On April 1, the Sike’s Adobe Historic Farmstead was a featured location of the California Native Plant Society-San Diego’s Native Garden Tours organized by Christine Hoey and Silke Gathmann of CNPS-SD. More than 400 people turned out in perfect weather. The blue skies and warm temperatures were ideal for tours of the pollinator garden, and other native plant gardens led by garden volunteers, Mike and Mary Wloch.
In addition to the garden tours, activities at the Sike’s Adobe Historic Farmstead were organized by Senior Interpretive Ranger, Leana Bulay and Interpretive Ranger, Jessica Yost. Participants were treated to tours of the Sike’s farmhouse and grounds by Monica Demler, Gary Welch, Steve and Anita Hissem, Ruth Gach and Christina Barbosa. The children were entertained by Sikes Caretakers, Jenn Toby and Juan Lopez and their son Manuel Lopez at the “Children’s Art of Nature Station” where they made native seed balls for planting at home.
With the adobe house as the backdrop, the native gardens were highlighted as an extension of the farmstead. The visitors were impressed with the magnificent blooming varieties of ceanothus, the garden designs, and the variety of native plants throughout the gardens. Many participants who had never been to the Farmstead said they would make a point of visiting the Sike’s Adobe site again and walking the Mule Hill Trail.
CNPS-SD had booths for pick-up of tour tickets and sale of native plant seeds, native plant-related books, signs, and stickers, as well as information on the society. SDRP also had a table set up for information and the sale of SDRP-related items: SDRP t-shirts were a favorite! The extensive pre-event preparations and great turn-out of SDRP volunteers and staff on the day of the tours made for a memorable event.
A Recent Donation to Sikes Adobe Historic Homestead