Upcoming Sharing Gardens

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• Vista Sharing Garden

  • When
    Sun, September 27, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    6903 Kellyn Lane, Vista 92084

  Register

  Please register for one of three tours.

  
  

  Cycads and bromeliads and succulents – oh my! Robert Kopfstein is a past president of the San Diego Bromeliad Society (and also of the Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society), and in 2018 the World Bromeliad Conference featured a tour of his outstanding 3-acre hilltop garden in north Vista. In addition to a huge collection of hundreds of species, the garden which Robert and his wife Karen have created over the past 30 years at about 800’ above sea level includes a 360-degree panoramic view, and on clear days you can see mountains near Palm Springs! Near the bottom of his hillside is a low-water 1+ acre garden of exotic cycads from Mexico, Australia, China, Vietnam, and Africa, plus other fascinating plants. Like the hundreds of succulents at the top of the hill many of these plants were grown from seeds and/or tiny specimens (some of which Robert collected on his travels). The steep driveway up the hill is lined with Australian Brachychiton trees with swollen water-holding trunks. There are many special trees near the house, including a huge 4050-year-old Araucaria, a gold-flowered African Tulip Tree, a Chilean Wine Palm, three male French Gingko trees (from seed collected in France), a sturdy Dracaena draco (Dragon Tree), the Mexican Boojum tree, and so much more. Surrounding the c-shaped home there are plants from all over the world, including those Robert collected during his five trips to Mexico. Hundreds of plants are in pots, in part because Robert regularly exhibits them at the Bromeliad Society and the Palomar Cactus & Succulent Society meetings, and partly to restrict their growth so he has room for more specimens. One of the first things he did when he moved into the house was to build an expansive shade house, mostly for his every-growing collection of bromeliads. Gravel paths curve through the garden and there is a wealth of uncommonly-seen plant matter plus a gorgeous view at every turn. Don’t miss the above-ground koi pond behind the house with a dozen enormous fish. It is unusual because there is no mechanical water filter. Instead, yellow iris planted in gravel in the pond keep the water crystal clear. This is a garden you won’t want to miss.

  
  

  Please Note

  By attending you agree to waive all claims against SDHS and any entities associated with visiting the garden.

  No pets or strollers are allowed in the garden.

  Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat and water. This garden is not handicapped accessible. Restrooms are not available.

  Carpooling is very strongly encouraged. Only cars driven by SDHS volunteers will be allowed on the long driveway up to the top of the property due to how narrow it is. Park ONLY on Kellyn Lane and after checking in you may walk up (or ride with one of our volunteers) to the top of the long driveway to see the large garden surrounding the house. If you walk up (or down) the long driveway you may also stroll through the richly planted cycad garden.

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• 2027 Spring Garden Tour

  • When
    Sat, March 20, 2027
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Gardens in Kensington and North Park Neighborhoods
  • Spaces left
    800

  Registration is closed

  Save the Date!

  

  
  

  • We are excited to feature gardens in Kensington and North Park, some of San Diego's finest and earliest neighborhoods 
  • Use the "Add to my calendar" link at the top of this page to save the tour date on your calendar.
  • Ticket sales begin in early 2027 
  • Check back for updates

  
  

  Recommend a Garden 

  Send an email to the tour coordinator to recommend a garden in Kensington or North Park area.

  
  

  Volunteer

  In exchange for working a morning or afternoon shift, volunteers receive free entry to the gardens.

  
  

  TOUR DETAILS

  • Tour hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    
  • Ticket sales are limited this year. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
    
  • Join San Diego Horticultural Society and save $5 on Garden Tour tickets.
  • Garden addresses and a map to the gardens will be emailed to registrants several days before the tour
  • This is a self-guided tour and is at your own pace
  • No pets or strollers are allowed in the gardens
  • Gardens are not disabled accessible
  • Tour is held rain or shine. Sorry, no refunds

  Become a SDHS Member NOW for Member Pricing

  
  

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