Paws, Wings & Wild Things

Inspired by the 2025 Fair theme “Summer Pet-tacular,” our CNPS San Diego display garden weaves together the joys of living with pets, supporting wildlife, and spending time in nature.

Paws – Dogs and cats are part of the family. The garden includes pet-friendly design ideas like a soft Carex dog run, a shady catio, and fun enrichment features like a balance beam and paw-friendly steppers.

Wings – Native plants support a wide range of pollinators and birds. This garden features nectar-rich blooms, layered habitat, and seasonal interest that attracts butterflies, birds, and bees.

Wild Things – People included! This is a garden designed for connection — with sensory zones, shaded seating, and ideas that bring joy to both two-legged and four-legged visitors.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your backyard or curious about how native plants can support pets and pollinators, Paws, Wings & Wild Things offers a playful, practical vision for outdoor spaces we all can share.

Dates: June 11 – July 6, 2025 (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Location: Outside of O’Brien Hall, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (on open fair days)

Admission: Entry included with general fair admission

Thank You

This garden came to life through the incredible dedication of our volunteers, the creativity of our designers, and the generosity of our partners and donors. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talent, and resources to make it possible.

We especially thank the many volunteers whose energy and care brought this vision to life — we couldn’t have done it without you.

Special thanks to our generous contributors:

Greg Rubin & Leo Hernandez (CalOwn)
Tuscany Pavers
Mad Potter
Moosa Creek Nursery
Native West Nursery
Tree of Life Nursery
Artefact
Catios by Richard DeCrane
Wild animal cutouts – Edmund Piffard