In all seasons, the garden invites reverie and recreation. It is the hub for fall’s Japanese Garden Festival and spring’s Cherry Blossom Festival. And come summer, the Full Moon Teahouse transforms into the Camellia Lounge, a place for an early evening cocktail or snack.
From early fall though late spring, camellias bloom in the shade of the coast live oaks. Descanso Gardens has been named an International Camellia Garden of Excellence and is home to the largest camellia collection in North America.
In spring, the California Natives Garden is a riot of colorful blooms. But autumn reveals the austere grace of a plant’s sculptural framework, like this buckeye that retains a bit of gilded foliage.
Dawn’s golden light breaks through fog on the Promenade. This verdant walkway features changing horticultural displays, including vivid springtime bloom.
The Rose Garden celebrates the international appeal of this beloved flower, showcasing rose species collected from around the world. The cooling sound of splashing water in the Mission Fountain is welcome on a hot summer day.
The Rose Garden in early morning is a favorite location for bird lovers to spot the many winged creatures that stop in the Gardens.
Matilija poppies are nicknamed "fried egg flowers" for obvious reasons. The sky-high beauties are blooming in the California Natives Garden.
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Beauty can mask a sinister side. This exhibition presents artworks and botanics -- all beautiful, but hardly benign. Through July 28.
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California Shakespeare Ensemble performs the classic fairytale 'Beauty and the Beast' every Saturday in May in the Under the Oaks Theater.
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Descanso members enjoy free admission to the midweek summer evening programs, including jazz concerts, family programs and Camellia Lounge.
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