Come see what happens in the garden during extended hours. Take a tour, dance to music amongst the flowers, learn about nature, enjoy food and drink. Grab some friends and enjoy the gardens in a new way.

Included in the price of admission or Descanso Gardens membership, no reservations required.

Cultivate: The Five Senses

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Flower installation by florist Whit Hazen

• Watch before your eyes as a flower installation is built throughout the evening, using fragrant plants and flowers gathered from the garden to create a full sensory experience
• Time: 4:30–7pm
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Soundbaths by Marna Currie 

• Enjoy sound baths under the oaks on the Main Lawn
• Times: 5–5:30pm and 6–6:30pm
• Location: Main Lawn
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Flashdance DJ

• Have a drink in the Rose Garden bar and enjoy a mix of classic and contemporary songs by our popular guest DJs
• Time: 4:30–7pm
• Location: Rose Garden
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Activity: Make your own herbal tea bag to take home

• Time: 4:30–7pm

Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.

The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.

Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.

*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.

See the full schedule here:
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Friday–Sunday: June 2–4 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 *No Friday | Tina Lenert- Harp

Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens. 

Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto

This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music. 

Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar

A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca. 

Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 *No Friday | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel

Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.

Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India

A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.

Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble

This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.

Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 *No Friday |  Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele

A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe. 

Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

.

Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.

The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.

Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.

*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.

See the full schedule here:
.
.

Friday–Sunday: June 2–4 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 *No Friday | Tina Lenert- Harp

Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens. 

Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto

This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music. 

Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar

A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca. 

Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 *No Friday | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel

Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.

Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India

A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.

Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble

This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.

Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 *No Friday |  Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele

A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe. 

Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

.

Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.

The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.

Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.

*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.

See the full schedule here:
.
.

Friday–Sunday: June 2–4 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 *No Friday | Tina Lenert- Harp

Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens. 

Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto

This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music. 

Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar

A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca. 

Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 *No Friday | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel

Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.

Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India

A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.

Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble

This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.

Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 *No Friday |  Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele

A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe. 

Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

.

Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.

The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.

Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.

*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.

See the full schedule here:
.
.

Friday–Sunday: June 2–4 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 *No Friday | Tina Lenert- Harp

Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens. 

Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto

This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music. 

Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar

A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca. 

Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 *No Friday | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel

Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.

Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India

A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.

Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble

This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.

Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 *No Friday |  Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele

A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe. 

Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

.

Learn how to design unique plant palettes and maintenance schedules for your garden that provide support for our local wildlife. As we work to preserve and protect our local biodiversity, home gardens and urban landscapes are often underutilized spaces that can be turned into corridors that provide for the little creatures we so admire and depend on.

Students will come away with best practices and insights into observing your own local wildlife and easy steps to provide for them.

Meets on June 17. $30 members, $35 non-members. Advance registration required, register here.

Join us for a curator-led tour of the new gallery exhibit 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor. Meets at the Sturt Haaga Gallery on June 17 at 11am and 2pm. 

No registration required, free with admission.

About 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor

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0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor examines a wealth of subject matter that exists in the parasitological ecosystem of the forest floor. The coexistence of the parasite and the host helps to complete life cycles in some species and the coevolution of both. The exhibition will be installed to create an immersive environment containing works of all media that serves as a metaphor for the mutualism needed to contribute to the earth’s sustainability.

The works in the exhibition will depict nature’s underworld; a wondrous display of decay, slime, parasites, worms, beetles, mushrooms, roots, and the detritus of animals and humans.

0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is open at the Sturt Haaga Gallery from June 17 through August 27, 10am–4pm daily. Entry to the Sturt Haaga Gallery is included with admission to Descanso Gardens, no reservations required.

0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is funded in part by Heather and Paul Haaga.

Top image:

Kristin Leachman
Whitebark 1 / (Whitebark Pine, Glacier National Park, MT.)
72x54x2 inches, oil on canvas on panel, 2023

Join us for a curator-led tour of the new gallery exhibit 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor. Meets at the Sturt Haaga Gallery on June 17 at 11am and 2pm. 

No registration required, free with admission.

About 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor

.
0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor examines a wealth of subject matter that exists in the parasitological ecosystem of the forest floor. The coexistence of the parasite and the host helps to complete life cycles in some species and the coevolution of both. The exhibition will be installed to create an immersive environment containing works of all media that serves as a metaphor for the mutualism needed to contribute to the earth’s sustainability.

The works in the exhibition will depict nature’s underworld; a wondrous display of decay, slime, parasites, worms, beetles, mushrooms, roots, and the detritus of animals and humans.

0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is open at the Sturt Haaga Gallery from June 17 through August 27, 10am–4pm daily. Entry to the Sturt Haaga Gallery is included with admission to Descanso Gardens, no reservations required.

0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is funded in part by Heather and Paul Haaga.

Top image:

Kristin Leachman
Whitebark 1 / (Whitebark Pine, Glacier National Park, MT.)
72x54x2 inches, oil on canvas on panel, 2023

Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.

The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.

Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.

*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.

See the full schedule here:
.
.

Friday–Sunday: June 2–4 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 *No Friday | Tina Lenert- Harp

Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens. 

Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto

This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music. 

Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar

A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca. 

Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 *No Friday | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel

Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.

Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India

A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.

Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key

A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.

Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble

This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.

Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 *No Friday |  Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele

A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe. 

Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello

A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.

Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar

Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.

.