either side of the street. Sefton Plaza, located at the intersection of El Prado and Balboa Drive, is the location of these four bronze sculptures.

On the south side stands a representation of horticulturist Kate Sessions holding a trowel and pine cone. Often called the Mother of Balboa Park, she was instrumental in creating the park’s many lush gardens and groves of trees. The sculpture stands among a variety of beautiful plants including species she introduced in the early years of the park.

The three lifelike sculptures on the north side of Sefton Plaza, an area called Founder’s Plaza, represent Ephraim Morse, Alonzo Horton and George Marston. These three were the visionaries who orginally conceived Balboa Park, then worked tirelessly to create it.

Ephraim Morse, an early settler and promoter of San Diego, and Alonzo Horton, a land speculator responsible for downtown San Diego’s current location, proposed in 1868 that the new city park occupy 1,400 acres. The sheer size of the park was simply amazing, considering San Diego at the time had a mere 2,300 residents! George Marston, often called the Father of Balboa Park, was a prominent department store owner who personally funded the park’s design. To turn the grand vision into reality, he hired the former superintendent of New York City’s Central Park, Samuel B. Parsons Jr. The park’s construction began in 1903 at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Date Street. (Just a three minute walk from where I live! I love it!)

The four wonderfully realistic bronze sculptures were created by local artist Ruth Hayward. She intentionally made them about 10% larger than life, so they’d appear slightly imposing.

Balboa Park, which began as a grand idea in the minds of just a few people, today is the nation’s largest urban cultural park!

During her life, Kate Sessions created gardens and landscapes for all to enjoy.
During her life, Kate Sessions created gardens and landscapes for all to enjoy.
Bronze sculpture stands on footpath between Cabrillo Bridge and Sixth Avenue.
Kate Sessions lingers on footpath between Cabrillo Bridge and Sixth Avenue.
More pine cones fill a shallow box at Kate Sessions' booted feet.
More pine cones fill a shallow box at Kate Sessions’ booted feet.
Lifelike sculptures of Ephraim Morse and Alonzo Horton in Founder's Plaza.
Lifelike sculptures of Ephraim Morse and Alonzo Horton in Founder’s Plaza.
Two of Balboa Park's early advocates survey their awesome creation.
Two of Balboa Park’s early advocates survey their awesome creation.
Founders Plaza gifted to the James Dayton North Family 1868.
Founders Plaza gifted to the James Dayton North Family 1868.
Near Morse and Horton, George Marston sits on a wall, enjoying the surrounding beauty.
Near Morse and Horton, George Marston sits on a wall, enjoying the surrounding beauty.
George Marston is remembered today as the Father of Balboa Park.
George Marston is remembered today as the Father of Balboa Park.
Bronze sculpture sits comfortably next to its hat by a small pool of water.
Bronze sculpture sits comfortably next to its hat by a small pool of water.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Sunlit beauty in Balboa Park’s Alcazar Garden.

Visitors walk through Balboa Park's Alcazar Garden on a summer day.
Visitors walk through Balboa Park’s Alcazar Garden on a summer day.

There are many gardens in San Diego’s vast Balboa Park. One of the best known–and one of my favorites–is the Alcazar Garden.

Located on the south side of El Prado between the Museum of Man and the Mingei Museum, a visit to the spacious garden is like walking through an elegant painting of towers, arches and sunlit flowers. Thousands of blooming annuals, long green hedges and colorfully tiled fountains make this the perfect place to slow down and absorb the quiet beauty. A shady pergola is ideal for rest and reflection. The Alcazar Garden is so named because it was created to resemble the formal gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain.

Yellow blooms beneath an elegant museum tower.
Yellow blooms beneath museum tower.  The Spanish Colonial architecture adds elegance.
Moorish tiles on a fountain, colorful benches and an archway.
Moorish tiles on a fountain, colorful benches and an archway.
The California Tower and palm trees rise into blue sky.
The California Tower and palm trees rise into blue sky.
The formal garden can sometimes appear a bit ragged.
The formal garden can sometimes appear a bit ragged.
The garden is not easily seen from El Prado, but many people find and enjoy it.
The garden is not easily seen from El Prado, but many people find and enjoy it.
Rotary Club plaque reveals that the garden underwent a restoration.
Rotary Club plaque reveals that the garden underwent a restoration.
A picture I took while sitting in the cool, shady pergola at the west end.
A picture I took while sitting in the cool, shady pergola at the west end.

Here are two pics I took the following spring…

Beautiful flowers in Balboa Park.
Beautiful flowers in Balboa Park.
Sunshine sprouting from the Earth.
Sunshine sprouting from the Earth.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.