In this week of celebrating GFE’s 30th anniversary, we take a look at some then-and-now photos chronicling at least 23 years of the garden’s history. The garden has undergone drastic and amazing changes, all in the effort to educate San Franciscans about the importance of gardening.

Try out a scavenger hunt at GFE or a nearby garden for all things purple blooming this spring in San Francisco.

Rain fell like a blessing on our town last night, and the night before. Gentle, persistent showers, a sunny day, and then another night of showers. The garden was so happy! Leaves that had been dusty for months were shiny and refreshed, plants that were chronically stressed during our long dry summer were suddenly perky. Our gardening seasons are so dependent on this first rain of the year, that it almost should be declared the New Year whenever it comes. Break out the champagne!