Botanic Wonderland guests will get first glimpse of this incredible greenhouse-like structure housing rare & unusual tropical plants

Encinitas CA— This holiday season, San Diego Botanic Garden is proud to unveil its newest visitor attraction – the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory!
This 30’ high, glass-enclosed 8,232 sq. ft. structure is located adjacent to our Hamilton Children’s Garden (HCG). Inside is a 5,292 sq. ft. multi-purpose area consisting of plant displays, hanging plant chandeliers, floating plant islands, and a 15’ Living Wall.
Also inside is another 3,291 sq. ft. space housing classrooms and meeting rooms, with a catering kitchen, an office, and large restroom facilities.
Adjacent to this stunning new addition to the visitor experience at the Garden is a 3,512 sq. ft. outdoor amphitheater that can seat 265 people. Both the Conservatory and Amphitheater make a wonderful setting for indoor/outdoor entertainment, education programs, weddings, corporate retreats and special events of all kinds.
The Garden’s annual holiday event for the community, Botanic Wonderland, will be held throughout December in the spectacular new Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. All through the month, visitors of all ages can enjoy the treasure trove of unique plants that can only grow in this incredible new space against the backdrop of amazing holiday lights and horticultural displays.
“There is nothing more exciting in the botanical garden world than the opening of a brand new conservatory,” said Dr. Ari Novy, President and CEO of San Diego Botanic Garden. “The Dickinson Family Education Conservatory will allow San Diego Botanic Garden to conserve critically endangered plants while educating the community about the wonders of the plant kingdom. It is a resource for every age group in San Diego County.”
The Conservatory was designed by Green House Works of Kansas City and Daneen Powell Atelier and domusstudio, both of San Diego. It consists of a one of a kind steel frame with glass panels made by Deforche, a Belgian company with expertise in quality construction of botanical conservatories.
The Conservatory contains a state of the art climate-controlled, reverse-osmosis fog system and boiler radiant heated floor, to help foster growth of the tropical plants it houses. It also contains specialized roll-up doors, roof vents, fans and ceiling shades all connected to an automated control system for optimal plant care.
The Dickinson Family Education Conservatory is designed to serve as a community meeting space where people of all ages can connect with plants and nature, fulfilling the mission of the Garden. Named after the charitable organization that pledged the initial $1M challenge grant for its creation, The Donald C. & Elizabeth M. Dickinson Foundation, this new education and events space will enhance the mission of the Garden “To inspire people of all ages to connect with plants and nature.”
For rental pricing and more information on the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, please visit our website at: SDBGarden.org/conservatory.htm.