Statue of Kate Sessions in Balboa Park (by Ruth Hayward)
The weather may be inclimate, but it will still be a party for Kate! Join the festivities at the Marston House on Saturday, November 12, from 11am-2pm. The first 50 guests will receive a free Floral Association tote bag with goodies inside!
Katherine Olivia Sessions (1857-1940) was known to many as “Kate.” During her long career in San Diego (which began as a teacher) she became a world-recognized horticulturist, florist, nurserywomen and landscape designer, Kate imported, introduced, propagated and popularized hundreds of trees, palms, vines, shrubs and succulents. These include many of our most beloved plants: poinsettia, bird of paradise, Italian cypress, twisted juniper, queen palm, jacaranda, yellow oleander, Carolina yellow jasmine, banyan, New Zealand Christmas tree, Aleppo pine, Brazilian pepper tree, blue cypress, bougainvillea and star jasmine.
The day’s activities include an 11am program including a brief history of Sessions’ life and her efforts to plant trees in Balboa Park, a tour of the urban forest surrounding the Marston House with Fausto Palafox, a talk and walk to the Kate Sessions statue with Ranger Kim Duclo, tours of the historic Marston House and gardens, a plant sale.
Katherine O. Sessions was called “the Mother of Balboa Park” because of her extraordinary horticultural contributions to Balboa Park. In 1892, after the park land was dedicated for public use, Sessions asked for 30 acres at the northwest corner of the park for a nursery. In return, Sessions pledged to plant 100 trees in the park each year for ten years. Kate inspired private citizens and school children to help her plant. Sessions is also credited with popularizing the jacaranda, Brazilian pepper trees and poinsettias in San Diego. In 2008 this great gardener was honored with a new geranium named for her.
Three organizations with strong ties to Kate Sessions and Balboa Park have joined together to create a fun-filled day. Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) maintains the historic Marston residence and gardens and is committed to raising awareness of historic preservation. The San Diego Floral Association helped develop Balboa Park and preserve native groves of oak and Torrey pines. The Friends of Balboa Park funds projects that enhance, protect, and preserve the park’s legacy.
