Founded 1994Let's Talk Plants!
Most months, the San Diego Horticultural Society features a garden for a private tour by society members.
Interested in exploring some unique and fascinating plants in a stunning setting?
We're excited to kick off the return of SDHS member only open garden tours with the ever-popular, imaginative, and whimsical Fallbrook garden of Wanda Mallen and Gary Vincent. You'll be astonished by the horticultural paradise they've cultivated.
As passionate plant collectors, they have grouped various types of plants together, alongside numerous trees and specimens across their two-acre botanical marvel in Fallbrook. This garden showcases wonderful examples of cacti and succulents, palms and cycads, Australian natives, and conifers—all presented with Wanda and Gary's vibrant and artistic flair. Wanda is wonder with wild and creative use of color, while Gary is a master at building creative and fanciful bird houses. The garden is flat and easily accessible, featuring many winding paths through different areas. There are plenty of seating spots to relax and take in the scenery.
Just in time for Halloween, visit this pumpkin of a garden.
The garden is home to garden designer John Beaudry. The backyard is a sanctuary from the outside world with an arroyo, fountain, Koi pond, flowering perennials, potted cymbidiums and edible landscaping. There are vegetables, fruit trees and herbs interplanted with ornamental plants. John mediates daily accompanied by a stature of Quan Yin, the Buddhist goddes of mercy.
The front has recently been updated with new hardscape and plantings. Many of the plants came from cuttings of friends.
There will 2 times for arrival 10AM and 11AM with spots for 50 attendees at each.
Conclude the year and celebrate the winter solstice with a self-guided tour of Jim Bishop and Scott Borden's hillside garden in Mission Hills. Many of the large aloes and drought-tolerant plants are currently in full bloom.
Their 1930s Spanish-revival style house and garden in Mission Hills offer views of Mission Valley. Scott and Jim have been cultivating the steep hillside for 24 years. In 2003, they transformed an old, cold swimming pool into a walled garden featuring a stair tower and an outdoor room for entertaining. More recently, rock mosaic paths descend the terraced hillside to a spacious mosaic landing five stories below the house, surrounded by gardens with low-water plants from South Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean, and South America. The front of the house boasts a newly updated succulent and bromeliad garden, along with numerous potted plants in the courtyards and terraces, plus thousands of recycled bottles and found objects throughout the garden.
Last year's project introduced a large moon arch and opened access to a new section of the garden.
Begin the new year with a visit to Ray and Bonnie Brooks in Escondido. Their garden was a horticultural hit on 2025 garden tour and this an opportunity to visit it in winter. Ray, the former SDHS treasurer, is also renowned for his woodworking talents. Their property, spanning over an acre, features a diverse collection of plants from around the globe. The garden includes a large greenhouse/conservatory filled with numerous plants and a propagation area. Don't miss the Cycad Terraces, which display over 100 cycads both in-ground and in pots. Take a moment to discover the charm of the Secret Garden, where you can unwind beside a waterfall. This garden has something for everyone! As you explore, you'll encounter other attractions such as dragon trees, waterwise plants, and methods to collect 2,000 gallons of rainwater for the landscape!
Celebrate Valentines Day with a visit to the colorful and romantic 2 acre, Olivenhain garden of Bobbi Hirschkoff. With views to La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe and a gentle slope it provides the foundation of a special garden. The garden is now over 30 years old and once sunny areas have now become shaded. The garden is a mixture of plants ranging from drought tolerant to tropical. Some special features are the lath house, tool shed, koi ponds and numerous pieces of art.
This is a Members Only benefit and is free, but you must register to attend.
Our Vision To champion regionally appropriate horticulture in San Diego County.
© 2025 San Diego Horticultural Society