ENCINITAS — Heaps of dirt will soon be transformed into a thriving children’s garden thanks in large part to a few low-profile donors according to officials at the Quail Botanical Gardens.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place with understated fanfare on June 28 at the one-acre site along Quail Gardens Drive just north of the main gardens on city-leased property.

In an effort to expand the existing “Seeds of Wonder” children’s garden, the new area will provide an environment for children and families to explore the natural world.

One of the most unique features is a one of a kind climbable tree house.

Rising 20 feet from the ground, the tree house will incorporate manmade and living materials.

“Lots of kids have never even climbed a tree before,” Sherry Dotson said. The Encinitas resident frequents the gardens with her two young children. “I’m glad there is a place like this to escape and just be a kid.”

The groundbreaking ceremony included a blessing by Mel Vernon, a Luiseno of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. “May the future generations benefit from what we are doing here today,” he prayed.

The new garden, set to open to the public in the summer 2009, will be the largest on the West Coast.