Tag Archives: Botanical Gardens

Favorite Photos From Descanso Gardens, December 2018!

Purple Flowers
All Photos By Gail

On my last full day in California, I spent a couple of late afternoon hours strolling through the very beautiful Descanso Gardens, a 150-acre botanical garden located in the La CaƱada Flintridge area of Los Angeles. The daylight was already starting to fade, but I got some good shots of the many varieties of gorgeous flowers that are still blooming even in late December. Enjoy!

Camellia Bush

Descanso is well-known for their signature pink Camellias, of which there are numerous varieties.

Pink and White Camellia

Of course, I love anything that is pink. This one has a tiny wound on one petal, but its beauty is unspoiled.

Pink Camellia

Pink and White Camellia

You would almost think you are in Hawaii when you see flowers like this!

Prismatic Star

For the Holiday season, Descanso hosts a special evening event called Enchanted Forest of Light, which competes with the numerous Chinese Lantern Festivals going on at the LA Zoo, the LA Arboretum, and elsewhere. This prismatic star is just one of the many added features that help to transform the nighttime garden into fantasy wonderland for this always sold-out event!

Prismatic Shape in Garden

I’m guessing that this prism is illuminated from within once the sun sets.

Red and Peach Roses

While the beds are not necessarily lush at this time of year, the Roses are still in bloom and looking good!

Red and White Rose

Pale Pink Rose

I love how the petals of this delicate pink bloom are almost translucent.

African Daisy

This flower is called an African Daisy.

Yellow Snapdragon

These Yellow Snapdragons have a tiny visitor!

Yellow Chrysanthemums

Yellow Chrysanthemums!

Red Thistle

Red Thistles – gorgeous!

Daffodils

Daffodils!

Pink Berries

I don’t know the proper name of this tropical-looking plant with its tiny pink berries, but I have seen one like it at the NYBG in the Bronx.

Blue Purple Iris

Purple Irises!

Descanso Gardens is Located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011.

Ten Cool Things I Saw at the Huntington Library

Huntington Library Flamingo Signage
Huntington Library Signage Featuring Original Audubon Drawing

The Huntington Library, contrary to what you might deduce from its rather literal name, is a former private estate property located in San Marino, California that now hosts a vast and mind blowing art collection and multiple, unique botanical gardens and sculpture collections, in addition to housing one of the largest and most complete research libraries in the United States. Seriously, the place is amazing. You could spend an entire day there and not get bored.

I spent an afternoon at theĀ Huntington Library this past December and had the best time. Here are some photos I took to give you an idea of what you might see if you decide to visit.

Huntington Library Pinkie
Pinkie By Thomas Lawrence (1794)

Much of the Library’s collection of paintings centers around 18th-century English portraiture. Pinkie, one of the most famous paintings of its time, hangs directly across the room from Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy. It is really hard to avoid being moved by their beauty and profound emotional pull.

Huntington Library Blue Boy
Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough

Huntington Library Art Nouveau Lighting

Many of the interior furnishings and fixtures in the main house/gallery remain from the time it was inhabited by its original owners, Henry and Arabella Huntington. You can see from the above light fixture that they had exquisite taste.

Huntington Library Pink Ceramics Case

Mrs. Huntington was a dedicated collector of fine hand-painted china. There are several large rooms entirely devoted to showcasing her collection.

Huntington Library Mother of Pearl Inlay

Because the Huntingtons were ridiculously wealthy, they traveled the world and added pieces to their collection from the countries they visited. This exquisite chest that flaunts an insanely ornate Mother of Pearl inlaid design is from Japan.

Huntington Library Main House from Marble Statue Garden

The pristinely landscaped grounds leading up to the main house and gallery are flanked by a remarkably gorgeous marble statue garden. Yes, rich people really used to live this way.

Huntington Library Marble Statue Gazebo

Huntington Library Marble Statue Fountain

I love this large fountain, which bookends the sculpture garden.

Hunt Lib Terrarium Dome

It should not surprise anyone that the Library grounds are home to an indoor Rainforest.

Hunt Lib Japanese Garden Lake

They also have a huge Japanese Garden which features a large pond, statues, sculptures, a tea house, bridges and topiary.

Huntington Library Teddy Bear Topiary

Hunt Lib Warhol

Last but not least, there is small collection of Contemporary Art which includes pieces by some of my favorite artists, such as Andy Warhol, bringing the historical art experience full circle.

The Huntington Library Art Collection and Botanical Gardens is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108. Phone (626)405-2100 or visit their Website for hours and admission information.