Sat, June 6, 2026
Register for 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us to visit the remarkable North Park garden of Landscape Architect Chris Drayer, which was created over 26 years of painstaking work under daunting conditions. Most of the garden is hidden from the street by a tall masonry wall surrounded by densely planted trees and shrubs which give no clue to the extraordinary excitement behind a bright red door. Enter through that door and you’re in a garden with a plunging ravine which showcases a dazzling mix of mostly evergreen plants with a wide range of foliage colors and textures, plus sculptures and art tucked in everywhere. Coming in from the level entry driveway, this is an unanticipated vista, and you won’t want to miss it. Chris will be leading three tours of his garden, so please arrive on time so as not to miss a thing.
Part of the lot was a vacated street easement, AKA a paper street, an overlooked and isolated remnant of a larger canyon system that was destined to be filled in to complete the street grid. What was a steep, nearly impenetrable area choked with invasive plants is now a series of descending terraces and stairs built of recycled broken concrete pieces wryly known as “urbanite.” During winter rains, water cascades from several culverts and street drains, and creates a dramatic water garden effect. Wood decks on the slopes overlook a rocky stream channel crossed by a wooden bridge. Land forms created by the walls and slopes have a sculptural quality, reinforced by an eclectic combination of California natives, Mediterranean climate zone species, and tropical plantings. Because it contains almost all exposures, from north to south facing, deeply shaded to sun baked, the garden provides a perfect laboratory for trying out new landscape plants. Chris calls his garden “resilient,” and the cascading succulents, perennials, shrubs and small trees surrounded you on every level with greenery and highlight the thoughtful use of contrasting forms. See more about this garden at https://chrisdrayer.com/portfolio.cfm?SubjectName=mygarden. Photos here courtesy of Chris Drayer.
Please Note:
By attending you agree to waive all claims against SDHS and any entities associated with the visiting the garden or related to participation and travel to and from the garden.
No pets or strollers are allowed in the garden.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a walking stick if you have one. Not handicapped accessible. The garden contains many uneven steps, steep drop offs and no handrails. Stay on paths and respect your own abilities to navigate stairs, steps, paths and walkways.
Carpooling encouraged. Restrooms are not available.
Please be on time for your tour; assemble in the driveway away from the street.
