After you've raked in all the gifts. After you've weeded through the cash gift cards. After you've eaten every bloomin' thing put before you this holiday season, it might just be time to seek asylum in nature's presence.

We've squirreled this "Tip" away for this week. We've covered a lot of ground in the last year. Maybe we're the people who have secretly wanted a break from it all and we're projecting that on you. Could it be? If so, we'll nip it in the bud. Perhaps, instead, it is just common ground between us. We'll hedge our bet and assume that, right about now, everybody needs a break. Everyone needs time to cultivate the garden within.

Centrally located, these places will give you a spot to seek refuge, escape, hide, and even just recover from the upcoming mad dash to the holiday finish line. And they won't cost you a dime.

Two gardens of different varieties are just where the crow flies from each other. Get down to earth, park the car and have a saunter amidst a natural environment and just up the street, an urban garden created by volunteers.

Pt. Loma Native Plant Reserve

The Point Loma Native Plant Reserve Garden, a two-acre property, was created in 1972 as part of the larger 6.6 acres of Collier Park. The Collier Park story has a history, but suffice to say the land was set aside for children back in the early 1900's. We'll go easy on you this week on history.

The Point Loma Native Plant Reserve is full of succulents, coastal sage scrub, butterflies, bush mallows, wildlife and other well...native plants to the area. With the short trails and proximity to urban life, there's no excuse to take a little time to check it out. And we'll sweeten the deal.

Just within walking distance is the Ocean Beach Community Garden. We're big fans of what community volunteers are willing to do to make our lives richer. Though they are not inclined to dump large sums of money in our bank accounts, they are willing to give up countless hours beautifying our neighborhoods. In Ocean Beach, they've created a community oasis for all to enjoy as well as learn from. The public can get into the garden every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-4:00pm. Who knows, the experience could even turn your thumbs green or green with envy.

Ocean Beach Community Garden

San Diegans know that Ocean Beach has a vibe all its own. It is filled with passionate environmentalists who do all they can to educate and improve the environment. The Point Loma Native Plant Reserve and The Ocean Beach Community Garden are places for all of us to enjoy. If you see a volunteer, thank them... we owe 'em.

Directions to Point Loma Native Plant Reserve:
From I-8
Take I-8 west to the end, follow the sign to Nimitiz Blvd.
Take Nimitz to the exit for Famosa Blvd / Catalina Blvd
Turn right onto Famosa / Catalina
Turn right onto Voltaire
Continue one block to Mendocino
Turn right onto Mendocino and go two blocks to Greene Street. The entrance to the Reserve is located at the intersection. Street parking is available nearby.

Map to both Point Loma Native Plant Reserve & Ocean Beach Community Garden.