Descanso Gardens offers October fun and classes

Descanso Gardens celebrates grasses, the workhorse family of the plant world with the In Praise of the Grasses Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15. Did you know that grass covers one-third of the Earth’s land? This new festival will look at the many uses of grasses, from landscaping to food.

And just in time for Oktoberfest, we celebrate one of the most popular uses of grasses – beer making! Learn how to make home brew – or enjoy unusual imported brews in our biergarten, featuring the polka-tastic musical stylings of Autobahn!

Here’s a look at the day’s offerings:

Biergarten at Descanso Gardens, 3 to 8 p.m.:
Hoist a glass and enjoy a variety of uncommon German beers. Van de Kamp Hall will be transformed into a German-style beer garden in this Descanso spin on the German Oktoberfest tradition. Yodeler-accordian player extraordinaire Autobahn will perform from 5:30 to 8 p.m. He’s a mainstay of the Vegas show circuit and gets the party started playing a lively mix of musical styles. Let the oom-pah-pah begin!

Creative Landscaping with Perennial Grass, 11 a.m.:
Think beyond fescue and explore the possibilities of the grass family. Brian Sullivan, horticulture and garden operations director, leads the way. He will showcase many creative and beautiful landscape applications of this diverse family of plants. In Van de Kamp. Free, members only. Advance registration required.

Grow a Beer Garden, 1 p.m.:
Want beer? Grow your own! Horticulturist Rachel Young and members of the Crown of the Valley Brewing Society will show you how. Learn how to grow grain, including wheat and barley, as well as flavorful accents such as lavender and chamomile. In Van de Kamp. $15 nonmembers, $10 members. Advance registration required.

Home Beer Making 101, 2:30 p.m.:
The Crown of the Valley Brewing Society will demonstrate how to create great tasting beer at home in this beginner-level class. Learn all you need to know to start brewing. $25 nonmembers, $20 members. Advance registration required by October 10. No walk-ins.


Register for classes at the Gardens Visitor Center or by phoning (818) 949-7980. Admission to Descanso Gardens is $8 general, $6 seniors/students with I.D., $3 children 5 to 12; children 4 and younger free. Class fee includes admission to the Gardens. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Information: (818) 949-4200.



About Descanso Gardens: Established as a public garden in 1953, 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.