Julian Duval's North Vista Open Garden

Julian Duval (the SDHS Horticulturist of the Year in 2014) was the first President/CEO of Quail Botanical Gardens (now San Diego Botanic Garden) from 1995 until 2019, during which he grew this outstanding botanical treasure from an all-volunteer hidden gem to the bustling modern venue it is today. During his tenure at SDBG he and his wife Leslie purchased a 2/3-acre property in North Vista and Julian got busy planting exotic treasures from all over the world. The garden is open to SDHS members only for this exclusive free visit; you may join online at www.sdhs.org. This garden was previously open for us in January 2026.

This plant collector's paradise is rarely open to visitors, and is filled with uncommon succulents, potted orchids, colorful bromeliads, strangler fig trees, and much more, all planted among massive boulders which create different microclimates. Julian allows fallen leaves to create a natural mulch underfoot, and the softly covered winding paths make you feel like you're walking through a private jungle retreat. Over the years Julian has added a greenhouse to nurture his ever-growing collection of humidity-craving tropical species, and he grows many plants from seed, so be sure to look at his plant nursery. Staghorn ferns and other epiphytic plants grow along the trunks and branches of trees, and you might see blooms overhead as well as from the many flowering species planted in the ground and in decorative containers.

Learn more about the garden:

Debra Lee Baldwin's (Horticulturist of the Year in 2017) excellent write up and videos:  Discover Julian

Duval's Personal Garden

Gerhart Bock's blog from his visit in April 2025

• HEAVY RAIN CANCELS. Before attending please check weather for 90284.
• Parking - please carpool if possible. The house is at the end of a cul-de-sac, and there is limited parking.
• Julian will be personally touring groups through the garden, so please arrive on time.
• No restroom facilities are available.
• Parts of the property are steep and none of it is handicapped accessible. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a walking stick if possible.
• No children and no pets, please.

This is a Members Only benefit and is free, but you must register to attend.