Descanso Gardens offers April fun and learning

April 2012 at Descanso Gardens


To register for classes, please call (818) 949-7980. Classes require advance registration unless otherwise noted; there are no walk-ins.Details on classes at www.descansogardens.org



TOMATOMANIA!, Saturday-Sunday, March 31-April 1: Back by popular demand, TOMATOMANIA, the world’s largest tomato seedling sale, returns to Descanso Gardens. The plant sale runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, featuring heirloom and unusual varieties. Learn more about growing tomatoes in the lecture Grow Great Tomatoes with Scott Daigre of TOMATOMANIA! at 11 a.m. both days. Activities free with admission.



Beginning Tai Chi, 10 Tuesdays starting April 3, 8:30 a.m.: Instructor Laura Gloster leads this class in the martial art which emphasizes slow, rhythmic movement. $120 members, $150 nonmembers. Advance registration required. At the Rose Pavilion.



Advanced Tai Chi, 10 Wednesdays starting April 4, 8:30 a.m.: Instructor Laura Gloster leads this class for more experienced students of tai chi. $120 members, $150 nonmembers. Advance registration required. At the Rose Pavilion.



Easter Brunch by Patina, Saturday & Sunday, April 7-8: Celebrate spring with a delicious brunch prepared by the Patina chefs. Childrenwill each receive a small basket with two cookies to decorate. Seatings are at 10 a.m. and noon, only on Saturday; 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Easter Sunday. $44 members, $52 nonmembers; $19 children 4 to 12; free 3 and younger. At the Rose Pavilion. Reservation deadline April 3: www.patinagroup.com/descanso



Little Owls Reading Nest, Saturdays & Tuesdays , April 7-June 30, 10:30 a.m.: Come cuddle up in our giant nest where we’ll be reading stories for the little ones. Young and old will be inspired by storytelling in our natural setting. Afterwards, explore the gardens with hints from our educators on how to bring the story alive. As a special Easter treat, Little Owls Reading Nest will also be open at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, April 8. Free with admission. At Nature’s Table.



Toddler Treks with Acorn Bear, 6 Fridays starting April 13, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.: Introduce your youngster (ages 2 to 4) to the wonders of nature in this interactive weeklyworkshop, which includes stories, crafts and walks in the Gardens. $56 for first child ($44 member child), $20 for siblings ($10 for member siblings). Class t-shirt included. Reservationdeadline April 11. At the Rose Pavilion.



Flowering Trees Walk & Talk, Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m.: Descanso Curator Wen Wang leads this enlightening stroll which focuses on the flowering trees that blossom in the springtime. Free with admission. At Center Circle.



Wildflower Walk, Saturday, April 14 & 21, 1 p.m.: Enjoy the native beauty of spring. Horticulturist Rachel Young will discuss the many wildflowers gracing the Gardens landscape. Free with admission. At Center Circle.



EARTH DAY APRIL 21-22

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Saturday, April 21, 3:30 p.m.: “If music be the food of love, play on!” Revel in the pleasures of the Bard’s luminous comedy presented by the California Shakespeare Ensemble in the shade of Descanso’s oak trees. Enjoy live harp music and purchase selections from an organic wine bar as part of the revels. Free with admission. Recommended for ages 12 and older. At Under the Oaks Theater.



Mobile Homeboys in concert, Sunday, April 22,Noon-2 p.m.: This rocking ensemble is a Descanso musical favorite. Sit back and enjoy an afternoon of hard-charging country-flavored rock-and-roll. Freewith admission. At Under the Oaks Theater.



Sunday Activities & Barbecue, Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Learn more about ecosystems at Descanso’s annual Earth Day celebration. Children can explore nature through hands-on activities. Discover the “locavore” culinary movement, celebrating locally raised food, at Patina’s eco-friendly barbecue where mouth-watering selections will be sold. Most activities free with admission. At Main Lawn.



“Planting the Wild Garden” Story Walk, April 22-May 6, Visitor Center: Kicking off on Sunday, “Planting the Wild Garden” by Kathryn O. Galbraith and Wendy Anderson looks at the many ways seeds are disseminated by humans, animals and natural forces. Using the children’s picture book as inspiration, this self-directed story walk through the Gardens celebrates the opening of the new Center Circle meadow. Pick up a map at the Visitor Center and explore! Begins Earth Day and blooms, gurgles, and hums for two weeks. Free with admission.



Mt. SAC Plant Sale, Thursday-Sunday, April 26-29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Green up your life with unique and celebrated offerings from the horticulture program at Mount San Antonio College. Mt. SAC students and growers staff the sale and will be happy to engage in a lively talk on the plants backgrounds. A terrific spring tradition at the Gardens. Free with admission. At the Main Lawn.



Getting to Know Your Local Oaks, Saturday, April 28, 2:30 p.m.: Oak groves inspire awe in humankind, whether as sacred spaces to the ancients or simply beautiful manifestations of the natural world. Acclaimed arborist, Jan Scow, leads this walking tour of Descanso’s oak forest, providing a deeper understanding of the majestic native trees. Learn what plants are good companions for oaks, as well as understand an oak’s “body language.” Free with admission. Recommended for ages 12 and older. At the Oak Grove.

Botanic Bling, Sunday, April 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Add some zing to your spring wardrobe! The spring edition of Botanic Bling returns, featuring distinctive jewelry and accessories, many handcrafted by the vendors. Free with admission. At the Rose Pavilion.



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. Members welcome at 8 a.m. Admission fees: free for members; $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students; $3 for children 5 to 12, free children 4 and younger. Parking is free. 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.