SHARING GARDENS REPORT: January 2026 Vista Open Garden Of Julian And Leslie Duval

k-england
5 days ago
2 min read

By Susi Torre-Bueno, for Let's Talk Plants! February 2026.

Photo credit: Member Sherry Simmons, used with permission.

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 2018, 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.

Julian is his greenhouse answering questions. Notice the historical Quail Botanical Gardens sign above the door. Photo credit: Lucy Warren, used with permission.

The Duval Garden was open recently to SDHS members-only for an exclusive free visit. If you are not yet a SDHS member you may join online at sdhort.org. These regular free open garden events called Sharing Gardens and are just one benefit of being a SDHS member – more information is on our website.

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.