Savoring Spring - 2008

This spring at Descanso brings a sensual delight of tastes, textures, sights, sounds and smells that you can savor again and again. Check out the possibilities below.
Unless noted, all events are free with Gardens' admission.

UNIQUE WEEKEND “TASTES”

MAY 10 & 11: MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND
What better way to pamper Mom but to situate her amongst Descanso’s thousands of spring blossoms? With harp music, crafts and a tasty buffet brunch inside the Gardens’ beautiful Rose Pavilion, Descanso is a dream destination for Mom on her special day.

Mother's Day Brunch
Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11 - By reservation only.
Patina will serve a buffet brunch in Descanso’s Rose Pavilion on Mother’s Day weekend.
Prices are $38 for adults ($45 non-members), $15 for children ages 4-10, and free for children 3 and under. Menu

Seatings: 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. Saturday seatings available.
Sunday seatings are SOLD OUT

Reservations with a credit card are required. Call Patina at (818) 790-3663. For cancellations please call at least 48 hours in advance or a 35% cancellation fee will apply.

Music: Angels of Venice
Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11
noon to 1 & 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Under the Oaks Theater
Harp, flute, cello, hammered dulcimer and percussion are featured accompanied by world instruments.

Kids’ Mother’s Day Craft Table
Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11 - noon to 3 - Main Lawn

MAY 17 & 18: EDIBLE ESTATES CELEBRATION
Join us for a wonderful weekend soiree to celebrate Descanso's Edible Estates Demonstration Garden. Visitors are invited to observe the mature spring garden oasis and watch the transition to the young, freshly planted summer garden, as well as consider the environmental and social effects of the lawn.

Fritz Haeg Artist’s Reception and Book Signing
Saturday, May 17 only - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Van de Kamp Hall & Center Circle
Meet artist Fritz Haeg, whose Edible Estates Demonstration Garden in Descanso Garden’s Center Circle invites dwellers to decide what a front yard should be. His book, “Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn,” thoroughly documents his other demonstration gardens and includes essays by Haeg, landscape architect Diana Balmori, garden and food writer Rosalind Creasy, author Michael Pollan and artist and writer Lesley Stern. The Edible Estates project is set in the context of larger issues concerning the environment, global food production and the imperative to generate a sense of community in our urban and suburban neighborhoods. Learn about helpful resources to guide you in making your own Edible Estate.

Join us for a lecture, book signing and lots of in-depth information. Light refreshments will be served.

Music: Brasil Brazil
Saturday, May 17 only - 1 to 2 p.m. - Under the Oaks Theater
Enjoy all the fervor, enthusiasm and excitement of popular Brazilian music.

Spring Into the Summer Vegetable Garden
Sunday, May 18 - 1 p.m. - Meet at the Center Circle
Descanso’s own Edible Estate will be ready for summer planting. Horticultural staff offers the public a lab experience where participants can see first-hand the actual plants to be installed and listen to experts discuss the techniques used for planting a summer vegetable garden.