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Updates on the Organization

Scholarships

We will continue to provide scholarships for qualified students who are majoring in Environmental Horticulture or Landscaping Design.

Our current recipient, Ignacio Moreno, attends Cal Poly, Pomona. His outstanding grades are a testament to how well he applies himself to his studies, while still working full time. He is pursuing a double major in Landscape Architecture and Plant Science. He will graduate in June, 2022.
Getting Out and Into Gardens

We are all missing our garden “fixes”. Attached is a list of gardens you may tour yourself. Please check ahead of time to verify their hours. Conditions are subject to change!

In keeping with the state of California’s coronavirus pandemic guidelines, the Desert Horticultural Society has no meetings, garden tours, special events, nor field trips scheduled for the foreseeable future. We look forward to getting back on track in 2021.

Meanwhile, there are botanic gardens and nature preserves where you may get out and enjoy nature in the Coachella Valley and Southern California. All have strict protocols regarding number of visitors, social distancing and mask requirements to add to your safety. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit:

Gardens in Coachella Valley

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert
Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
Website: desertmountains.org

Walking and hiking trails are open. Birding WalkAbouts and Interpretive Hikes are offered and require registration. For information, check out the calendar on The Friends of the Desert Mountains’ website. It also lists updates and guidelines for various other outdoor destinations (e.g., Joshua Tree, Indian Canyons).

Coachella Valley Preserve
29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 7 am – 5 pm
Website: coachellavalleypreserve.org

A unique desert environment of beautiful palm trees and other desert flora, as well as birds and other wildlife. There are miles of hiking trails. Guided hikes and bird walks are not offered during the pandemic. Check their web site for details.

California Botanic Garden (formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden)
1500 N. College Avenue, Claremont
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm.
Pre-purchased online reservation required
Fee: Adults $10; Seniors (65+) $6
Website: calbg.org

An 86-acre garden dedicated to native plants. If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll love this garden! Check website for events and activities.

A Recent Visit to the California Botanic Garden
by Joyce Haraughty

How many times have you put off exploring a new place for no good reason except it’s right out your back door? I’ve lived in Southern California for nearly 40 years and didn’t know what I was missing by not venturing to the California Botanic Garden much sooner. Last month I finally crossed this garden oasis off my bucket list. What an amazing place! I will return!

Formerly known as Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, its 86 acres are dedicated to the growth, conservation, and research of California natives. The garden is well-maintained, yet it has a very natural and rustic feel. Walking trails meander through the various habitats.

On display are more than 22,000 native California trees and plants, including Torrey Pines, Joshua Trees, Fan Palms, Cactus, Sage, Chuparosa, Desert Marigolds, Brittlebush, wildflowers, and much more. Most plants are labeled.

At the time of my visit In early January, not many plants were in bloom. March and April should be a good time to view a colorful kaleidoscope of spring buds.

The garden is open with limited capacity, making it easy to social distance. Pre-purchase of admission tickets prior to arriving at the garden is highly recommended. And the price is right: $10 for adults; $6 for seniors.

A better deal is an annual membership at $50 for an individual or $85 for a family. Besides typical membership benefits (such as unlimited admission), a membership includes admission at 300 reciprocal gardens across the United States. Some 30 California gardens are on the list, including Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, San Diego Botanic Garden, and The Ruth Bancroft Garden. Wouldn’t it be fun to visit all of them?

If you’re more than ready to get out of the house in a safe environment the California Botanic Garden, located in the charming small university town of Claremont. It’s an easy drive, about 1 ½ hours from the Palm Springs area.

Desert Hort Artist Participates in Palm Springs Bench Makeover Project

Congratulations to Jessyca Frederick on her recent commission to paint three benches for the City of Palm Springs. Good work Jessyca.

Hooded Orioles by Jessyca Frederick

Hooded Orioles is located at 865 N Palm Canyon Dr

Opuntias by Jessyca Frederick

Opuntias is located at 105 S Palm Canyon Dr

Opuntia by Jessyca Frederick

Opuntia is located at the Convention Center on Calle Alvarado

We know that 2021 is going to get better and better and we intend to stay in touch!

Stay safe, stay healthy and give each other hugs. We hope to see you soon!!!

P.S. We now have an Instagram account! Keep in touch by following us at @deserthortsociety

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