Mission Hills Open Garden

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.

• Carpooling is recommended
• Coming later in the day and parking might be easier
• No pets or children
• Wear comfortable and closed toes shoes 
• Probably not the garden for you if you have a fear of heights and/or steps
• FREE and for Society Members only. You must register to reserve your space
• Directions are emailed in the registration confirmation message.