Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. In 1953, Descanso founder E. Manchester Boddy preserved these 150 acres of gardens, woodlands and chaparral for future generations to experience the natural heritage and beauty of Southern California. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Descanso Gardens welcomes thousands of visitors annually, from local members to international travelers.
Natives springing up
Descanso Gardens’ Spring Show started in October when the horticultural staff planted for spring color. All the beautiful golds, blues, oranges and reds you’ll find in the open fields of the California Native Garden grew from 40 pounds of wildflower seeds planted last fall.
Planted right before and after the first rains of winter, wildflower seeds were spread using several different methods – sand, seed balls, hand sowing – to ensure a good show.
When you walk into the California Native Garden this spring, you’ll discover, among other native blooms, beautiful tidy tips splashed with dainty white edging, stately spikes of lupines with sweet pea-like flowers, and radiant California poppies that fill the palette with yellows, scarlets and creams.
Wildflowers aren’t the only plants celebrating California’s natural landscape – last year, native and drought tolerant bulbs were planted in the Promenade beds. This spring, keep an eye out for iridescent cup-shaped flowers of the mariposa lily and the daisy-like clumps of the golden stars, among the traditional tulips and daffodils!
