Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, CA completed a major renovation of the “Firescape—Landscaping for Fire Safety Garden,” and re-opened it to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 29, 2005.  This demonstration garden surrounds the building and demonstrates principles and concepts of fire safe landscaping. Diverse and attractive plantings in a buffer zone of defensible space are placed between an adjacent preserve of native coastal sage scrub habitat—a fire-adapted ecosystem—and the structures that need protection. Interpretive signage explains key features of the design and the habitat. Take-home brochures will help homeowners assess their own home’s risk factors and suggest strategies to decrease their vulnerability.  In addition, the 30-minute magazine-style video entitled Between Wildfires was given it’s first public screening after the ceremony and garden tour. 

Press Release