For The San Diego Union-Tribune
In these uncertain times, it’s essential to take moments to escape the daily noise and unending news cycle. Appreciating the peace and joy of a beautiful garden is a great way to unplug and recharge. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to admire, this spring’s garden tours and flower shows are sure to delight, motivate and provide opportunities to stop and smell the roses — as well as many other flowers.
THROUGH MAY 10
Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Billed as the world’s largest field of ranunculus with 80 million blooms, the Flower Fields have been a North County attraction for more than 30 years. Visitors can stroll through acres of giant Tecolote ranunculus or take in the blooms from a tractor wagon. More than two dozen larger-than-life sculptures of birds and insects will also be on display with Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri’s installation, “Glass in Flight.” Butterflies take center stage in one of property’s greenhouses, which is filled with hundreds of live butterflies. Each guest is given a stick with nectar to help get close to the delicate insects. Additional activities are scheduled during the season and include flower workshops, wellness classes, live music and wine tasting.Where: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, CarlsbadHours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Tickets: $17 to $27 general admission, free for children under age 3. Season passes are available, starting at $33. Activities and some attractions are extra.Info: theflowerfields.com
MARCH 12-15
Japanese Friendship Garden Cherry Blossom Festival
In Japan, the custom of enjoying the cherry blossoms is called hanami. The delicate, ephemeral blooms are traditionally celebrated by gathering family and friends for a picnic underneath the cherry trees. The Japanese Friendship Garden’s four-day festival includes a daily lineup of performances, cultural food and merchants. Kids can get temporary tattoos and stickers at a special Children’s Area, and beer and sake will be served at the Inamori Pavilion in the Lower Gardens.Where: 2215 Pan American Rd. E., Balboa ParkHours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last entry, 5 p.m.Tickets: $18, single-day presale, to $25, express pass entryInfo: niwa.org/cbw
Properties on the Desert Home & Garden tour on March 14 range from rustic Western, shown, to Southwestern style, midcentury-modern, and historic, working farm. (ABDNHA)
MARCH 14
Desert Home & Garden Tour
The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association’s annual tour features an eclectic mix of four private properties. Included are Casa de Rojas in the Rams Hill neighborhood, awarded San Diego Home & Garden Magazine’s “Home of the Year” in 2019; and a historical 23-acre property, once an equestrian estate that is being turned into an organic farm. A rustic Western-style, 1-acre property and a midcentury home round out the self-guided tour.Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Tickets: $30, general admission; $24, ABDNHA members; $20 for ABDNHA volunteers. $2 discounts through March 8Info: abdnha.org/gardentour
MARCH 21
Spring Gardening Festival
The UC Master Gardener Association of San Diego County presents its daylong Spring Gardening event at the Sikes Adobe, with hands-on workshops, free talks and demonstrations, informational booths and exhibits, free tool sharpening (limits apply), a succulent swap, garden vendors with thousands of plants, and “Ask a Master Gardener” opportunities. The all-ages event will cover seed starting, vegetable gardening, native plants, garden art, food preservation, irrigation and more.Where: Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive, EscondidoHours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: freeInfo: mastergardenersd.org/spring-event-2026/
MARCH 21-22
Julian Daffodil Show
While Julian is usually all about apples and pies, this weekend the town focuses on the daffodil, a symbol of hope. More than 1,000 blooms will be on display at the 22nd annual Daffodil Show, which is sponsored by the Julian Chamber of Commerce. Members of the American Daffodil Society will be on hand to answer any questions, and local students will display their work at the Daffodil Art Show. All flower entries for judging need to be submitted between noon and 5 p.m. on March 20.Where: Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St., JulianHours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both daysAdmission: freeInfo: visitjulian.com
A self-guided tour of gardens in Point Loma and Coronado, presented by the San Diego Horticultural Society and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers-San Diego District, is March 29. (Angela Benson)
MARCH 29
2026 Spring Garden Tour
“A Diverse Tableau” is the theme of this year’s Spring Garden Tour presented by the San Diego Horticultural Society and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers-San Diego District. The self-guided tour, with gardens in Point Loma and Coronado, features resilient and sustainable gardens shaped by the mild and often damp coastal climate. Included are an enchanting bunny garden and gardens in a cottage compound. The properties highlight the use of color with plants that accentuate architectural details, such as doors and walls.Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tickets: $45; $40 for SDHS and APLD members. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.Info: sdhort.org and apldca.org/apld-events
Spring abundance in a front-yard native plant garden on a past California Native Plant Society tour. The 2026 tour will be April 11 and 12, featuring gardens south of Interstate 8 and west of state Route 125. (Silke Gathmann)
APRIL 11-12
Native Garden Tour
The California Native Plant Society’s “Where Native Plants Thrive, We Thrive” tour is a two-day event focusing on gardens south of Interstate 8 and west of state Route 125. The tour highlights how native gardens help protect our region’s unique biodiversity. The gardens on Saturday, April 11, will be clustered in the southern part of the area, and on Sunday, gardens in the northern half will be open. All gardens have at least 60 percent native plants, and some include signage with links to Calscape, the California Native Plant Society’s database.Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., each dayTickets: $45 for both days; children under 17 freeInfo: cnpssd.org/2026-garden-tour
APRIL 18-19
Coronado Flower Show
The Coronado Floral Association’s 104th Coronado Flower Show, “Welcome to the Jungle,” will be a walk on the wild side, highlighting light and shadow, color and texture. Coronado’s longest-running tradition and the largest flower show in the country, the event includes floral arranging competitions, demonstrations, live music, food, a beer and wine garden and merchandise. Flower lovers of all skill levels can enter the show with divisions ranging from horticulture and floral design to youth and photography.Where: Spreckels Park, 602 Orange Ave., CoronadoHours: 1 to 5 p.m. April 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19Tickets: $10 per day; children under 12 freeInfo: coronadoflowershow.com
APRIL 18-19
Orchids in the Park Show & Sale
The San Diego County Orchid Society’s annual spring event in Balboa Park includes a plant sale, a judged show and the opportunity to learn more about orchids. The “Orchids of the Earth” show is one of four shows annually by the San Diego County Orchid Society and has an outdoor sales area in addition to the indoor show at Casa del Prado. Early-bird orchid sales start at 10 a.m. on April 18.Where: Casa del Prado, Room 101, Balboa ParkHours: noon to 6 p.m. April 18; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19Admission: freeInfo: sdorchids.com
MAY 1-3
Julian Wildflower Show
Since 1926, the Julian Woman’s Club has been holding an annual Wildflower Show. Prior to the show, teams of club members fan out across Julian and the neighboring area to collect wildflowers to display at the show, which is meant to inform about the botanical riches of the area. The club has identified 855 species of flowers growing wild within a 25-mile radius of Julian. The event also includes an art show by Julian elementary schoolchildren and crafts made by club members.Where: Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St., JulianHours: 10 a.m. to 4 pm.Admission: freeInfo: julianwomansclub.org
MAY 2
Bernardo Gardeners Club Spring Garden Tour
Six gardens in Rancho Bernardo and Poway will be open during this annual Spring Garden Tour. Included are gardens with mature trees, an orchid greenhouse, vegetable and herb beds, native plants, cactus and succulents. Crafts, jewelry and garden and fine art will be available for purchase along the way.Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Tickets: $30, available at Walter Andersens Nursery in Poway and El Plantio Nursery in Escondido starting March 15. Tour-day tickets will be available at the Bernardo Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Info: bernardogardeners.org or bernardogardenersclub@gmail.com
The self-guided Clairemont Garden Tour, on May 2, includes over a dozen properties, plus an expo. (Kathleen Voltin)
MAY 2
Clairemont Outdoor Living and Garden Tour
This family-friendly tour, now in its 29th year, includes more than a dozen private properties in several walkable neighborhoods. Gardens of all sizes include water-wise, ornamental and edible plants, natives, succulents, views, chickens, canyons, orchards and more. Owners will be on hand to talk about their landscapes. Art, crafts and food will be offered. The tour, hosted by the Clairemont Town Council, also includes a free expo with garden experts, lectures, live music and food.Hours: Garden tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; expo, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tickets: $20, April 1 through 30; $25, May 1 and 2; children under 12 freeInfo: clairemontonline.com
MAY 2-3
San Diego Rose Society Show
The San Diego Rose Society’s annual Rose Show is a sensory experience of fragrance and colors as rose exhibitors take the art and skill of growing roses to the competitive level. A live rose auction starts at 2 p.m. on May 3.Where: Ronald Reagan Center, 195 E. Douglass Ave., El CajonHours: 1 to 5 p.m. May 2; 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 3Admission: freeInfo: sandiegorosesociety.com/roseshow
MAY 2-3
90th annual Flower Show and Sale
The Vista Garden Club’s 90th annual Flower Show and Sale, the group’s gift to the community, will have member-grown plants and garden art available for purchase at a boutique sale. The flower show will open to the public after judging ends at 2 p.m. on May 2.Where: Jim Porter Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, VistaHours: Boutique sale noon to 5 p.m. and flower show 2 to 5 p.m. May 2; flower show and boutique sale 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3Admission: freeInfo: californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub
MAY 4-JUNE 1
World of Orchids
The San Diego Botanic Garden’s fifth World of Orchids, themed “Orchidelirium,” will showcase hundreds of orchids and capture the world of 19th-century orchid mania, where rare and exotic orchids fueled the passions of Victorian-era collectors and botanical enthusiasts. Orchid classes and workshops, along with plant sales are scheduled throughout the event.Where: San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, EncinitasHours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays.Tickets: Admission to the Botanic Garden ranges from $12 to $20; Botanic Garden members are free. The orchid event is an extra $7.Info: sdbg.org
Roses historically make up the largest number of entries for the Poway Valley Garden Club’s annual flower show. The 2026 event, which includes a plant sale, will be May 9. (Criselda Yee)
MAY 9
Horticulture Specialty Flower Show
The theme of the Poway Valley Garden Club’s 47th annual flower show and plant sale is “Inspired by Nature.” Everyone is welcome to enter the judged show, which has two divisions, horticulture and education. Entries will be accepted May 7 and 8. See website for rules and drop-off hours.Where: Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, PowayHours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: freeInfo: powayvalleygardenclub.org
MAY 9
Mission Hills Garden Walk
The 29th annual Mission Hills Garden Walk is a “Symphony of Inspiration.” The tour will include a variety of gardens where musicians and artists add to this year’s theme. An artisan bazaar will also be open, and attendees will have a chance to learn about DIY projects for their own gardens.Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tickets: $40Info: missionhillsgardenclub.org
MAY 9
Del Mar Community Garden Tour
The Del Mar Garden Club will offer a tour of three unique community gardens. Docents will share the history of the gardens, talk about the plantings and answer questions. Maps will be available at Del Mar City Hall at 10 a.m., where visitors can check out the on-site Pollinator Garden and then begin the tour of the Del Mar Library Drought Tolerant Garden, the nearby Del Mar Community Building Succulent Garden, and then the Del Mar Post Office Shade Garden.Hours: 10 a.m. to noonAdmission: freeInfo: delmargardenclub.org
Tourgoers can explore eight North County properties May 9 and 10 during the San Dieguito Art Guild Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour. Artists will exhibit and sell their work at the properties. (Grace Swanson)
MAY 9-10
San Dieguito Art Guild Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour
Eight North County properties will be open for the 29th annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour. Each home offers a blend of art, architecture and distinctive gardens. Tour properties include dramatic subtropical and desert landscaping, a front yard devoted entirely to succulents, kinetic metal and mosaic art, resident goats and a stop with 17 fruit trees alongside proteas and exotic succulents. More than 30 Guild artists will exhibit and sell their work at the properties. Artwork includes paintings, ceramics, glass, gourd art, fiber arts, photography and jewelry.Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each dayTickets: $40 per person, starting early April; children 17 and under free. Tickets are available at Off Track Gallery (937 South Coast Highway 101, Suite C-103, Encinitas), or online.Info: sandieguitoartguild.com
MAY 9-10
Epiphyllum Mother’s Day Show and Sale
The theme for this year’s show is “Epies: Nature’s Paintbox.” One of the largest epiphyllum hybrid (epi) flower shows in the country, the Mother’s Day show offers an opportunity for people to stroll through epi flower displays in a large variety of colors and sizes. Blooms range from 2 inches to more than 9 inches in width. Plants will be on sale both days. The show is schedule for May 10 only.Where: Casa del Prado, Room 101, Balboa ParkHours: Sales are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9 and 10; the show is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10.Admission: freeInfo: sdepis.org
The La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour, on May 16, offers a rare chance to see behind the gates of properties in the luxury enclave. (Pablo Mason)
MAY 16
Secret Garden Tour
For the 27th year, the La Jolla Historical Society will offer a glimpse behind the walls of some of La Jolla’s most beautiful, secluded gardens. Each garden will have live music and artwork on display, and docents will offer information on the plants and history of the properties. As the name implies, the gardens will be kept secret until tour day, which also includes the Secret Garden Boutique at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St. The popular boutique, which sells gift items and plants, is free and open to the public.Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tickets: $65 general admission, $55 for La Jolla Historical Society members until May 8; $75/$65 from May 9-16. Cost for a bonus garden is $25 until May 8; $35 thereafter.Info: lajollahistory.org/secret-garden-tour
Epiphyllums adorn a garden the Seven Oaks neighborhood of Rancho Bernardo. The Seven Oaks Garden Club Tour will be May 16. (Peri Cunefare)
MAY 16
Seven Oaks Garden Club Tour
The Rancho Bernardo Seven Oaks Garden Club’s annual Spring Garden Tour/Craft & Plant Sale will feature a variety of gardens in the Rancho Bernardo area. The plant and craft sale, which includes edible gifts, will be held at the in the auditorium of the Seven Oaks Community Center. This year’s sale will include special, large plumeria plants and cuttings, along with unusual plants, garden art and bird baths. Members will be on hand to answer gardening questions.Hours: Plant and craft sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; garden tour, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tickets: $20, sold in front of the Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho BernardoInfo: tinyurl.com/42sddp44
MAY 16
Botanical Treasures Plant Sale
The Fallbrook Garden Club’s plant sale will feature California natives, flowers, houseplants, unique planted containers, and more. All funds collected will go toward scholarships, club activities and community projects.Where: Fallbrook Historical Society, 1730 S. Hill Ave., FallbrookHours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Info: fallbrookgardenclub.org
MAY 30
San Diego Floral Association Garden Tour
The San Diego Floral Association’s annual tour, billed as the tour “With a Difference,” will continue the organization’s tradition of presenting a variety of gardens in a historical and architecturally significant neighborhood surrounding Balboa Park.Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tickets: $25 until May 10; $30 until May 29: $35 on tour dayInfo: sandiegofloral.org
JUNE 6-7
San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society Summer Show & Sale
The judged plant show will feature rare and unusual cactuses and succulents grown by local enthusiasts. The outdoor sale area will have more than 30 specialty vendors offering out-of-the-ordinary plants, as well as pottery and growing supplies. Knowledgeable growers will be available to answer questions.Where: Room 101, Casa del Prado, Balboa ParkHours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: freeInfo: sdcss.net