Author Archives: fromthethicket

About fromthethicket

I'm a landscape historian and professor emeritus of landscape architecture, UC Davis. I live in San Francisco.

Eucalyptus at Dusk

Posted on July 15, 2017 by fromthethicket

One of my favorite times to walk in Golden Gate Park is at dusk. The great, old trees stand tall, silhouetted against the sky, each one uniquely contorted and top-heavy in a delicate balancing act compensating for limbs lopped off … Continue reading →

Posted in arts, plants, trees/urban forest | Tagged artists in golden gate park, Eucalyptus, golden gate park | 2 Comments

Flower Piano Returns to the SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park

Posted on July 13, 2017 by fromthethicket

“Back for its third consecutive year, Flower Piano invites visitors to experience a special 12–day long, spontaneous community event. Beginning July 13 and running through July 24, anyone can play on the 12 pianos that will be placed at dramatic, … Continue reading →

Posted in arts, concerts, events in Golden Gate Park, san francisco botanical garden | Tagged fly fishing, golden gate park, music in the park, pianos in the park, public art, san francisco botanical garden, urban parks | Leave a comment

Groovy ‘Phototaxis’ Adds Fuel To San Francisco’s Summer Of Love Celebration | HuffPost

Posted on June 30, 2017 by fromthethicket

San Franciscans have never been known to hold back from artistic expression or for being valiant crusaders of civil rights for that matter. However something truly groovy emerged this month in Golden Gate Park to honor the 50th anniversary of … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, arts, Conservatory of Flowers, events in Golden Gate Park | Tagged architecture in golden gate park, art in golden gate park, artists in golden gate park, flowers in golden gate park, golden, golden gate park, golden gate park history, Summer of Love | 1 Comment

Whoa Nelly! Horses go on joy ride in SF’s Golden Gate Park – San Francisco Chronicle

Posted on June 8, 2017 by fromthethicket

Nearly two dozen horses escaped from a stable and hoofed it through Golden Gate Park in San Francisco early Wednesday, sending park rangers on an impromptu roundup. Twenty-three horses bolted about 5 a.m. from a corral at the Bercut Equitation … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, recreation | Tagged golden gate park, horses in golden gate park, recreation in golden gate park | 1 Comment

Conservatory of Flowers will be illuminated psychedelic colors for Summer of Love anniversary – Curbed SF

Posted on May 16, 2017 by fromthethicket

As San Francisco gears up to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Summer of Love—where, in 1967, an estimated 100,000 youths, sporting flowers in their hair and LSD on their brains, converged in the Haight-Ashbury sparking the hippie social movement—scores … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, Conservatory of Flowers | Tagged Conservatory of Flowers, golden gate park, Light show, Summer of Love | Comments Off

Volunteers helping visitors spot Blue Herons and their chicks in Golden Gate Park | abc7news.com

Posted on April 18, 2017 by fromthethicket

“SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Volunteers are helping visitors spot Blue Herons and their chicks in Golden Gate Park over the next few weeks. The nests at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park have seen 179 herons over the years. They … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, birds, wildlife | Tagged birds nesting, birds of golden gate park, golden gate park, great blue herons | 1 Comment

Saddle Up: City Pilots Guided Horse Rides In Golden Gate And McLaren Parks | Hoodline

Posted on March 30, 2017 by fromthethicket

“Hold your horses, San Francisco: this news will likely stirrup some excitement. Beginning today, SF Rec and Park is offering horseback rides to the public in Golden Gate Park. The department is exploring the feasibility of guided horse rides in two … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, recreation | Tagged golden gate park, horses in the park, urban parks | Leave a comment

The Park: A Love Story

Posted on September 1, 2016 by fromthethicket

The Helen Crocker Russell Library is pleased to present a new exhibition by photographer Stephen Kane. The exhibit, The Park: A Love Story, celebrates the beauty and diversity of landscapes and flora in our beloved Golden Gate Park. This will be … Continue reading →

Posted in arts, events in Golden Gate Park, people, plants, san francisco botanical garden | Tagged art in golden gate park, golden gate park, nature photography, trees of golden gate park | 1 Comment

Happy 146th Birthday Golden Gate Park

Posted on April 6, 2016 by fromthethicket

Follow the link below to watch a video tribute to San Francisco’s flagship park from the Department of Recreation and Parks. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRZXk9D5-qo&sns=em

Posted in arts, plants, promotions, recreation | Tagged golden gate park | 1 Comment

Getting To Know The Great Horned Owls Of Golden Gate Park | Hoodline

Posted on November 24, 2015 by fromthethicket

A great article about Great Horned Owls in Golden Gate Park: Living near Golden Gate Park means getting used to nocturnal wildlife encounters, whether it’s raccoons, skunks or the occasional coyote. But there’s another neighborhood animal that’s more often heard than seen: … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, birds, urban ecology, wildlife | Tagged birds of golden gate park, great horned owl, urban ecology, urban wildlife | 2 Comments