Build & Learn Workshop Series: Learn Native Garden Skills — Part 1
Over the past five years, hundreds of volunteers, donors, and community partners have transformed an underused corner of Balboa Park into a thriving California native plant teaching garden. This fall, learn practical California native gardening techniques from experienced professionals while bringing the final five sections of the Bird Park Learning Garden to life.
The final five garden sections expand the ways visitors can experience, enjoy, and learn from California native plants. Plans developed by members of the CNPS San Diego Garden Committee include a children’s garden with natural play features, an ethnobotanical planting area, and a sensory garden designed to engage children through fragrance, texture, color, and touch. Another section was designed by students in a native landscape design class at San Dieguito High School—giving students the opportunity to contribute to a public learning garden that will, in turn, educate others. Two additional sections designed by Patrick Montgomery of Native West Nursery will showcase attractive, dependable native plants that make it easier for beginning gardeners to get started.
Join us for three hands-on Build & Learn Workshops guided by California’s Own Native Landscape Design. Attend one workshop or the full series to:
- Learn professional native garden techniques
- Gain practical skills for your own garden
- Help complete a lasting outdoor classroom and wildlife habitat
- Homeowners, students, landscape professionals, and native plant enthusiasts are all welcome.
Choose One Workshop or Attend All Three
One workshop: $45
All three workshops: $120
Register Now: Bird Park Learning Garden Phase III
Space is limited.
Workshop Schedule
Workshop I — Hardscape Installation
Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 am–3:30 pm
With Leo Hernandez
Build a dry creek bed, shape soil elevations, and learn how to position boulders to create natural-looking, functional landscape features.
Workshop II — Native Garden Irrigation
Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 am–2:00 pm
With Leo Hernandez and Mike Madewell of Hunter Industries
Learn about efficient irrigation options and technical considerations for native landscapes, followed by a hands-on irrigation installation.
Workshop III — Planting & Garden Finishing
Saturday, November 7 | 8:30 am–3:00 pm
Learn proper native plant installation, then help plant and finish the remaining garden sections with mulching and final touches. All of the landscape designers involved in planning these sections will be onsite, giving participants a unique opportunity to work alongside them and learn about their different design approaches.
Leo Hernandez will lead the planting tutorial, joined by designers Greg Rubin, Patrick Montgomery, Jennifer Montgomery, Johanna Mall, Marney Jensen, Carla Quimson, and Christine Hoey.
Can’t attend the workshop?
You can still support CNPS San Diego’s work in native plant education, conservation, and habitat restoration programs with an optional donation. Your support helps make community projects like the Bird Park Learning Garden possible.
Questions? Contact Christine Hoey at: nativegardening@cnpssd.org
Photo: Bird Park Learning Garden Workshop, 2024. Photo by Lucy Warren.