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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Descanso
Gardens Day Trip
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By Matthew
Martz |
Descanso Gardens is a botanical
garden, located in the La Canada neighborhood of Los Angeles
County, California. The 150-acre gem was developed as
a year-round retreat for urban dwellers and highlights
the beauty of nature through an internationally renowned
botanical collection and seasonal horticultural displays.
At one time, this property belonged to newspaper magnate
E. Manchester Boddy who was the Los Angeles Daily News
owner. Because of his love for botanical plants, he operated
a garden at the location that supplied the local community.
He wanted to preserve the site and gave it to Los Angeles
County in 1953.
Since then the gardens, woodlands and chaparral have been
maintained for all to experience, and hosts thousands
of visitors each year. Bird watchers will love the site,
and just past the Rose Garden is the Bird Observation
Station and Lake. It provides a shelter and nesting area
for a wide variety of birds.
The station was built in collaboration with the Audubon
Society, ensuring its quality. Visitors have an opportunity
to view hundreds of varieties of birds, waterfowl and
other animals in their natural surroundings.
The Full Moon Tea House area is inspired by Asian design,
and one of the most impressive areas in the garden, and
was constructed in 1966 from funds raised by the Descanso
Gardens Guild. Beautiful blue tile roofing was imported
from Japan and a Shinto bridge and a Japanese farmhouse
were built; this structure is called a Minka.
A dry-raked garden, which is modelled after a Shen garden
in Kyoto, is a close walk from the area. It brings the
spirit of the Far East to California, and is quite a spectacular
view in the fall as the foliage changes. |
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Descanso Gardens La Canada Flintridge |
The Boddy
House a 12,000-square-foot, 22-room mansion that serves
as the Boddy family’s residence during their time
of ownership. It’s nestled into a hillside in the
southeast corner of the property and offers a glimpse of
glamour from a bygone era. A grant allowed the house to
be renovated and museum quality furnishings to be placed
throughout. The house can be rented for events and weddings.
It’s open for tours from10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday.
The Enchanted Railroad is a lot of fun; it allows you to
ride aboard a 1/8th replica of a diesel train that travels
around a section of the Descanso Gardens. It’s only
available on weekends, 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday. Tickets are only $3 and can be purchased at the
train station near the Center Circle.
The rose garden is five acres and more than 3,000 roses
are present from regions around the world. The collection
includes most of the All-America Rose Selections winners
since 1940. Natures Table is an edible garden planted with
fruit trees and seasonal vegetables along with herbs, and
edible flowers.
Surrounding the area are vines, bushes, and shrubs that
set a tranquil mood. The California Garden showcases the
best Southern California has to offer over an eight-acre
garden. Descano offers innovative school programs that have
established it as community resource for teachers and their
students.
Teaching is hands-on and offers a unique setting where children
experience a natural outdoor laboratory to learn life science.
They build their skills while learning that plants grow,
change, and react to the environment and other living things. |
Descanso Gardens Enchanted Railroad |
Descanso Gardens |
Self-guided walks are the
way most enjoy the garden, but guided tram tours are available
for a small fee. A gift shop is located near the entrance
to Gardens. It offers home and garden furnishings such as
garden benches, birdbaths, lanterns and cherubs.
Art lovers can appreciate framed prints, original watercolors,
rugs and wall hangings. Of course, there is a large selection
of garden and nature books for both adults and children.
The Descanso Café is a great place to grab a bite
to eat, and is located near the Gardens entrance. It is
open for service from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and sells sandwiches
and lunchtime specials with outdoor seating to enjoy the
meal.
Descano Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso
Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011. Parking is free.
If visiting from the San Fernando Valley area, expect a
30 minute drive, from downtown Los Angeles its 20 minutes,
and from Orange County it’s a 45 drive.
If bringing a group, please call ahead for reservations..
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