Descanso Gardens

The Descanso Café, located near the Gardens entrance, is open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the summer (until September 9), it is open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

The Café, operated by the Patina Group, provides sandwiches and luncheon specials with outdoor seating. Catering is also available for special events. Descanso members enjoy a discount on their purchase.

Patina also operates the Camellia Lounge now through Sept. 9. Located in the Full Moon Teahouse in the Japanese Garden, the Camellia Lounge offers signature cocktails and enticing appetizers. Hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Contact Patina at (818) 790-3663.

The Descanso Gardens Gift Shop and Patio is a cozy, cedar-beamed complex near the entrance to Gardens. The Gift Shop carries items of interest for all visitors: home gardening enthusiasts, landscape and interior designers, horticulturists and plant lovers everywhere.

Merchandise in the Shop includes home and garden furnishings, such as garden  benches, birdbaths, statuary, lanterns and cherubs. The art lover will find beautifully framed prints, original watercolors, rugs and wall hangings.

No botanical garden gift shop would be complete without a vast array of garden and nature books for both adults and children. Other merchandise includes an exceptional selection of cards and other gift items such as lovely glassware, ceramics and collectibles. Outdoor wear includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, gloves and hats.

The Gift Shop is open every day except Christmas. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For information, phone (818) 949-4292.