Expanding Horizons

Welcome to Pikake Gardens

Pikake Gardens was conceived as a lifelong dream of Clyde and Connie Childress. Tired of the bustle of South Orange County they decided to relocate to Valley Center. Clyde and Connie first contacted their soon-to-be designer and artist/contractor Bryan Morse of Expanding Horizons in the fall of 1998. In initial consultations with the Childresses, Bryan Morse mapped out the vision, which would guide the development of the gardens. The six acre parcel was divided into rough zones that would form the boundaries of the various gardens.
Visitors arriving at Pikake Gardens enter the gates onto the Grand Concourse which is oriented from the north entry to the south entry of the property. It acts as an artery to access the various gardens which include: A Rain Forest, a Tropical Fruit Garden, a Formal Rose Garden, a Mediterranean Garden, a Protea Garden, a Desert Garden, a Forest Walk, a Pan-Asian Garden, a Prayer Garden and an English Garden. Long-term plans also include a Greenhouse to house the more sensitive plants in the collection.

Globetrotters: San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles article about Pikake Gardens

Pikake Gardens is a private Botanical Garden open by invitation only. Please phone to make reservations Tel:(760)749-4819 Fax:(760)749-5386

Directions to Pikake Gardens

To Visit our Gardens: From I-5, go to Oceanside and take route 78 to Escondido. Approaching Escondido, merge onto I-15 south and remain in the right lane. Exit immediately onto Valley Parkway and travel East. Due to one way traffic, you will be on 2nd Ave. for approximately one mile, you will then return to Valley Parkway. Continue until you reach Cole Grade Road (Mile marker 28). Go Left (North) on Cole Grade Road for 2.5 miles, then Right onto Cool Valley Road (second traffic light) and follow until the road splits. At that point turn right onto Villa Sierra Road. Bear to the right when Villa Sierra Rd. forks and follow to the wrought iron gates marked ’Pikake Gardens.’

From San Diego take I-15 north to Escondido. Take the Valley Parkway exit and follow the above directions. Note: The roads become more primitive as you approach.

Please call to make certain we are home