The Gardens

While in Oceanside we visited a few gardens. We went to San Diego Botanical Gardens (formerly know as Quail Gardens) on Monday. Then later in the week we went to Balboa Park and toured the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Rose Garden. We were sad to find the Botanical Garden Building was closed the day we went...maybe next time.

San Diego Botanical Gardens

The S.D. Gardens are spread out over 35 acres. There are a variety of gardens to walk through and two children's gardens. We saw cactus, succulents, palms, vegetables, bamboo, water lilies, and more. We enjoyed the variety of vegetation and colors.

I think our favorite area was the musical section in the Hamilton Children's Garden. Rich and I had a great time playing the rock xylophone, water drum, rawhide drums, and tambourine. Ava played the xylophone a little with Rich and I think in a couple years will love this children's garden.

The Japanese Friendship Garden

The Friendship Garden was a small peaceful place. We enjoyed artwork, a rock garden, and bonsai trees. Rich's favorite part was (of course) the Koi pond and waterfall. Ava also liked watching the Koi swim.

Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
The rose garden is 3 acres and has about 2,500 roses. There are 200 different kinds of roses that range in a variety of beautiful colors from red, purple, to orange. The roses were in bloom, so we got to enjoy their colors and fragrance.