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Category Archives: plants
a timeless grove in golden gate park
How fitting that a grove of redwoods in Golden Gate Park commemorates those who have lost their lives to AIDS. For me, a stroll through these magnificent giants is a spiritual experience whenever I encounter them. Even more than stone circles and … Continue reading
Posted in gardens, plants, trees/urban forest
Tagged AIDS Memorial Grove, golden gate park, urban parks, walk in the park
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weeds of golden gate park: nasturtium
A weed is “a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.” Nasturtium is my favorite weed, of the many growing in golden gate park. Its gray-green, disk-shaped leaves and bright orange-red-yellow flowers are … Continue reading
Posted in blooming, plants, urban ecology, weeds
Tagged flowers in golden gate park, golden gate park, invasive plants, urban ecology, urban evolution, weeds, wildflowers
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water in golden gate park: name that pond
A lovely pond just inside the Friend Gate in the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park is frequented by ducks and seagulls, stocked with large carp and home to turtles that particularly delight small children who were running around the verges and keeping … Continue reading
Australian tree like a benign serpent in the grass of golden gate park
Next to the Ghiradelli Rustic Shelter, a hang-out for chess and checker players just north-west of the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, the serpentine trunks of an old (possibly dying?) Melaleuca tree must be an irresistible jungle gym for children. Going … Continue reading
Posted in plants, trees/urban forest
Tagged golden gate park, trees of golden gate park, urban forest, urban parks
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the conservatory of flowers in golden gate park
The Conservatory of Flowers is the emblem and pride of Golden Gate Park. With its elegant symmetry, white-washed glass panes and delicate wooden fretwork it commands an imposing prospect overlooking formal flowerbeds and gracious green lawns. More than anything else, the Conservatory establishes the park’s nineteenth century pedigree, … Continue reading
primordial tree fern dell in golden gate park
The shady Tree Fern Dell in Golden Gate Park is so different in mood from the sunny, flower-filled Conservatory Valley on the other side of JFK Drive. But this jungly dell well represents the flip side of the Victorian sensibility, a fascination with the exotic and … Continue reading
Pastels of Golden Gate Park
Here are two gorgeous pastel drawings of Golden Gate Park, by San Francisco artist Diane Olivier, who is also a legendary drawing teacher at San Francisco City College. Two different days, very different light in the park! Both drawings were … Continue reading
Posted in arts, plants, san francisco botanical garden
Tagged art in golden gate park, golden gate park
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Plants with a mean streak
Check out the new exhibit that just opened at the Conservatory of Flowers (and will be on view through mid October). “San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers spokeswoman Nina Sazevich quips, “Chomp: They Came from the Swamp,” is bound to be … Continue reading
Must love broccoli: A community garden plays matchmaker | KALW
Community gardens have come and gone in Golden Gate Park over the years. The pictures show victory gardens in the park during WW II. The following KALW story describes a new garden where vegetables are growing communally in the park. … Continue reading
Posted in eating, gardens, people, plants
Tagged community gardens, golden gate park, golden gate park history, urban farming, urban food systems
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Shakespeare in the Park
Here’s a lovely article about the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park. Reminds me that I’ve been meaning to revisit this little gem. When the rain stops . . . “An Afternoon with the Bard in Golden Gate Park … Continue reading
Posted in arts, history, people, plants
Tagged art in golden gate park, golden gate park, golden gate park history, Shakespeare, shakespeare in the park
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golden gate park: views from the thicket 