National Wildlife Federation/ San Diego County

Buena Creek Gathering April 2007

Apr 07, 2007

Buena Creek Gardens in San Marcos, California http://www.buenacreekgardens.com/about_buena_creek.htm was the ever so charming setting for the April ?“Gathering?” of the San Diego County Habitat Stewards and guests hosted by Connie Beck. Under a massive 100+ year old Pepper Tree planted by the original homesteader (Rudolph Aumann), owner Steve Brigham entertained and educated the 25 Habitat Stewards to the history of the garden/nursery. We were then led on a guided tour of this 4-acre garden into the various display gardens; Bird and Butterfly garden, Drought Tolerant garden, Mediterranean Subtropical. There is a great diversity of flowering plants, on display and for sale. California Quail gave their familiar ?“Chicago?’ call and made an appearance while in the Mediterranean garden, replete with the popular ?“Hot Lips?” sage with abundant colors of red, red white and white. (which went home with many a Habitat Steward). Uncommon flowering plants are the specialty. This is truly a habitat environment with vines, shrubs and massive trees set amid meandering paths and unusual garden accents, many for sale. Our lunch and meeting was held around a picnic table surrounded by tall redwoods, while plants from dry Australia and South Africa thrive on a hillside just a few yards away up and around a meandering path. It felt more like being in the mountains than ten miles from the Pacific Ocean. Volunteers were enlisted for the many upcoming events such as Earth Day and Songbirds and Sages. Materials for distribution to the public were available for Stewards. A plea for web ?“Our Pages?” and other contributions was made by the website coordinator. All were encouraged to log their volunteer hours!