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Once called simply City Park, the 1,100-acre Balboa Park, is host to fourteen museums and art galleries, four theaters, one pipe organ, and one spectacular zoo, and has hosted two world expos (one unoffically in 1915 and another officially in 1935). One of the most lushly planted urban parks in America, Balboa Park is a horticultural paradise offering a magnificent backdrop for the many cultural attractions. There are currently about 14,000 trees in Balboa Park, of some 350 different species including 75 species of palms. The tallest trees are the eucalyptus and pines growing along Sixth Avenue, which range in size from 100-125 feet tall. The Park's landmark tree is the Moreton Bay fig growing north of the Natural History Museum. This tree, planted before 1915, is over 60 feet tall with a spread of 120 feet.

Other park attractions with horticultural interest include...

The Kate Sessions Statue, honoring Kate Sessions' contribution toward the development of Balboa Park and the beatification of San Diego stands near the Laurel Street entrance to the park among some of the trees that she planted.

The San Diego Zoo Botanical Collection is an internationally prominent collection with over 6,000 species of plants. It has been accredited since 1993 as a botanical garden by the American Association of Museums. Prized collections include orchids, cycads, fig trees, palms, and coral trees. Whimsical animal topiaries are featured throughout the Zoo. Naturalistic animal exhibits are heavily planted and resemble the animals' native habitats. Some plants, such as bamboo, eucalyptus, acacia, and hibiscus, are grown for animal food. Opens daily at 9:00 a.m. Public information (619) 234-3153.

The Japanese Friendship Garden, located northeast of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, includes a small entry garden, an exhibit house, a traditional sand and stone garden, and a wisteria arbor viewing area overlooking the canyon below. The garden is a place of contemplation for visitors. Japanese garden concepts and symbolism are adapted to the climate and topography of San Diego. Open Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Public information (619) 232-2780.

The Alcazar Garden, named because its design is patterned after the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain, lies adjacent to the House of Charm. It is known for its ornate fountains and exquisite turquoise blue, yellow, and green Moorish tiles. This formal garden, bordered by boxwood hedges, is planted with 7,000 annuals for a vibrant display of color throughout the year.

The Botanical Building, at 250 feet long by 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall, was the largest wood lath structure in the world when it was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. The building, located on the Prado, west of the Museum of Art, contains about 2,100 permanent tropical plants along with changing seasonal flowers. Open Fridays-Wednesdays (closed Thursdays and City holidays) from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Lily Pond, just south of the Botanical Building, is an eloquent example of the use of reflecting pools to enhance architecture. The 193- by 43-foot pond and smaller companion pool contain water lilies and lotus as well as varieties of goldfish and Japanese koi. The lilies and lotus bloom spring through fall.

The Desert Garden lies north of the footbridge that crosses Park Boulevard near the Natural History Museum and encompasses 2.5 acres. There are about 1,300 plants including succulents and drought-resistant plants from around the world. Peak blooming period is January-March.

The Marston House Garden, a formal English Romantic-style garden with California influences, represents a slice of San Diego history. It is located on the grounds of the George White and Anna Gunn Marston House at 3525 Seventh Avenue. The landscaping was designed by the nationally known landscape architects George Cook, John Nolen, Thomas Church, and Hale Walker. Many of the garden's diverse trees and plants were planted prior to 1928 and have reached the beauty of full maturity.

Palm Canyon is a tropical oasis located south of the House of Charm, which contains 450 palms (70 species) within its 2 acres. The original group of Mexican fan palms that are so prominent in the canyon date back to the early 1900s.

The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden is south of the footbridge that crosses Park Boulevard near the Natural History Museum. This is an award-winning All-American Rose Selection Display Garden containing 2,200 roses in 178 varieties. The garden is in peak bloom during April and May, although many roses are in bloom from March through December.

The Zoro Garden is a sunken garden located between the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and the Casa de Balboa. Zoro Garden is often used in summer for weddings and free Shakespearean theater productions. Public information for Shakespearean productions (619) 222-5830.