Forever Balboa Park breaks ground on Central Gardens phase of Botanical Building restoration

The transformation of Balboa Park’s Botanical Building isn’t quite finished.

After Memorial Day, crews will break ground on the Central Gardens — the final phase of restoration that will introduce Mediterranean-style landscapes and revive historic features like the west lawn pergola.

Led by Forever Balboa Park, the nonprofit partner to the city of San Diego, this phase builds on the building’s $26 million renovation, completed in December.

Since reopening, the landmark has welcomed more than 3,000 daily visitors. Now, with nearly 70 percent of a $10 million capital campaign secured, the focus shifts to enhancing the surrounding gardens, which are expected to open in January 2026.

The new design will reflect a “Global Mediterranean” theme, taking advantage of the park’s diverse microclimates to create unique garden experiences:

• The Entry Garden will greet visitors along the Lily Pond with bold, high-contrast plantings in pink and lime green, including Agave Blue Flame.
• The Sensory Garden, located on the west side, will feature aromatic foliage, textured plantings, and vibrant colors like blue-green, sulphur yellow, and orange.
• The Fragrant Garden will envelop the rebuilt pergola with lavender, jasmine, rosemary, and climbing vines.
• The Morning Garden, on the eastern edge, will capture early light with backlit blooms and silvery textures.

Forever Balboa Park’s work extends well beyond this project. As the city’s official nonprofit partner, the organization supports park-wide improvements, manages historic sites like the House of Hospitality and the Dorothea Laub Carousel, mobilizes volunteers, and advocates for the park’s ongoing care. Its mission: to ensure Balboa Park thrives as a shared space where people and nature flourish together.