Alta Vista Botanical Gardens in Vista wasn't really our destination. We were searching for Brengle Terrace Park, but I noticed on the map that the park has an amphitheatre, the gardens, a disc golf course, tennis courts, and even a big recreation center. We are always looking for parks in North San Diego County, because Legoland is such a draw and there are such good hotels in … [Read more...]
Color Walk at The Getty Center Gardens
Taking a color walk at The Getty Center gardens was the highlight of my 2011 visit. I delayed visiting The Getty Center because I heard it was not appropriate for children. So my first trip was with my adult sister and cousin. It happened to be a "getaway day" so there seemed to be a large number of kids and the family room was full to capacity. However, the grounds were … [Read more...]
Fall in Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge near Pasasdena is one of my favorite places to visit in Southern California. Walking the gardens revealed visitors reading books on benches, strolling with cameras, and wondering at the rich beauty of the grounds. Location: From Orange County, take the 5 to the 57 to the 210 towards Pasadena. Stay on the 210 and drive up the hill … [Read more...]
Take Kids on a Spring Blossom Walk
Oh, how the blossoms are blooming in our school garden! The brilliance is astounding! The peach tree pushed out the single blossom (above) a few weeks ago and now every branch is filled with blossoms (see next photo)! Take kids on a spring blossom walk around your neighborhood and you're bound to find some fruit trees with flowers. If not, there's surely new green weeds from … [Read more...]
Monarch Butterflies in the School Garden!
I'm out in nature all the time and we've bought the butterfly kits and watched them grow -- but seeing a Monarch butterfly life cycle out in a natural setting is magical. All of the wise metaphors for the transformation of a butterfly have new meaning when you get to experience it for yourself. The things you learn when you volunteer at school! I'm the volunteer Garden … [Read more...]