On a recent episode of “In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners”, host Teena Splinder sat down with Sean O’Malley, Managing Partner at SWA, the award-winning landscape architecture firm behind the Great Park Framework Plan—which includes the visionary Botanic Garden as a key feature.

This inspiring conversation aired on KUCI public radio (88.9 FM) and is now available as a podcast on the UC Master Gardeners website for those who missed the live broadcast.

A Vision for the Botanic Garden

As Sean shared during the interview, the Botanic Garden is more than just a beautiful landscape—it’s an intentional, living space designed to reflect Southern California’s native ecology, promote environmental education, and foster intergenerational connection.

With SWA’s expertise, the garden will include:

• A California Arroyo inspired by natural seasonal creeks

• A Children’s Garden that sparks discovery and play

• A Celebration Garden perfect for events and gatherings

• A Global Garden showcasing plants from climates around the world—honoring Irvine’s cultural diversity

Sean highlighted how every aspect of the design prioritizes sustainability, community engagement, and long-term ecological health.

A True Partnership

The Great Park Garden Coalition is proud to be one of the official partners working with the City of Irvine to bring the Great Park vision to life. Alongside other partner organizations such as Pretend City, the Leathernecks Air Museum, and Solutions for Urban Agriculture, the coalition supports the creation of meaningful, community-driven spaces within the park.

To help tell these stories, the City hired a videographer to showcase each partner and build public excitement for what’s to come.

Tune In and Grow With Us

Whether you’re passionate about plants, parks, or public design, this episode offers an exciting glimpse into the future of one of Irvine’s most transformative projects. Learn how landscape architecture can shape community well-being—and how the Great Park Botanic Garden will become a treasured destination.

📌 Listen to the full interview here:
🎧 Sean O’Malley on the Great Park Botanic Garden

About the Show:
“In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners” is hosted by Teena Splinder and airs every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. on KUCI 88.9 FM, Orange County’s public radio station. Each week, UC Master Gardeners bring you expert interviews, practical gardening advice, and stories that connect people with the power of plants.