The Huntington to toast bonsai and clivia March 24 and 25

Visitors can catch two special events on Saturday and Sunday, March 24–25, when The Huntington hosts a pair of annual garden shows, each with a different focus. The California Bonsai Society will present its 55th Annual Bonsai Show, and the North American Clivia Society and the Southern California Clivia Club will hold their 9th Annual Clivia Show and Sale. Both events run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

The Bonsai Show, displayed in Friends’ Hall, will showcase an outstanding array of masterpiece trees, including miniature elms, ginkgos, maples, and other deciduous trees in early leaf; flowering plants such as wisteria and bougainvillea; classic Japanese black pine and California juniper specimens; and beautiful examples of nontraditional bonsai such as orange trees and California manzanita. Special displays, educational materials, and demonstrations of bonsai techniques will be offered throughout the weekend.

The Clivia Show and Sale will be on view in the Botanical Center, where dozens of blooming species and hybrids will compete for top honors. Vendors will also have a wide variety of plants available for purchase. Native to southern Africa, the clivia reached the height of its popularity as a house plant in the Victorian era. Since the 1980s it has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity as a landscape plant. The colorful blooms, evergreen foliage, ease of care, and preference for mild winters make clivia a favorite with local gardeners. But you won’t find mere “garden variety” blooms at the show. Look for unusual colors such as salmon and deep red, bi-colored blooms, variegated leaves, and atypical forms. Visitors can vote for their favorites in for “People’s Choice” award.

Entry to both events is included with Huntington admission, so visitors can make a day of it and enjoy the springtime beauty of the gardens. Admission: $20 for adults, $15 seniors, $10 students (12 and up), $6 youth (5-11), and free for children under 5. Information: 626-405-2100.



The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, Calif., and is open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and major holidays. Admission on weekdays: $15 adults, $12 seniors (65+), $10 students (ages 12–18 or with full-time student I.D.), $6 youth (ages 5–11), free for children under 5. Group rate $11 per person for groups of 15 or more. Members are admitted free. Admission on weekends and Monday holidays: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, $6 youth, free for children under 5. Group rate $14 per person for groups of 15 or more. Members are admitted free. Admission is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of each month with advance tickets. Information: 626-405-2100 or www.huntington.org.