A walk through the South Coast Botanic Garden

By Dianne Gowder

In these times difficult times, there is an oasis of calm and beauty right here on the Peninsula.

The South Coast Botanic Garden remains open but the entrance is by reservation only . They are taking all the necessary precautions.

As you drive in, you are greeted by flowering trees and last week by these stunning cacti in bloom.

Shall we go in and take a stroll? As you pass through the entrance you will find plants for sale, very tempting, but perhaps check them out as you leave. I tend to take the right fork as I enter and, as it was early April I was delighted to find Wisteria in bloom near the koi pond.

What else is in bloom, Globe Amaranth, yellow daisies of some kind ( forgive me if I have that wrong) and forget me nots, they remind me of England. And there is the Living Wall, a 400 square foot vertical garden. The plants are growing hydroponically and the wall is made of heavy duty felt. It is absolutely stunning.

Let’s move on past the vegetable garden, have a quick walk round the lower meadow, there were parrots in the trees when I was there, and head for the desert garden. It’s a favorite of mine in the spring time. We have 87 acres to cover.

Head off to the right on the tram road, past the agaves, stop and admire their beauty and keep a look out for hummingbirds, they like them too. I am going to wander off to the left down the shady paths, past the lake, no water, and hope to find myself in one of the meadows, or on alpine lane admiring the trees. The red bud is in bloom and there are flowers everywhere But there is more in the garden, some stunning pieces of art are waiting to be discovered. The sculpture pictured is called Trace, by artist Nancy Graves.

I think we will have to come back. So much to see! For now, let’s continue along the tram road, past the rare fruit orchard and the Cape Chestnut tree, resplendent with it’s pink blooms, to the Banyan Grove with the Moreton Bay fig trees and their giant roots. Right now the Natal lilies are blooming under them and I hope you’ll agree they make a lovely picture.

We must end our visit here, but not before we stop and look at another piece of art and the rose garden. Stay on the tram road and follow the signs to the entrance. As you round the corner you will discover a gorgeous blue globe. This piece is permanently on display in the garden and is by artist Doris Sung. I hope you have enjoyed our walk, we’ll come back when the roses are in full bloom.

Dianne Gowder Bio:

Here is a link to my Facebook photography page

https://www.facebook.com/Walking-About-Photography-by-Dianne-Gowder-105661514321435/

Also I can be found on Instagram @dgbrit

Originally from England, but now long time San Pedro resident..

Credit for bio picture: Arturo Garcia Ayala

Dianne loves to walk and she tries to do at least 3 miles every day before she heads out to work. Her love of photography evolved from her walks.

“ I have always been amazed by scenery here and more and more I found myself stopping to capture the beauty of my surroundings. As I shared my work I realized that very few people were even aware of what they have on their doorstep!”

Dianne has made it her mission to share the beauty through her photographs and she takes her friends on walks as often as possible.