A Tribute to My Friend, Charlotte Tenney
by Violet Green
Twenty years ago I moved to San Diego to be closer to my first nephew. I wanted to be a part of his life and to make one of my favorite vacation spots my home. Whenever I visited, I would be sure to roam through Balboa Park, exploring, enjoying, breathing – always finding something new. Originally from the East Coast, I used to say it was the “Central Park of San Diego,” but now I know it’s so much more! This is my twenty-first year in this beautiful place and earlier this year, I made another discovery…the Trees for Health garden. “Huh? The what?” is the reaction I get from most folks. Have you discovered this magical place?
It’s on the west edge of Balboa Park (the 6th Avenue side), where the one-way Balboa Drive meets the Quince Street off-ramp from the 163 freeway. If you know where the Camp Fire Boys and Girls camp is, you’ve probably sailed right past it while looking for parking.
I’m excited to have the opportunity to share my find with you here in a public way, so that you can join me in honoring one of the founders, Charlotte Tenney. You see, although the garden is new to me, without Charlotte it would never have come to be and wouldn’t have remained for the past 20 years, so that I could discover it. Thank you, Charlotte!
Earlier this summer, my new friend Charlotte passed away. Since then I’ve met many people who knew her and find that she touched each one of us in a profound way. Whether it was her extensive herbal knowledge, her undivided attention when you spoke, or the gentle way she would correct you when you misunderstood what she had said. She had an unassuming way about her, yet a fierce passion evident in the sparkle of her eyes. To see a wonderful tribute to Charlotte, please visit the San Diego Herb Guild blog at http://sandiegoherbalistsguild.blogspot.com/.
The African Tulip Tree is one of many specimens in the Trees for Health sanctuary.
If you’ve got some time and want to help keep the magical Trees for Health garden weed free and spiffed up for everyone to enjoy, please stop by and join our work party on a Friday morning. We’re usually there between 7:30 and 10 a.m. Remember to bring your gloves, hat, and water.
See you in the garden.
Category: Events, Featured Articles, Local News
