Down the garden path at SDSU
Spring brings a burst of plant growth ― and a pleasant mood ― to campus.
The famous California flower bloom has made its way onto the campus of San Diego State University, gracing it with a variety of plants, shapes and scents. The fragrant aroma and vibrant colors of these flowers serve to uplift the spirits of both students and faculty during the final days of the spring semester.
Anticipation builds each year as the blossoming weeks approach, coinciding with the end of April and the beginning of May, right amid finals seasons.
This timing offers a perfect respite during the demanding and stressful academic period. As the seasons shift, making room for San Diego’s long-awaited sunny weather, students use more of the campus’s open spaces and communal areas.
However, it’s no coincidence that the most frequented and popular spaces are adorned with the ever-growing presence of blossoms
Kandyce Hajosy brings first-hand experience to her role in caring for these cherished plants. Having started as a grounds worker at SDSU over a decade ago, she has since ascended to overseeing the administrative and maintenance aspects of our campus’s plants.
With a passion for nature and experience in the field, Hajosy is an expert on the California weather and the most flourishing types of plants that will suit our climate and campus atmosphere.
“We don't plant anything that doesn't naturally thrive in this climate. So all of the plant selections that we've chosen are Mediterranean plant native plant succulents, low water drought tolerant,” said Hajosy.
Every decision made by Hajosy's maintenance team, which also includes Craig Johnson and Will Rascop, is deliberate and purposeful. Plant selections across campus are meticulously curated, taking into account factors such as color and composition.
In tranquil areas like the Scripps Cottage, calming blue and white tones are chosen to foster peace and serenity conducive to studying. On the other hand, in high trafficking zones frequented by tour groups and social gatherings, vibrant colors play a pivotal role in energizing and inspiring students.
Mediterranean Garden
In addition to the seasonal flowers, SDSU also cultivates its own plants at the Mediterranean Garden. These plants are locally sourced and maintain the garden’s original design, with only a few new additions introduced each year.
The Mediterranean garden is divided into five sections — each representing one of the five Mediterranean climates on the planet—: Australia, the Canary Islands, Chile, South Africa and San Diego. Examples of the California native plants include (names in memory card) all of which naturally thrive in the California weather.
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