San Francisco Botanical Garden - Gardens - From the Associate Curator

From the Associate Curator

Associate Curator David Kruse-Pickler
Mr. Kruse-Pickler has worked at SFBG since 2007, first as Plant Collections Manager, then as Associate Curator. Prior to that he volunteered as a Docent as well as a Nursery and Plant Collections volunteer. Currently, he is working on a graduate degree in Plant Systematics of California Native Flora at San Francisco State University.

Puya alpestris blooming in the Succulent Garden.

Secret Paths & Extraordinary Plants

So you think you know your Botanical Garden? See if you can find this garden 'secret' on your next visit to the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Look for a nondescript, rocky path that leads up to the Succulent garden from the main paved path as you walk up from the nursery. Right now, it is the best way to get up close to one of the most unusual and fantastic flowers at the Garden. Puya alpestris from Chile is in the bromeliad family, which includes many plants with fibrous, spiky edged leaves. It is one of the most dramatic and beautiful plants when in bloom, as it sends up a flower stalk to 6' with bright turquoise flowers. Finding this little known path is a lot easier now with these flower stalks shooting up to get attention (and pollination); and will get you up close and face to face with these phenomenal flowers. Bring your camera and prepare to be blown away!

*While in the Succulent garden, be on the lookout for the 17 new Agave species that will be planted during early summer.

David Kruse-Pickler
Associate Curator, San Francisco Botanical Garden Society

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