National Public Gardens Day takes place annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day, an unofficial start of spring and a time when the environment is top of mind for most of the public. Presented by the non-profit American Public Gardens Association (APGA) and Rain Bird, it is a national day of celebration to raise awareness of America’s public gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education in communities nationwide. Public gardens are a fun activity for families, couples, and enthusiasts, providing a low-cost, entertaining, and beautiful community outing while providing important resources, education and research on environmental stewardship and conservation.
You've pedaled the bay from Malibu to PV, you've hiked above Runyon Canyon, you've had cocktails on The Standard's downtown rooftop, but if you haven't visited Los Angeles's public gardens, you're missing out on some of the most beautiful sights in the county. The Los Angeles area has several great public gardens to explore. If you cannot make it out to any of the gardens this Friday, be sure to visit soon. 
Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Preserved are 160 acres of gardens, woodlands and chaparral for you to experience the natural heritage and beauty of Southern California. Explore a bird sanctuary, the 20-acre oak forest, gardens of camellias, lilacs and irises, a five-acre Rose garden, the California garden featuring Redwood trees, California poppies and chaparral and the Japanese tea garden with waterfalls and koi pond. Narrated tram rides are offered as well as an "Enchanted Railroad" for the kids.
Get a rare peek at Descanso's "secret garden"! Friday, May 6, is National Public Gardens Day. Descanso will mark the event with guided tours, cooking demonstrations, nutrition lessons and
snacks during Open House in the Harvest Garden, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Usually not open to the public, the Harvest Garden is reserved for use by students with special needs.
snacks during Open House in the Harvest Garden, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Usually not open to the public, the Harvest Garden is reserved for use by students with special needs.
Established in 1962, the Harvest Garden provides these students with educational enrichment and the therapeutic benefits of hands-on gardening, cooking and crafting. Activities on National Public Gardens Day include guided tours, garden crafts and a nutritional lesson. Admission to this event is free.
Better Homes and Garden magazine is offering FREE tickets for Descanso Gardens! [click here] 
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 91011. [MAP]
(818) 949 4200
Hours:
Daily: 9am - 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Admission:
| Guild Members: | FREE |
| Adults: | $8 |
| Seniors - 62 and over: | $6 |
| Students (with ID): | $6 |
| Children (5 - 12): | $3 |
| Children 4 and under): | FREE |
| Third Tuesday of each month: | FREE |
(Please note that admission is currently cash only)
Parking: FREE
Trams: Tue-Fri at 1, 2 & 3pm; Sat & Sun at 11am, 1, 2 & 3pm; No tram on Mondays. Fare is $4/person. Call ahead to ensure tram is operating the day you plan to visit: (818) 949-4200.
Dining: Descanso Café is open daily 9am - 4:30 with sandwiches and lunch specials. Discounts for members.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Occupying the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita, The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a unique 127 acre botanical garden and historical site jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and located in the city of Arcadia. Home to plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species, The Arboretum also houses outdoor historical landmarks representative of the major phases of California history.
To mark the nationwide celebration of America's public gardens, the Arboretum's botanical expert Frank McDonough will lead special tours to explore the garden's magnificent trees from around the world. He also will discuss the changing role of public gardens in America today. Tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The tram offers you a front row seat to The Arboretum’s five botanical sections and 18,000 plants of: Africa, Australia, The Americas, The Asiatic, and the Historic Circle.
Take a self guided tour using the printable guide here [PDF].
Also, view the visitor map map here.
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007-2697 [MAP]
(626) 802 - 8471
Hours:
Daily: 9am - 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Admission:
| Members: | FREE |
| Adults: | $8 |
| Seniors - 62 and over: | $6 |
| Students (with ID): | $6 |
| Children (5 - 12): | $3 |
| Children 4 and under): | FREE |
| Third Tuesday of each month: | FREE |
(Please note that admission is currently cash only)
Tram: Operates daily 11am - 3pm. Fare is $4/person. Call ahead to ensure tram is in operation on the day of your visit: (626) 821-3222.
Dining: The Peacock Cafe is open Tue - Sat, 9am -4pm; closed on Mondays.
South Coast Botanic Garden
This 87-acre Botanic Garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. The Garden is situated in Sunset's Zone 23, one of the most favored growing areas in the world. About 100 trees and shrubs are rare mature specimens, infrequently seen elsewhere. The wide variety of plant life provides food and shelter to an abundant wildlife and bird population, and over 200 species of birds are sighted annually. Popular features include a small lake, Mediterranean Garden, AARS Rose Garden, Water-Wise Garden, Garden for the Senses, Cactus Garden, Children's Garden, Fuchsia Garden, Dahlia Garden, Herb Garden, and Japanese Garden.
Docent-guided Environmental Nature Walks: The tours will take visitors into the heart of this unique garden (built atop a sanitary landfill), learn about its history and emphasize the importance of the plant world for both people and their environment. Tour group size is limited and will meet in the entrance courtyard at 11:00 a.m. and again at 1:00 p.m. Availability will be first come first serve.
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula 90274 [MAP]
http://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/
(310) 544-1948
Hours:
Daily: 9am - 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Admission:
| Foundation Members: | FREE |
| Adults: | $8 |
| Seniors - 62 and over: | $6 |
| Students (with ID): | $6 |
| Children (5 - 12): | $3 |
| Children 4 and under): | FREE |
| Third Tuesday of each month: | FREE |
(Please note that admission is currently cash only)
Tram: Tram Tours run every Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Tickets are $4 per person at the Admission window. Cash only accepted at the Admission window. Tram Tours are approximately 45 minutes in length.
Dining: The gift shop (open 10-5, M-F; 9-5 Wknds) sells a small selection of drinks and snacks. There is a picnic area located outside the Garden gates.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a unique historic estate, a cultural jewel that transports the visitor back to the birthplace of Beverly Hills. Built in 1911. It was once the residence of retail giants Virginia and Harry Robinson (of Robinson department store fame) and now occupies an illustrious place in history as the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open by appointment to the public. Located behind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, the beautiful six-acre property contains a breathtaking display garden, mansion and pool pavilion. A favorite destination for both local and international visitors, the property attracts a varied audience, from those interested in the history of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to people who appreciate beautiful gardens and traditional design. In addition, it is a dynamic location for photo shoots with dramatic settings such as the awe-inspiring Australian King Palm Forest, the bucolic Rose Garden and the tranquil Italian Terrace Garden.
Two special guided tours, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 .p.m. Travel back in time and explore five distinctive gardens at the historic Virginia Robinson Estate and also tour the Main House and Pool Pavilion. Please call Jesse Harris at (310) 550-2065 to sign up for one of the tours before or on Friday, April 29, as advance reservations are required.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills 90210 [MAP]
(310) 550-2065
Hours: Open to the public by appointment only. The tour includes a walk through of the famous mansion, but is largely composed of viewing the historical garden paradise. Both the gardens and the home are available for tour by appointment Tuesday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. Walk-in visitors are not allowed. You must make a reservation by phone -- preferably two weeks in advance. Please call (310) 550-2065 or email visit@robinsongardens.org to make a reservation.
Admission:
| Foundation Members: | FREE |
| Adults: | $11 |
| Seniors - 62 and over: | $6 |
| Students (w/ ID): | $6 |
| Children (5-12): | $4 |
The Huntington
The Botanical Gardens are an ever-changing exhibition of color and a constant delight. Covering 120 acres, more than a dozen specialized gardens are arranged within a park-like landscape of rolling lawns. More than 14,000 different varieties of plants are showcased in more than a dozen principal garden areas. Among the most remarkable are the Desert Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Chinese garden. The camellia collection is one of the largest in the country. Other important botanical attractions include the Subtropical, Herb, Jungle, and Palm gardens. Most of the plants are exotic ornamentals; many are labeled. If you have questions about roses or herbs, look for volunteers who are often on duty in those areas to answer questions. Behind the scenes, new collections from Mexico, South America, South Africa, and other regions are cultivated for planting in the gardens or for distribution to other botanical gardens, plant science professionals, and amateur horticulturists.
To the north of the Scott Galleries sits the Botanical Education Center, featuring the Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden, the Teaching Greenhouse, and The Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory for Botanical Science. The Conservatory provides children and families with exhibits designed to capture the imagination, engage the senses, and teach some of the fundamentals of botany. The Children’s Garden is most suitable for kids ages 2-7; the Conservatory is designed for middle-school-age students.
The Huntington is more than just gardens. The Huntington Library has an excellent collection of rare books and manuscripts in the fields of British and American history and literature. Its collection also covers the American West, the Gold Rush and the development of Southern California. The Huntington Art Collections are distinguished by their specialized character and elegant settings in three separate galleries on the Huntington grounds and contain one of the most comprehensive collections in this country of 18th- and 19th-century British and French art. A fourth space, the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery, hosts changing exhibitions.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino 91108 [MAP]
(626) 405-2100
Hours:
Mon, Tue-Fri: Noon - 4:30pm
Sat & Sun: 10:30 am - 4:30pm
Admission:
| Weekdays | Weekends/Monday-holidays | ||
| Adults | $15 | $20 | |
| Seniors (65+) | $12 | $15 | |
Students (12-18, or w/ full-time student I.D.) | $10 | $10 | |
| Youth (5-11) | $6 | $6 | |
| Children (under 5) | free | free | |
| (Groups (15+) | $11 (per person) | $14 (per person) | |
| Members | FREE | FREE |
Parking: FREE
Take a 45-minute tour of the Getty gardens, including Robert Irwin's Central Garden. Meet the docent outside at the bench under the sycamore trees near the front entrance of the Museum. Tours begin at 11:30, 12:30, 2:30 & 3:30.
http://getty.edu/
(310) 440-7300
Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 5:30pm, Sat 10am - 9pm, Sun 10am - 5:30pm, Closed Mondays
Admission: FREE; No reservations required.
Parking: $15. FREE after 5pm.
Discover the rich mythological and cultural connections of ancient gardens in this 40-minute tour of the Getty Villa's four Roman gardens. Meet at the Tour Meeting Place outside the Museum Entrance. Tours begin at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30.
http://getty.edu/
(310) 440-7300
Hours: Wed - Mon 10am - 5pm, Closed Tuesdays
Admission: FREE. Advance timed tickets required. For tickets, call (310) 440- 7300 or buy online.
Parking: $15. FREE after 5pm
The Getty Center
Take a 45-minute tour of the Getty gardens, including Robert Irwin's Central Garden. Meet the docent outside at the bench under the sycamore trees near the front entrance of the Museum. Tours begin at 11:30, 12:30, 2:30 & 3:30.
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles 90049 [MAP]http://getty.edu/
(310) 440-7300
Hours: Tue - Fri 10am - 5:30pm, Sat 10am - 9pm, Sun 10am - 5:30pm, Closed Mondays
Admission: FREE; No reservations required.
Parking: $15. FREE after 5pm.
The Getty Villa
Discover the rich mythological and cultural connections of ancient gardens in this 40-minute tour of the Getty Villa's four Roman gardens. Meet at the Tour Meeting Place outside the Museum Entrance. Tours begin at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30.
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades 90272 [MAP]http://getty.edu/
(310) 440-7300
Hours: Wed - Mon 10am - 5pm, Closed Tuesdays
Admission: FREE. Advance timed tickets required. For tickets, call (310) 440- 7300 or buy online.
Parking: $15. FREE after 5pm
Other Gardens:
The Japanese Garden
Suiho En the garden of water and fragrance is a 6½ acre authentic Japanese garden fashioned after “stroll gardens” constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese Feudal lords. Our facility is unique in that it incorporates three classical designs: a dry karensansui, a wet garden with promenade chisen, and an authentic tea ceremony garden incorporating a 4.5 tatami mat tea room. The Japanese Garden
6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys 91406 [MAP]
(818) 756-8166
Hours: Mon - Thu 11am - 4pm, Sun 10 am - 4pm (last entry at 3:15). Closed on LA City holidays and if it is raining or has rained w/i 24 hours of opening time. Call to ensure Garden is open on the day you plan to visit.
Admission: Adults - $3, Seniors (62+) - $2, Children (under 10) $2.
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Thirty-three acres of unique terrain offering panoramic views of Conejo Valley and abundant opportunities for education, conservation and recreation. While a significant portion of the Garden's acreage is reserved to provide a natural habitat for birds and small animals, the developed area of the Gardens includes displays of natives and water-conserving plants from California, the Mediterranean, and Australia as well as several specialty gardens.
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
350 West Gainsboro Road, Thousand Oaks 91360 [MAP]
(805) 494-7630
Hours: 7am - 5pm (except holidays and the day after holidays)
Admission: FREE
UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden
The Garden covers just over one acre and is located in the community of Bel Air about one mile from campus. The garden was inspired by the gardens of Kyoto. Many structures in the garden–the main gate, the garden house, bridges and shrine–were built in Japan and reassembled here. Antique stone carvings, water basins and lanterns as well as the five-tiered pagoda and key symbolic rocks are also from Japan. Several hundred tons of local stones came from the quarries in Ventura County and the foot of Mt Baldy northeast of Los Angeles.
UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden
10619 Bellagio Road, Los Angeles 90077 [MAP]
(310) 794-0320
Hours: CLOSED indefinitely for scheduled maintainence as of 2 May 2011.
Admission: N/A
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Dedicated in 1981, the Japanese Gardens encompases 1.3 acres on the California State University, Long Beach campus. Inspiration for the Garden was drawn from the landscape architect's visit Imperial Gardens in Tokyo.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
1250 North Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach 90815 [MAP]
(562) 985-5930
Hours: Tue - Fri 8am - 3:30pm, Sun Noon - 4pm, Closed Sat & Mon, Closed holidays winter break.
Admission: FREE
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