For further information, please contact Susanne Brueckner, Seeds of Wonder Children's Garden Manager, at 760/436-3036 x222 or sbrueckner@qbgardens.org.

Click here for more images from the Seeds of Wonder Garden

Background

Over the last decade, children's gardens have gained popularity across the country, as many teachers, parents and others have voiced concern that in this day and age children have little opportunity to explore the wonders of nature.

In 2000, the trustees and staff of QBG drew upon the inspiration of Jane L. Taylor, the creator of the nationally acclaimed 4-H Club Children's Garden at Michigan State University, and began planning Seeds of Wonder. Ms. Taylor was a key member of the Children's Garden Design Committee at Quail Gardens.

The Seeds of Wonder Children's Garden became the West Coast's first interactive children's garden when it opened to the public in April of 2003. Designed by a carefully recruited team of talented professionals, this one-of-a-kind garden will serve as a preview for the acre-plus San Diego Children's Garden, a component of Quail Botanical Garden's master plan for expansion. (click here for UT article on Seeds of Wonder)

Seeds of Wonder designer Dugmore Design Studio, received an Honor Award from the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

The Seeds of Wonder garden includes such delights as living topiaries, a grassy "rolling hill," an exotic Baby Dinosaur Forest, and the "Secret Garden," as well as sculpture and interactive nature-play features. It is located at the southwest corner of the main parking lot, near the Ecke administration building. In July of 2005, a family restroom was built adjoining the children's garden featuring a child-size commode and a roof planted in succulents.

The Seeds of Wonder Children's Garden features many ongoing and special family events.

Ongoing Programs

Ongoing programs complimenting the new children's garden are rotated periodically. Most are geared toward children ages 18 months through 6 years old, although all ages are welcome. Ongoing programs are free with regular garden admission and pre-registration is not required unless otherwise noted.

Cancellations

The children's programs in Seeds of Wonder are run entirely by volunteers. Occasionally, a volunteer is not able to make it and the program will be cancelled, sometimes with little or no notice. Another volunteer may or may not be available to fill in and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, guests are always welcome to visit Seeds of Wonder and play with the bubbles, dinosaurs, playhouse, and other toys in the garden.

Special Events

In addition to the ongoing programs, there are special events from time to time requiring pre-registration. See upcoming special events for children.

Birthday Parties

The Seeds of Wonder may also be reserved for Birthday Parties. We will work with you to plan activities, and set up for the party. We recommend you schedule your party at least a month in advance, as our calendar fills up quickly. The cost to celebrate a child's birthday party in Seeds of Wonder for four hours is $295 for non-members and $280 for members (price includes admission for 20 adults and 20 children). This includes set-up of all the usual attractions in Seeds of Wonder (bubbles, dinosaur dig, plant potting, etc) and some crafts. The birthday party coordinator will assist you throughout the entire party. Any desired food, drinks, decorations, or additional crafts/activities are your responsibility.

Although we reserve THE PICNIC AREA OF Seeds of Wonder for your party, we do not close the Children's Garden to the public. Seeds of Wonder is always open to the public during regular business hours.

If you would like to check availability, or need more information, please call (760)436-3036 x222.

Wishlist

Maybe you or someone you know could help provide Seeds of Wonder with the following...

• Dawn dishwashing liquid for bubble play
• Sharpie pens

Lost and Found

Often in the excitement of exploring the Gardens children's clothing and toys are left behind. Please call 760-436-3036 x206 if your child is missing something after a trip to the Gardens.