More from Balboa Park in San Diego
I briefly outlined the history of Balboa Park in yesterday’s post about the Desert Garden. There are nine named gardens in the 1,200 acre park and someday I’ll get to all of them. This year there was just too little time and the needs of my family to consider.
This post is a potpourri of pictures I snapped as I was crisscrossing Balboa Park while my family was at the Museum of Man. The architecture alone is worth a trip; the lush plantings make exploring the park even sweeter.
Plaza de Panamá right in the center Balboa Park
El Prado is a wide boulevard that runs through the heart of Balboa Park. The buildings on either side of the street are truly impressive. I think the Spanish Baroque architecture fits the setting beautifully.
Façade detail
Casa del Prado Theatre
Door of Casa del Prado Theatre
El Prado Arcade, south side
I should know what these palms are… Can anybody help?
Dragon tree (Dracaeno draco)
Agave ‘Blue Glow’
The Botanical Building is one of the largest lath structures in the world. It houses more than 2,100 permanent plants. I walked through quickly, but it was crowded and the light was very contrasty. Check out Danger Garden’s recent post for more pictures.
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and sand lily (Veltheimia capensis) inside the Botanical Building
Staghorn fern (Platycerium sp.)
Alcantarea imperialis, a terrestrial bromeliad native to the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro
Lily pond and Casa de Balboa
Bismarck palms (Bismarckia nobilis) and tree aloes (probably Aloidendron ‘Hercules’) outside the Timken Museum of Art
El Prado Arcade, north side
View from the Arcade
Another dragon tree (Dracaena draco)
Pink trumpet tree (Tabebuia impetiginosa), Alcazar Garden
Moreton bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) outside the Alcazar Garden
Moreton bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) outside the Alcazar Garden
Alcazar Garden, a formal Spanish garden inspired by Alcázar Palace in Seville
California Tower seen from the Alcazar Garden
California Quadrangle with California Building and Tower (which houses the Museum of Man)
Balboa Park is truly an inspiration. After walking around for a few hours, I was thirsty and tired but also elated. I can’t go back to explore the parts I wasn’t able to see this time.
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Great photos Gerhard, isn't it a beautiful place? I'm so glad you liked the architecture.
ReplyDeleteVisiting Balboa Park is almost like taking a trip to Spain!
DeleteMaybe one day :) gorgeous architecture, and really reminds me of Madrid too
ReplyDeleteYour list of places to visit in California is getting ever longer, LOL!
DeleteRoystonia regia? I cannot see the crown shaft in your photo, which would be green. Whatever they are, that's a really fine Palm. There are a few here in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteNice photos. Hopefully next time I am down that way I can spend more time and wander about.
Roystonea regia is an excellent guess. A superbly attractive palm, in my opinion.
DeleteI have saved and plan to repost two of your photos of the carving on plants. I'm very concerned about this issue. Going to good people, I promise.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! I appreciate your efforts.
Delete