So fun we drove up some scary hills to get to these beautifully manicured topiaries. If you're ever in San Diego, it's a fun sight to see. There's plenty of parking (residential), but please be mindful that this is a private residence so be respectful to not trespass in the bushes or anywhere indicated. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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Overall rating: 4.85 Such a cute spot, for a drive-by. Don't expect it to take longer than 5 minutes. It's just a sight in front of really nice houses. All the animals are so fun and highly recommend! read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

Harper's Topiary Garden is definitely a hidden gem in the San Diego downtown area that one could easily drive past if not paying any attention. This topiary garden seems to be well-maintained and remained green and lush throughout our experience. I like that it is located at the top of a hill, right next to old town and it also allows for views to the west that overlook the city and some of the airport. The real fun is in the challenge of trying to identify what each garden sculpture is. Some of them are very simple and others of more intricate and cleverly disguised. Although it doesn't take long to enjoy this experience, it still is rather fun to just stop and enjoy all the creative artwork of this garden. On a sidenote, please be mindful that you should step back a little further from the garden in order to truly appreciate some of the sculptures and doing so, you will be in the road. Just be mindful of the traffic that might pass by to be safe. Really cool hidden gem read more

Super cute fun pic spot but don't get your hopes up it is literally just one house who does this. So be mindful, it is a residential area, you should only designate like 2-3 minutes as a pit stop. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Picture spot! - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

Great job with this fabulous topiary garden located in a residential area in Mission Hills. I found it looking for interesting, unique spots in San Diego. The house is on a hill as it is gorgeous and has a little free library next to it. I found parking just across the street and took this as an excuse for an hour or urban hike around. Perfect walk for a going June day! Beautiful and fun shapes, sometimes takes a look or two to decipher. read more

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Very cool home with various topiaries fronting their property. Whimsical see what animal shaped greenery you can find. read more

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Perhpas my expectations were too high and we should have gotten out to explore this wonderland more? The garden sits in front of a house at the top of a hill/mountain. We drove up to it and looked at it from the car. We were hesitant to get out and explore because it's in front of someone's house. Hat's off to the owner for keeping it in such great shape. I wouldn't suggest going out of your way to make the trip but if you are looking for something fun and quirky to see it fits the bill. read more

Cute me and my girlfriend hang out there sometimes can get expensive at times but I kinda brought that on myself

Cool local oddity place for a quick visit in San Diego! Good for about a 15 minute visit, try to guess what each of the topiaries is supposed to be! Street parking, no cost, just fun read more

Great little spot for a quick visit or photo shoot. Owner of this private property manicures their bushes into shapes/forms of animals, toys and people. One of its kind and unique! In a residential neighborhood away from the tourist area so pretty easy to park near by and do the quick walk to the spot. It's only one front yard so not a lot to see but you can do this place in just 10-15 minutes. read more

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Let's be honest. This COVID-19 life has been bumming me out. It has been months since I have been out, other than to buy essentials like food. I needed a break from the norm and decided to safely play tourist in town and visit a few "off the beaten path" curiosities. First stop was Harper's Topiary Garden! I haven't been here in years. I was surprised to see a few different topiaries since my last visit years ago. There wasn't anyone on a late lazy Sunday afternoon (yay) so I was able to park right across the street. We had fun snapping pics with the DSLR, being respectful not walk up and down between the wonderfully cool sculptured bushes. I guess I'll post those nicer photos whenever I actually download them. Haha! A few cars drove by to snap pics and gawk at the topiaries while we were there, but we essentially had the block to ourselves so it was safe to remove our masks and just be goofy while taking photos. Something fun and offbeat to do around San Diego with a nice views of the airport along the way. read more

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My Sundays now consists of me finding places in San Diego to visit, so I don't feel so stuck at home. I found this place on Hidden San Diego (https://hiddensandiego.net/things-to-do/places/harpers-topiary-garden). According to the article, "Harper's Topiary Garden was created by a couple who wanted to turn their front yard into a masterful work of art that everyone could enjoy and appreciate. There are about over 50 life-sized figurines all trimmed by hand. About fifteen years ago, their front garden consisted only of basic shrubs. The owners decided to find a shape for each plant and they began to sculpt the trees inspired by travels she and her husband have taken. They have chosen ideas gleaned while traveling through Asia, Europe, North Africa, Hawaii, and throughout North America. They have visited famous gardens in Thailand, Botanical Gardens in Portland ME, Bouchard Gardens, Victoria BC. The owners love people viewing and photographing their garden but please do not go inside." I visited Harper's Topiary Garden (Mission Hills) in August 2020 (5 months after Pandemic started). The place is beautiful and definitely picture friendly!! I went on a Sunday afternoon and probably spent about 15 minutes or so there. No one was around, so it was comfortable walking around. Just have to pay attention to cars driving by when you're taking pictures! I'm a very big fan of the DOG shrub (right side). ENJOY!! read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is a simple and free exhibit in San Diego (not too far from the airport). It's basically a bunch of shrubs sculpted into different animals and figures. I believe it's part of a private residence, but there is easy and free street parking out front to check it out, take some photos, and be on your way. It's a beautiful creation, possibly still changing, and worth a stop if in the area. read more

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Absolutely the coolest place! Found this house on Yelp and walked from our hotel to check it out. Really enjoyed seeing it in real life! Kudos to the owners who maintain it! read more

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Such a beauty tucked away I town the detail and artistry is amazing. Had to stop by to see it while In the area the pictures don't do it justice read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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Beautiful hedges are here! Saw this place as a kid randomly driving through the neighborhood and wasn't able to find it again until social media ! Such a beautiful area! read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

Ha.. This place is about as good as a front yard gets. We were joking when we heard of it that it would be a front yard, and that's exactly what it is. Fun to look at, but I wouldn't recommend spending too long driving to this, or choosing this over something else that's more interesting. It's really an interesting 5, maybe 10 minutes of looking at the different animals represented in the topiaries. Much respect to whoever did this and maintains it. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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I was trying to find some unique spots in my area to take some great pictures with my family and found the spot and Yelp! It was so perfect! It's totally a residential area so the parking that's available is just curb spots in front of homes. We were able to take a lot of pictures before we saw the other people pull up so the timing was perfect. There's a cute little box on the side of the house that has books in it that people can either drop off or take from which I thought was really cool. I love that these homeowners landscape their beautiful front yard and make it available to the public, it's really so cool! Mission house is a great area with lots of dining nearby so you could totally make a day of it. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

Interesting. After visiting the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, I wanted to find more "hidden gems" (well, hidden gems to me anyway) in SD. This place came up on my search so decided to check it out. Haha, driving in the neighborhood to reach this spot kinda reminded me of driving in SF lol rolling hill streets and you go up up up. Neat garden, I commend the creator of such art. It seemed a little overgrown at the time that I went though as I couldn't make out several of the structures. This place is pretty much a quick stop; spent about 10 minutes here and other sightseers (there were only a couple) did the same. As it's on a hill and fairly close to the bay, you can enjoy a fresh breeze here also. Great quick break from checking SD spots that have heavy tourism. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - What the creatures see every day - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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How cool to have a free beautiful green landmark in the middle of Mission Hills! Thank you to the property owners for maintaining it and bringing joy to so many! It was fun to check out this place with the kids- we only wish everyone else on the block would join in the fun. I can't wait to come back at Christmas and see if it's lit! read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

This is where I wanted to stop after my girlfriend surprised me with a nice little birthday weekend in San Diego. I found out about this on a travel app that I use. This yard embodies 2 things that I love, art and nature. To be able to see the work that goes into maintaining this and their contribution to their community has to be appreciated. I'm sure there are some neighbors that may not be fans of the visitors but they have to recognize the beauty that it brings when people drive up the hill. I watched a little video on YouTube and Mrs. Edna Harper (the owner) was inspired by her travels. Her and her husband have a gentleman by the name of Pedro that manifests her ideas and maintains the garden daily. At least 5 hours a day! You can see that it is a labor of love. If you have a few minutes and want to get away from the tourist traps this is a place that has charm and it's great for photos. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - A work of Art. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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I really enjoy going to view various gardens, but found Harper's to fall short of all the hype. I found myself viewing the Pacific Ocean from this above-the-city vantage point instead. Even though this is someone's front yard you've come to look at & nothing more, the topiary seemed ragged & in need of grooming for its fans. Maybe I'll return in the Spring to see the Creeping Phlox when it's blooming, but I've already got that in my own front yard. 98/100 read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - View from the top! - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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Awesome place to check out if you're in the area. Worth a quick stop to check out amazing landscaped topiaries. Parking is easy, just watch out for cars when you're taking pictures. Definitely one of the hidden gems in SD. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

This stop, although short doesn't disappoint! Be amazed at over 50 life-sized figurines all trimmed by hand. The owners decided to find a shape for each plant and they began to sculpt the trees inspired by travels they've taken. It's a beautiful area to take a walk in as well! I loved it. Thank you for keeping this awesome garden in pristine shape! Of course be quiet and respectful :). read more

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After visiting and seeing almost every "tourist" attraction there is in San Diego we were looking for something different to do. This Harper's Topiary Garden walk was combined with the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge walk. It's through a residential area, fun to walk the neighborhoods, look at the houses and architecture. Don't forget to look for the exact address for the topiary because you can walk by it. A nice off the beaten track of walking and sights, a must do! read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

My friends are really amazing because they let me drag them around to all of my bookmarked places! Wendy went so far as to say that this Topiary Garden was also one of her bookmarks. .. thanks, Wendy! Jules, Chel, Wendy, and I continued our One Day trip in San Diego with this stop. We found it at the top of a hill. There was free street parking and not much traffic. It's just cool to hang out and share a simple discovery or two together - Mahalo for the nice day! Everyone pointed out their favorite shrub which is expertly trimmed and shaped into a familiar character. Of course, I liked the bunny the best! Next time, I'd get a photo of the sign that says, "Edna Scissorshands"! Let's go find it! read more

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Cool little garden on the side of a house on a hill! It's quite well maintained and the neighborhood is pretty elevated so you actually get some nice views of the city and the surrounding areas! I'd say it's not worth it to make a trip out to just see this garden. But if you're already in the area and quite close I'd say drop by! It's pretty unique but I wouldn't say it's particularly memorable or added much value to my San Diego trip. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

As their neighbors, I can say they not only have the best garden, but even better personalities! Love you Alex and Edna! I read some comments and just for the record, we don't mind the visitors at all! This garden is amazing! Enjoy it! Fun fact, the garden is completely inspired by Edna's travels and life, how cool is she?! She also is a really great artist. Anyway, everyone should see this :) I had to show my girlfriends when they were in town too, I'm the dork in the middle. Welcome to Mission Hills everyone read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - :) - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

Very cool spot to see in San Diego --located close to the airport and some quaint eateries nearby. I wouldn't say it's the most walkable area especially if you're prone to shin splints. Street parking is available but it's a neighborhood so get your insta worthy photos, keep your volume down, and get out of there. There's a beautifully landscaped home next door as well that you may want to take a peek at as well. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

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This spot is absolutely beautiful and well thought out Stopped by to see what it was and worth every minute Recommend stopping by to take some pics read more

what a project. This is in a quiet, hilly neighborhood. It is amazing to see. We cannot imagine what it took to create this and continues to require constant attention. We parked our car right in front of the garden and enjoyed the work of art for 10 minutes or so. read more

I like to bring out of towners to this garden. I cannot believe how well it is maintained for I think over 10 years! The pictures are perfect after midday when the sun is shining bright and making its way to lighting up anything East of it. read more

Not worth the drive , it's only a personal yard's worth of decorations. Good for a couple of pictures.

Just cool. A unique gem in the city. Fun neighborhood to walk around and enjoy the architecture and the topiaries and fun to look at and see how many different ones you can find. The house is unique too. Fun surprise to find. read more

Sunday drive to this plot of slope, definitely needs to be visited. A quick turn into Washington street and boom. Easy park and go. read more

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It's a beautifully maintained topiary yard. Someone's personal home...it was a quick stop, don't expect to spend a lot of time there.

I don't know if this place is worthy of 4 stars but it was definitely a hidden gem on top of a hill and I sure couldn't do this myself. Too bad it's only just one spot, I was looking forward to a walk of several residential topiaries in the neighborhood but it was just one spot. Edna scissorhands is pretty good, she has creatively manicured the front of her home and this is a must see aside from the touristy spots. It's easy to find and not crowded. Oh and it's FREE... you know I like free. read more

Harper's Topiary Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - San Diego, California

After visiting old town, I stopped by here on the way home. It is located in a residential area and is perfect for a quick scenic drive if you're heading out of this area. I found it to be cute and very easy to find. Once you drive up the hill, you start to see the sculptures. It is very easy to find parking if you'd like to take photos and isn't in a very busy area. read more

This is really cool and an amazing amount of love and work that goes into the landscape. I really like those off beat hidden gems.

Never knew this place existed in San Diego. We had a blast trying to guess what all the little creatures were. A must see place for those visiting, and even the locals. read more

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