NEXT SHARING GARDEN: Vista Sharing Garden: Saturday, November 7, 2026, With Group Tours From 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
By Susi Torre-Bueno, for Let's Talk Plants! October 2026.
Registration for members to open soon: https://sdhort.org/FeaturedGarden
Saturday, November 7, 2026, Group 1 – 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Group 2 – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Group 3 – 2 PM – 3:30 PM
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.
The above gallery of photos from the day visiting the Duval Garden were submitted by member Sherry Simmons and the gallery of photos below were submitted by Lucy Warren.
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
Please Note:
By attending you agree to waive all claims against SDHS and any entities associated with visiting the garden.
HEAVY RAIN CANCELS. Before attending please check weather for 92084.
Parking - please carpool if possible. The house is at the end of a cul-de-sac, with limited parking.
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 or pets in the garden.
Restrooms are not available.
Julian will be leading tours of the garden, so please arrive on time for your group.
Group 1 – 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Group 2 – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Group 3 – 2 PM – 3:30 PM
