May Featured Garden

North Park Canyon

Join us to visit the home garden of Landscape Architect, Chris Drayer in North Park neighborhood of San Diego. 

His garden is in an older urban neighborhood close to Balboa Park.  Part of the lot was a city street easement - an overlooked and isolated remnant of a larger canyon system that was destined to be filled in to complete the street grid.  A tall masonry wall now shields the ravine from the busy street.  What was a steep, nearly impenetrable area choked with invasive plants is now a series of gently descending terraces and stairs built of recycled broken concrete pieces. 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 Native, Mediterranean zone 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.  

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. The garden is not handicapped accessible.
  
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. 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.