CALENDAR TODAY
San Diego Floral Association Garden Tour:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The San Diego Floral Association’s annual “garden tour with a difference” will feature gardens in Bankers Hill, known for its history and architecture. The “Hidden Riches: Gardens of Historic Bankers Hill” tour includes the largest number of gardens ever presented. As a special feature, the grounds and first floor of the grand Long-Waterman mansion, the “Queen of Bankers Hill,” will be open to ticket holders. Built in 1889 in American Queen Anne style, this historic home and its towering trees grace the corner of First Avenue and Kalmia Street. Others include a canyonside garden created by Kate Sessions, working with architect Irving Gill; a garden that surrounds a near-perfect example of the early San Diego arts & crafts architecture of William Hebbard and Gill; and one with colorful mosaic murals. See dense cottage gardens, xeriscape adaptions, San Diego’s oldest community garden and a pottery show and sale in an established garden near the Spruce Street suspension bridge. The association, based in the Casa del
Prado in Balboa Park, offers classes, lectures, garden tours and an eco fair, “Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees,” and a “Festival of Trees” holiday celebration each winter. Tickets: $35 day of tour. sdfloral.org
San Diego Design Expo: Noon to 7 p.m. The inaugural San Diego Design Expo will showcase the work of more than 30 local emerging artists and designers, in a curated exhibition hosted by Studio Imogen, Staging Collective and AMA Fiber Art. The event, held at the Counterflow Haus space, 3446 Hancock St. in Point Loma, will provide an opportunity for trade buyers and collectors to network with local artists and makers in areas ranging from art and furniture to textiles and tile design, and to stay ahead of design trends. The event will include live music from local DJs, complimentary drinks from JuneShine and Sake High. Coffee and pastries from Il Giardino di Lilli and gourmet burgers from Rec Room will be available for purchase. Tickets: $25. imogenbaxterdesign.com/event/sandiego-design-expo-2023
JUNE 3 AND 4 San Diego Cactus & Succulent Society Summer Show and Sale:
Saturday show 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and sale 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (members-only sale 9 to 11 a.m., with membership card) at the Casa del Prado patio in Balboa Park; Sunday show and sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See incredible succulents and cactuses from around the world and shop for unique plants from dozens of plant vendors, as well as local artisans. The show is open to anyone who grows succulents; there is no limit to the number of entries per class or number of classes entered. Show and sale admission is free. sdcss.net
SEPT. 16
San Diego Coastal Art Studios Tour: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take a free, self-guided tour to see the works of 33 local artists displayed in studio and garden settings during the third annual San Diego Coastal Art Studios Tour. The event, held in Pacific Beach and La Jolla, will feature four locations that will be disclosed online on Sept. 1 at sdcoastalartstudios.com. The properties on the tour include a Kate Sessions garden at a 1926 home designed by Irving Gill; a 1920 Moorish style home with a 20-foot-tall studio; and a new location perched above Bird Rock, a custom home with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The latter will showcase the artist’s working glass studio, high-end art and sculptures. Invitational
artists will show throughout the tour in diverse categories: realism, abstracts, oils, watercolors, mixed media, pastels, jewelry, fiber arts,
ceramics, wood, gourds, metal garden art, high-end stained glass and glass sculpture. The event is a benefit for Promises2Kids, a nonprofit organization
that works to create brighter futures for foster children living in San Diego County. Free. sdcoastalartstudios.com