Walking with the landscape architects

Sunset, April, 1985

Why plant a redwood forest in the heart of San Francisco's financial district? And why are most streetside plazas really well-disguised roof gardens? For answers to these and other questions, consider joining one of the free walking tours hosted this month by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Held during the city's Landscape Architecture Week, April 20 through 26, four tours offer you the chance to see nearly two dozen downtown parks, plazas, and corporate gardens. Group leaders from ASLA's Northern California Chapter will provide historical notes, anser questions, and give professional insights on their design.

A 4-hour tour on Saturday, April 20, covers about 16 blocks, so wear comfortable shoes. The walk begins at noon at Crocker Plaza, at the intersection of Market, Post, and Montgomery streets. (From BART, get off at the Montgomery Street station; it exists into the plaza.)

During the week, three lunch-hour walks start at noon from the followinh locations: Monday, April 22: Crocker Plaza. Wednesday, April 24: 101 California Street, near the eastern end of the California Street cable car line. Friday, April 26: Sidney Walton Park entrance, on Jackson Street in the Golden Gateway Center between Front and Davis streets.