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Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is a vibrant part of North County San Diego.
17th Annual Earth Day Festivities at Vista’s Alta Vista Botanical Gardens a Popular Event

17th Annual Earth Day Festivities at Vista’s Alta Vista Botanical Gardens a Popular Event

By TR Robertson The walkways were filled with vendors, the music and smell of food on the grill could be found in the Ceremonial Garden and the sound of children having a great time could be heard in the Children’s Garden as Vista’s Alta Vista Botanical Garden celebrated Earth Day on Saturday. Over 25 vendors […]

11th Annual Meading at the Garden Brings Hundreds to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

11th Annual Meading at the Garden Brings Hundreds to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

By TR Robertson The sun was shining, tents filled the walkways into Alta Vista Botanical Gardens and hundreds of people entered to take part in the 11th annual Meading at the Garden featuring close to 30 meadries, wineries, breweries, cideries and artisans set to pour, sell and inform those in attendance about what they had […]

10th Annual Meading at the Garden Another Success for Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

10th Annual Meading at the Garden Another Success for Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

By TR Robertson photos by Brian Robertson On a past sunny Saturday, Alta Vista Botanical Gardens was the scene of another great event at the Gardens as the 10th Annual Meading at the Garden was held featuring 5 breweries, 15 meaderies, 1 distillery, several wineries and home brewers groups, as well as a number of […]

Hundreds Enjoy the 10th Annual Novemberfest at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Hundreds Enjoy the 10th Annual Novemberfest at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

TR Robertson Hundreds of people from North County and beyond enjoyed a cool, but sunny, Saturday taking part in the 10th annual Novemberfest presented by the Amigos De Vista Lions Club and the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. The annual event featured eighteen craft breweries, wineries, and meaderies, twelve vendors and three eateries for those attending to […]

10th Anniversary Novemberfest in the Gardens Beer – Mead – Wine and Music

10th Anniversary Novemberfest in the Gardens Beer – Mead – Wine and Music

By NC Daily Star Staff Novemberfest in the Gardens is just around the corner! This festival is more than just a beer fest; it’s a celebration of community and generosity. Local brewers are generously donating their delicious beverages for everyone to enjoy. We’ll also feature local business sponsors and vendors, with volunteers working hard behind […]

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Secret Garden Gala

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Secret Garden Gala

By TR Robertson Last Saturday, a warm summer evening did not stop one hundred and eleven attendees, to the Alta Vista Botanical Garden Secret Garden Gala, from having an enjoyable time in celebration of the Gardens 25th Anniversary. The City of Vista purchased the 16.3-acre hillside for $1.8 million in 1990, adding the property to […]

Kids in the Garden Class Veggie Critters at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Kids in the Garden Class Veggie Critters at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

By NC Daily Star Staff Our next Kids in the Garden class will be Saturday September 21 from 10 am to noon. We’re celebrating 16 years of kids in nature! We will play with our food – we use veggies and fruits to make creative, whimsical critters. Please bring one fruit or vegetable to add to […]

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Winter Newsletter 2024

Here is the 2024 Winter Newsletter Thank you for supporting the Gardens! Winter Newsletter 2024 Alta Vista Botanical Gardens   AVBG Winter Newsletter 2024  Click the link below for a great article on the Gala Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Secret Garden Gala – The Vista Press  Questions: Rusti Dixon gm4avbg@gmail.com  Click here […]
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9 Days until the Secret Garden Fundraising Gala!!

Time is running out..  Check the website for the latest information Become a member so you don’t miss out on Garden News! https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org/become-a-member/   *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* 9 Days until the Secret Garden Fundraising Gala!! What to expect… 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception with Hors D’oeuvres Dinner includes; Spring Mix Salad, Herb-Encrusted Tri Tip, Garlic […]
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The Best September Events in San Diego

By Hannah George | August 28, 2024 | https://mlsandiegomag.com/best-events-san-diego-september-2024 9/7 Alta Vista Botanical Gardens 25th Anniversary Gala Held in the property’s blooming rose garden, this gala invites guests to enjoy an evening of fine dining, live entertainment and exclusive auctions. 5 p.m., Rose Garden at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, Vista, altavistabotanicalgardens.org
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Alta Vista Botanical Gardens marks 25 years since idea took root

By Linda Mcintosh | linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com | The San Diego Union-TribuneUPDATED: August 16, 2024 at 5:47 p.m. Since its early days, the Gardens have grown through community effort Community members participate in a groundbreaking and tree planting ceremony for the “Vista Botanical Forest” on for July 20, 2000 in Brengle Terrace Park Courtesy of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. In the late 1960s, Paul Smitgen, […]
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The best things to do this week in San Diego: Aug. 12-16

Stacked Stone Zen Garden opens: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new Stacked Stone Zen Garden. The garden will feature stones of various sizes, giving an opportunity for children and adults to create their own stacked stone formations. The activity symbolizes balance, tranquility, wellness and peace. The gardens’ leadership team […]
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Celebrating 25 Years of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Sentinel News | August 4, 2024 Alta Vista Botanical Gardens (AVBG) is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, a milestone marking a quarter century of community engagement, environmental conservation, and cultural enrichment. To commemorate this landmark occasion, AVBG is hosting an evening Gala set against the enchanting backdrop of the garden’s lush landscapes from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., […]
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August 2024 Events

Here’s the August 2024 Newsletter Become a member to get the latest information!         August 2024 Events @ Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Alta Vista Botanical Gardens View this email in your browser News Construction has started on the Zen Stacking Stone project! Thank you to our sponsors! Building Kidz School ● United Plant […]
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Vista Irrigation District Resolution

On a serene afternoon on July 8, 2024, at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, the Vista Irrigation District conveyed a heartfelt resolution to the Board. Against the backdrop of the Ceremonial Rose garden, Peter Kuchinsky II, Director of Division 3, and Patrick H. Sanchez, Director of Division 4, expressed their sincere appreciation for the dedicated stewardship […]
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The Best of San Diego 2024: Health & Fitness – Best Use of Five Bucks

Best Use of Five Bucks Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Whip out the cakes and candles. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1999, AVBG sports 16 botanical gardens bursting with diverse plant life, from blue cycads to edible cherimoya. (Mark Twain was apparently a big fan of the latter.) Best of all? The […]
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July Newsletter 2024

Here’s the July 2024 Newsletter Become a member to get the latest information!                                                                                      […]
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Summer Newsletter 2024

Announcing 8:00-9:45 Dancing with Live Music from The Night Owls  Questions: Rusti Dixon gm4avbg@gmail.com Click Here to Learn More About AVBG’s 25th Anniversary AVBG Kids in the Garden June 8, 2024 10-Noon Birds and Beaks $5 per Child + $5 per Adult Garden Entry FREE for AVBG family members Pre-register (760) 822-6824   2024 Kids in the […]
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Art in The Gardens: A Guide to The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Written by Garden Travel Guide in Visit Gardens United States Last Updated 12/03/2023 Vista, California: The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is a 14-acre artsy garden with diverse plants, unique art installations, and family-friendly activities offering something for all to enjoy. Traditional plant enthusiasts will be intrigued by the remarkable plants along the way. But, the Alta Vista Gardens […]
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Celebrating 25 Years of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Save the Date

By NC Daily Star Staff – Alta Vista Botanical Gardens (AVBG) proudly announces its 25th Anniversary, a milestone marking a quarter century of community engagement, environmental conservation, and cultural enrichment. To commemorate this landmark occasion, AVBG is hosting an evening Gala on Saturday, September 7, 2024, set against the enchanting backdrop of the garden’s lush […]
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Ed Fitzgerald Pavilion Dedication

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and reverence as friends and family gathered for the dedication ceremony of the Ed Fitzgerald Pavilion. Surrounded by the gardens that he loved, the pavilion stands as a testament to Ed’s enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to community. Laughter mingled with heartfelt speeches, recounting cherished memories and highlighting Ed’s profound […]
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Spring 2024 Newsletter

25 YEARS! Of Alta Vista Botanical GardensOver the past two decades, AVBG has evolved into a sanctuary of tranquility and natural splendor. Visitors are greeted by a harmonious blend of flora, each corner thoughtfully designed to showcase the diversity of plant life. As we celebrate 25 years of AVBG, it brings us great pleasure to […]
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Discovering a Hidden Gem – Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Introduction to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Welcome to the enchanting world of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, nestled in the heart of Brengle Terrace Park in Vista, California. In this extensive 14-acre garden, nature comes alive in a tapestry of diverse landscapes, from rose gardens to desert wonders, and interactive children’s spaces to tranquil ponds and […]
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A January Journey at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Welcome to a new year filled with natural wonders at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens! As January unfolds, the garden takes on a serene and enchanting atmosphere, offering visitors a unique experience amidst the winter landscape. Join us on a virtual stroll through the garden’s scenic beauty and discover the hidden treasures that await. Winter Blooms: […]
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Amigos de Vista Lions Club Keeps on Giving

By Julie Smith Taylor Over the last 50+ years, members of the Amigos de Vista Lions Club have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support community programs and several local charities. In April of 1970, the organization was formed to help the sight-impaired, local youth programs and the needy. Since then, the Amigos have […]
The Impact of Botanical Gardens on Biodiversity Conservation

The Impact of Botanical Gardens on Biodiversity Conservation: A Closer Look at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Introduction As our planet faces increasing environmental challenges, the preservation of biodiversity has become more critical than ever. Among the many initiatives to protect our natural heritage, botanical gardens play a significant role in safeguarding and promoting biodiversity. In this article, we will explore the impact of botanical gardens on biodiversity conservation, with a particular […]
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Fall Newsletter 2022

Fall Newsletter 2022 We are excited and pleased to announce the return of our newsletter. We plan to have a newsletter for each season with “what’s new” in the gardens, Membership Update, member or volunteer spotlight, and upcoming events in the garden. Our next event is our 14th Annual Fall Fun Festival! Special Features at […]
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The Coast News – Hit the Road: Enhanced Alta Vista Botanical Gardens a treat for all ages

When we decided to take our 6-year-old grandson to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens in Vista, we were relatively ignorant about the 14-acre mini-park nestled within Brengle Terrace Park. It had been several years since our last visit, and we were delighted to find the gardens expanded and enriched. Largely the work of Vistans Todd Cure’ (landscape architect), […]
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Dig In! A Peek inside a Kids in the Garden Class

Sunshine peeped through clouds as fourteen happy families gathered around Farmer Jones for the eagerly anticipated March 13th Kids in the Garden class. Following COVID protocols, the class was divided into two sessions so families could sit at separate tables and everyone had worn colorful & garden themed masks. Kids class volunteer, Donna Weber, checked […]
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Ordinary Rocks, Extraordinary Messages

Gardens are good for our bodies and minds. On Sunday November 30, thirty five rocks were designed and painted amidst the sweet smells of lemongrass.  Large smooth round river rocks, flat triangular-shaped, smaller and larger rocks. Ordinary river rocks for a not so ordinary purpose.  By the end of the day, they would carry extraordinary […]
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Fun Things To Do In San Diego – San Diego Reader

Fun Things To Do Issue June 5, 2019 Pump tracks, waterfalls, footgolf, Stonewall Peak, geocaching, ukelele jams, Cameron Crowe, circus center, Otay Lake kayaking Stroll among the art and plants at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Photograph by Sydney Prather Alta Vista Botanical Gardens 1270 Vale Terrace Drive Vista Discover Alice’s Hidden Tearoom, do Saturday morning […]
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Explore San Diego: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

June 6, 2019 SAN DIEGO —Thirteen acres filled with something to see and do for people of all ages. Moms know about this special place. Children love it. Yet it’s still one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets. Alta Vista, near downtown Vista, is different than other botanical gardens in town.“It’s not as polished, it’s a little more wild,” says Naomi […]
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An Ambassador to the Garden

Ed Fitzgerald November 1, 1939 – October 14, 2020 The white El Camino pulls up and parks at the top of the Garden. Its cargo bed is loaded with plants; bright red and yellow flowers, pots of basil and rosemary, and starters of peppers and tomatoes. Behind the wheel is a handsome older gentleman, white […]
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Lia Strell: An Abundance of Creativity

Lia Strell is an artist, film maker and activist. She also feels a deep connection to gardens; the rich soil, leafy profusion, and plentiful seeds. “When seeds sprout, its sparks inspiration, creates feelings. The creative process gets us out of our conundrums. Many answers are in the Garden, nature tended by people.” As a child […]
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The Gift of a Garden

At the top of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is a house. It was built by Paul and Martha Smitgen. Paul Hilert Smitgen was born in Nebraska in 1897. He attended medical school at the University of Chicago. His wife, Martha Beyard Smitgen, hailed from Maryland. They moved to Los Angeles in the 1920’s where he […]
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A Garden for Sharon

Strolling behind the Garden house, your nose catches the distinctive scent of rosemary. Piney and citrusy. A hedge of the aromatic plant, with needle-like leaves and tiny purple flowers, surrounds the patio. The aroma draws you down the steps into the Herb Garden. Rosemary is the scent of remembrance and friendship. It’s a perfect gateway […]
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A Dose of Garden

Gardens are good for our bodies and minds. Plenty of research tells us the warmth of the sun, the scent of pine and sage, the splash of moving water and the sight of colorful plants calms the mind and improves our mood. In times of uncertainty, we can all use a dose of Garden therapy. […]
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A Living Museum

The mission of a museum is to, “collect, preserve, interpret, and display objects of artistic, cultural, or scientific significance for the education of the public.” Alta Vista Botanical Garden is no exception. We offer a collection of beautiful and unusual plants thoughtfully displayed, alongside inspiring works of art created by local artists. Here’s a look […]