Garden Magic

Crest Rim Trail Garden, between Klish Way and Amphitheater Drive on Crest Road, is a magical place to visit this time of the year. Whether walking your dog or enjoying the tapestry of native plants, the park brings joy to all. Recently, the Del Mar Garden Club was doing its bimonthly maintenance there when we spotted a magnificent Agave “Our Lord’s Candle” (Agave whipplei) down in Crest Canyon. This led me to think about the native Kumeyaay people and how useful this plant is. Did you know that the flowers and seeds of this Agave are edible? Or that the Kumeyaay use fiber from the leaves and stalks to make ropes, carrying bags, and even sandals? The roots contain saponins and can be used to make soap. 

Another botanical wonder in this garden is the rare Warty-stemmed ceanothus. In the spring, it is covered with white flowers that the Kumeyaay people have used for soap. The wood of this plant is useful as a club; the seed is edible and can be ground for food; while the leaf, berry, and sap can be boiled to treat an itch or poison oak.

For more information about the Del Mar Garden Club, visit our website: delmargardenclub.org.