Descanso Gardens to offer walks in May

May is here, bringing warm days, the promise of summer and wonderful roses. Descanso Gardens is offering a number of programs, many free with admission, to get you enjoying the outdoors. Here’s a look:

Saturday, May 14: Clematis Walk & Talk, 11 a.m.
Clematis is a wonderful companion plant to roses. Rose Horticulturist Amanda Everett leads this guided walk in the Rose Garden. Learn about clematis groups, pruning, care and more. Meet at Center Circle. Free with admission.

Saturday, May 14: California Native Plant Uses. 1-3 p.m.Rachel Young, Descanso’s native plants horticulturist, draws on the wisdom of indigenous people to explore the many practical uses of California native plants. Meet in Maple. $10, members free. Advance registration required, (818) 949-7980.

Tuesday, May 17: Old World Roses Tour, 1 p.m.Rose Horticulturist Amanda Everett leads this walk, which takes place during the peak bloom time for Descanso’s Old Garden Roses that bloom once a year. The walk includes a discussion of old garden roses and their role in the evolution of roses today, some interesting facts about their place in history and information about their care. Meet in Rose Pavilion. Free with admission.

Saturday, May 21: History of Roses, 11 a.m.Rose Horticulturist Amanda Everett leads this walk showcasing our modern roses including some rare and exclusive varieties only found at Descanso Gardens. She will share tips on how to grow great roses organically at home. Meet in Maple. Free with admission.

Saturday, May 21: Flowering Trees Walk & Talk, 1 p.m. Get a guided tour of Descanso’s beautiful spring-flowering trees. Curator Wen Wang leads the way! Meet at Center Circle. Free with admission.

Saturday, May 28: Iris Walk & Talk, 11 a.m.Rose Gardener Will Martin leads an informative walk through the Iris Garden, home to many Dykes Medal prize-winners. Meet in the Rose Pavilion. Free with admission.

Descanso Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas. Admission is $8 general, $6 seniors and students with I.D., $3 for children 5 to 12, free for children 4 and younger. For information on the Gardens, phone (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org.

About Descanso Gardens: Established as a public garden in 1954, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, near the interchange of the 2 and 210 freeways. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students; $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 4 and younger. Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.