Alta Vista Botanical Gardens marks 25 years since idea took root (original) (raw)

In the late 1960s, Paul Smitgen, a retired surgeon, and his wife Martha bought a hill in Vista. The couple loved the place — its wildlife (rabbits and coyotes), native plants and sunsets. They cleared pathways for walking through nature. They left the property to charity and the City of Vista bought the 16.3-acre hillside for $1.8 million in 1990, adding it to Brengle Terrace Park. Today, visitors can stroll the historic pathways, which are part of a collection of 17 gardens known as Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.

The Gardens have become a nature oasis with miles of trails meandering through trees and plants, many of which are rare, along with dozens of sculptures and artwork displayed in the natural setting, bringing together people, nature and art in an outdoor classroom.

“The Children’s Garden has been transformed from a bare hillside into an interactive and attractive discovery zone,” said long-time volunteer Nancy B. Jones, aka Farmer Jones, director of children’s programs, who leads Kids in the Garden classes and field trips. “The Gardens can be peaceful or ringing with joyful voices,” Jones said.

Among the art on display, there are nine metal dinosaur sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda, ranging from dinosaurs to giraffes and a serpent, shown here. Courtesy of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.

Since its early days, the Gardens have grown little by little through community effort. Vista community members developed a master plan in the early 1970s that included the idea for a garden on the hill at Brengle Terrace Park.

“At the time, the city didn’t own the land, but it included the idea for the botanical gardens in its master plan for the park,” Jones said.

The plan included input from a park designer the city had hired, who suggested the hill would be the perfect spot for botanical gardens, according to Jones’ historical records.

In 1999, the city designated 14 acres as a public garden to be managed by a nonprofit foundation. The city signed a 99-year lease and donated $50,000 toward the project. In May that year the nonprofit Vista Botanical Garden Foundation was established and work began on what was then called the Vista Botanical Forest. The work was spearheaded by a group, including founders Mardy E. Darian, an internationally recognized palm specialist who cultivated a forest on his property in Vista, Larry Hoekstra, JoAnn Hoekstra, Rocco Valluzzi, Ron Holloway and Joe Lentz, who donated their money and time to building the foundation and what later became Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens feature art in the natural setting. The Chef D sculpture is by Philip Glashoff and is in the Sharon Kern Culinary Garden, which has five whimsical culinary-themed sculptures.

The Gardens opened in the early 2000s. In July 2003, Darian and a number of members of the board of trustees resigned, apparently as a result of a dispute with the city over the final shape, size and location of the Tropical Botanical Forest.

“Dr. Darian’s vision of the Garden was very costly to build and never generated enough funds to build,” said Holloway, president of the Alta Vista Gardens board of directors.

A new group of volunteers stepped up to form a board under the leadership of Jim Porter, head of City of Vista Parks and Recreation. The new board created a mission statement and vision for a collection of garden spaces and gathering places in November 2005. The vision was more about connecting the community with nature and less about being a scientific research center. The Vista City Council approved the plan for Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.

“I’m fortunate to have a great board of directors that does a lot of work, it’s a very hands on group. I enjoy being around people with a dedication to work on the development and maintenance of a wonderful community project,” Holloway said.

Since then, the foundation with the help of community members has developed the hilltop into more than 15 botanical garden areas, ranging from Pan Asian, Conifer & Fern, Prehistoric Cycad, Jungle and Desert to South African and California Natives Garden along with a Children’s Garden and a new Zen garden.

“The gardens are a treasure trove and represent Vista’s Community’s spirit — you can relax in the Jeffrey Stein Music Garden and find tranquility in the Ivy Boden Rose Garden or embark on the Discovery Trail and marvel at the Prehistoric Garden’s dinosaur sculptures. The Healing Inspiration Garden and the Zen Stacking Stone Garden offer moments of peace and reflection,” said Rusti Dixon, garden manager at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. “It’s not just a public space but a canvas for cherished family memories and milestones.”

The Earth Day Festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens drew more than 1,000 visitors to the Gardens atop Brengle Terrace Park in 2023. Pictured at the festival are raffle winners. Courtesy of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

There are ponds, patios and a waterfall. Among the art on display, there are nine metal dinosaur sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda, ranging from dinosaurs to giraffes and a serpent. The gardens are a certified wildlife habitat and butterfly habitat.

“I don’t think the garden would be where it is today without Ron Holloway’s work and expertise, along with the work of others,” said Cathy Brendel, who worked for the City of Vista’s Parks and Recreation Department from 1978 — 2008, and served as director of the City’s Parks and Community Services Department during the time the garden was being developed.

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is supported through entry fees, memberships, rentals and fund-raising events along with help from local businesses and volunteers. This year, the foundation was nominated as a finalist for the Heroes of Vista nonprofit of the year award. Each year, the Gardens host a free Fall Fun Festival and Earth Day Festival for the community.

A fundraising gala on Sept. 7 at the gardens will celebrate the community’s efforts to grow the garden over a quarter of a century.

Tickets to the 25th anniversary gala are $250. Visit https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org/ for more information.