Discovery is part of our Descanso DNA and we love nothing better than sharing some of the lesser-known, often hidden wonders of the gardens. If you’ve landed on this page, you’ve already unearthed the secret trove of Garden Secrets tucked away here on the website. Check back for newly sprouted secrets as we gather them.
Stewardship & equity
Every year, more people seek the beauty and experiences Descanso provides — a trend that accelerated greatly during the pandemic. We expect more than one million visitors in 2023 — an all-time high for the gardens and roughly double the number of annual visits in 2019.
Bees avoid cycads
But not because they’re too busy!
Cycads first evolved 280 million years ago. Bees buzzed into existence 130 million years ago. Considered “living fossils,” cycads get help with pollination from wind and beetles.
Patios in the Camellia Forest
Years ago Descanso provided seating in the Camellia Forest for educational demonstrations and plant shows. These patios from our past are an ideal place to take time out under the oaks.
Feather falls
Big rocks as light as feathers
Large black rocks in the Camellia Forest look heavy but are made of natural, lightweight, volcanic, pumice stones that were produced from a rare molten lava explosion 40,000 years ago.
Get a whiff of THAT!
The unmistakable stink of ginkgo trees in fall
Visit the Promenade in November and you may detect something smelly in the air. When female ginkgo trees shed their leaves and berries in the fall they smell like nothing else.
Hibakujumoku: Survivor Trees of Hiroshima
Cages protect two small persimmon trees in our Japanese Garden from pests like deer. The trees are growing from the seed of a plant that survived the atomic bomb blast over Hiroshima.
Growing fried eggs
Order up — slinging eggs in our California Garden!
SoCal and Baja Califoria native Romneya coulteri or Matiliija poppy is a fan fave due to its showy “fried egg” flowers. The Matilija has the largest blooms of any California native flower.
Space Mountain Descanso?
Descansoland: Our gardens might have gone Disney
When Descanso landowner E. Manchester Boddy decided to sell the property, many people were interested, including, according to local papers at the time, Walt Disney.
Birdwatching benches
Birds galore behind Mulberry Pond
The benches just behind Mulberry Pond are a perfect place to relax and watch the birds flit by.
Best spot for a quiet convo
A tucked away bench near the native plants
Relax on a bench up the hill in the California Garden, a spot with a prime view that feels secluded. It’s a perfect place for quiet contemplation or conversation.
Hope for snow
A splendiferous view of the San Gabriels
Hope’s Garden behind the Hilltop Gardens and Boddy House has one of the best views of the San Gabriel Mountains when there’s snow.
Descanso as your backyard
Once upon a time, if you lived here you’d be home now
At one time, a family lived in the caretaker’s house at Descanso Gardens. Imagine: What must it have been like to grow up with Descanso as your backyard?
Fibonacci’s birds
The early bird gets . . . the birds
Find the hidden Fibonacci spiral in the Camellia Forest. It’s an especially peaceful place first thing in the morning. Sit there in the quiet and listen to numerous birds!