Engage Your Senses
Balboa Park in San Diego is a popular place to visit for many reasons and near the corner of Balboa Way and Quince Street is a garden worth taking a short stroll through.
One of the many benefits of living just blocks from the expansive and vibrant Balboa Park is the wonderful opportunity to take full advantage of its many scenic trails. A favorite route that we often take includes the peaceful side path along the Five Senses Loop, which serves as an offshoot of the greater Balboa Park Loop Trail. This particular trail is designed to engage and stimulate the five senses, making every step a sensory experience. Along this shorter trail, which measures less than 0.65 miles, you will find the charming Trees for Health Garden, featuring a variety of trees such as Ginkgo, Cinnamon, and Mulberry, among many others. Additionally, there are numerous medicinal plants cleverly dotted throughout the winding paths of the garden.
From the fragrant and beautiful flowers adorning the landscape to the cheerful sounds of birds chirping and squirrels energetically playing, there is so much to enjoy and appreciate about this lovely garden. The Trees for Health Garden is maintained by dedicated volunteers who we have often seen tending the area, pulling weeds, trimming branches, and reshaping shrubs for optimal growth, all while ensuring the paths remain clear and inviting. In addition to the smaller signs indicating what the various plants are, there are informative plaques that describe the medicinal benefits of the trees and indicate the regions of the world where they are native.
Taste - Signage throughout the area indicates the flavors one could expect from the various leaves, roots, or fruit of the plants (please don’t eat anything from the garden - the signs are for information only).
Touch - Let your fingers touch the bark on the various trees and the different textures of the flowers petals, in addition to the leaves of the aloe plants.
Smell - There are numerous flowers that have intoxicating scents, be sure to take time to smell them to find your favorite.
Sound - You are sure to be serenaded by the many birds that frequent the garden and be sure to listen for the chattering of the squirrels.
Sight - Spring and summer are a favorite time to see the gorgeous colors of the park and the garden doesn’t let you down with the colorful poppies, irises, lavender, and so many other flowers.
If you get a chance, take a leisurely stroll through this welcoming garden – your senses will undoubtedly thank you for the delightful experience.
