In the late 1960s, Paul Smitgen, a retired surgeon, and his wife Martha bought a hill in Vista. The couple loved the place — its wildlife (rabbits and coyotes), native plants and sunsets. The…
Community members participate in a groundbreaking and tree planting ceremony for the “Vista Botanical Forest” on for July 20, 2000 in Brengle Terrace Park Courtesy of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.In the late 1960s, Paul Smitgen, a retired surgeon, and his wife Martha bought a hill in Vista. The couple loved the place — its wildlife , native plants and sunsets. They cleared pathways for walking through nature. They left the property to charity and the City of Vista bought the 16.
Among the art on display, there are nine metal dinosaur sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda, ranging from dinosaurs to giraffes and a serpent, shown here. Courtesy of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. The plan included input from a park designer the city had hired, who suggested the hill would be the perfect spot for botanical gardens, according to Jones’ historical records.
The Gardens opened in the early 2000s. In July 2003, Darian and a number of members of the board of trustees resigned, apparently as a result of a dispute with the city over the final shape, size and location of the Tropical Botanical Forest. “I’m fortunate to have a great board of directors that does a lot of work, it’s a very hands on group. I enjoy being around people with a dedication to work on the development and maintenance of a wonderful community project,” Holloway said.
The Earth Day Festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens drew more than 1,000 visitors to the Gardens atop Brengle Terrace Park in 2023. Pictured at the festival are raffle winners. Courtesy of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens offers free admission this weekend, pets includedSAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Botanical Gardens is offering a free admission day this weekend.On Saturday, July 27 admission is free for all visitors and their
Read more »
See the Huntington Botanical Gardens in a new lightJulia Paskin is a producer for the LAist and KPCC newsroom.
Read more »
See the Huntington Botanical Gardens in a new lightJulia Paskin is a producer for the LAist and KPCC newsroom.
Read more »
8 Botanical Events This Summer That Plant Parents Will LoveThe website that Washington lives by.
Read more »
San Antonio Botanical Garden to host immersive spooky events for Halloween seasonThe San Antonio Botanical Garden has tricks and treats in store this fall. Oct. 3 through Nov. 2, the Botanical Garden will stage Halloween-themed immersive experiences across its 38 acres, ranging from family-friendly to those on the spookier side, according to garden officials. Seasonal food and drinks also on the menu.
Read more »
New Halloween-themed attractions coming to San Antonio Botanical GardenWith the spooky season almost here, the San Antonio Botanical Garden has announced new attractions coming this fall.
Read more »