Our Historical Tree

 Kate Sessions was a renowned horticulturist, but her most significant legacy was due to a lease agreement with San Diego. In 1892, she leased land within what was then known as the "City Park" to start a retail nursery. In return, she agreed to plant one hundred trees a year in the park and supply three hundred more for planting throughout the city. As a result, most of the magnificent trees throughout the re-named Balboa Park were planted by Kate. Another horticulturist and dear friend, Bill Nelson, gave us an air layering from a Litchi chinensis planted by Kate Sessions. Over the years it has grown to about 15 ft. tall with a branching spread of 40 ft. Because it sits on the crest of a bank, it has excellent drainage and winter's cold settles down the hill keeping our tree safe from frost. After a 7 year wait, our Kate Sessions heirloom began producing raspberry-red clusters of rough-skinned fruits. It bears in the late summer through autumn and the fruit are easy to peel revealing white, translucent flesh that is succulent, sweet and juicy. Some say the taste is a combination of pears and grapes, but I find its essence is singularly unique, fragrant and exquisite. For an impressive dessert, just serve fresh lychees. Recipes are unnecessary, when Mother Nature has created such a delicious fruit.