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Must see gardens in Orange County, CA area

16 years ago

I'll be spending a week in Southern California next week. I probably won't get much of a chance to get out but if I do, I'd love to visit some nice gardens in the Irvine/Huntington Beach area. I might get to San Diego one day and hope to go to the botanical gardens. Any suggestions?

Thanks! Jeff

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Comments (12)

jerome
16 years ago
Make sure you go visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano in the town of the same name. The gardens there are very beautiful, and lovingly tended by an army of volunteers. It is worth the price of entry.

Jerome
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
16 years ago
You need to visit Jerome's as well!

Also go visit Roger's Gardens in Corona del Mar--it's a commercial garden center but an exceptionally pretty one and a fun visit. It's right near John Wayne airport.

And if you want to drop by and see mine, you're quite welcome to--tho I wouldn't exactly call it a must see.
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carolfm
16 years ago
Gail, I consider your garden a must see. Jerome's too. I just wish I had the opportunity!

Carol
debbysunshine
16 years ago
The most amazing gardens world famous is the Huntington Gardens and library. This massive acreage was owned way back when Huntington started the railroads. They have huge marble, gorgeous, furnished buildings that used to be their homes, with the finest collections of everything, paintings,antiques, just breath taking. The gardens are amazing, huge collections of every rose possible old and new, cactus gardens, Japanese gardens, even a tea house. It's a full day and plenty of benches for relaxation and docents to explain everything. Look up Huntington Library for all the details. The weather is gorgeous and perfect for a stroll through the very best ever. Debby
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
16 years ago
Sherman Gardens is also very close to John Wayne airport...it's a tiny gem of a place, if you just have an hour or two to spare.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sherman Gardens
gardennatlanta
Original Author
16 years ago
Hello all,

Thanks for the great suggestions. I may be in touch by separate email for directions if I get time and if I can talk my wife into going with me. I'm really looking forward to it.

Jeff
diane_nj 6b/7a
16 years ago
I also recommend Mission San Juan Capistrano. I was there two weeks ago (St. Patrick's Day), unfortunately, the roses were not yet in bloom, but they should be by now. The poppies were lovely.
blendguy
16 years ago
Jeff, I live near San Juan Capistrano, and also highly recommend the garden at the Mission.

If you'd like to view some photos, I have a gallery here:
http://www.robertmealing.com/photography/mission_sjc/index.html

If you do go to San Diego, (which I highly recommend, it's where I grew up), you'll love Balboa Park. Be sure to check with a map where the rose garden is, it's not in the same area as the botanical garden. The Zoo itself is a remarkable sight, also in Balboa Park, it's full of wonderful plants.

Have a wonderful time!

Here is a link that might be useful: Mission San Juan Capistrano gardens
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
16 years ago
Quail Botanical Garden in Encinitas (slightly north of, and on the way to San Diego) is also very good if you are interested in CA native plants and Tropicals/Sub Tropicals. They have what appears to be a coral reef, except it is made out of succulent plants--quite amazing.
jerome
16 years ago
Diane, next time you're in OC, please feel free to drop by. I'd love to meet you. You are one big reason I got Moonstone, and I sure am glad I did! :-)

Jerome
diane_nj 6b/7a
16 years ago
Jerome, I definitely will!
gardennatlanta
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I was able to go to San Juan Capistrano, Sherman Library and Gardens and Roger's Garden. Each was wonderful in its own way. I wish I could have gotten to more places. Maybe next time...

I must say I'm envious of your lack of black spot. Jeff

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