May fun at Descanso Gardens

May 2012 at Descanso Gardens

Into the Enchanted Forest, Mother’s Day Brunch, Wine Tasting and More!



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

Into the Enchanted Forest, Saturdays in May, 11:30 a.m.: Join us for Into the Enchanted Forest, live performances in our Under the Oaks theater. Get ready for a magical journey! Head into the woods and nestle in under the trees as you hear family-friendly tales straight from the inhabitants of the enchanted forest. Enjoy stories are anything but ordinary. Free with admission. At Under the Oaks.

Flower Mart Tour, Saturday, May 5, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.: Floral designer Ray Tucker leads this popular tour of the Los Angeles Flower Mart. Learn how to shop the Mart, as well as arranging tips. Meet in downtown Los Angeles. $18 members, $25 nonmembers. Reservation deadline: Friday, May 4.

“Seen and Scene: The Imagined Landscape” opening, Friday, May 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: In celebration of National Public Gardens Day, Descanso Gardens will unveil the second exhibition at the new Sturt Haaga Gallery. This evocative new show features several California artists whose work explores the landscape genre in personal and unique ways. The Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free with admission.

Mother’s Day Brunch by Patina, Saturday-Sunday, May 12-13: Pamper mom and the special women in your life at this brunch in Descanso’s beautiful Rose Garden. Patina chefs will create a scrumptious brunch sure to tempt every palate. Saturday seatings: 10 a.m. and noon. Sunday seatings: 9:30 and 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m. $44 members, $52 nonmembers; $19 children 4 to 12; free 3 and younger. Reservations required by Tuesday, May 8: www.patinagroup.com/descanso. At the Rose Garden.

Taste of Spring Cooking Class, Thursday, May 17, 1-4 p.m.: Patina Chef Ben Rios celebrates the season with this class devoted to fresh, vibrant cuisine. $60, members only. Reservation deadline Monday, May 14. At the Boddy House.

Plant a Meadow Garden, Saturday, May 19, 1 p.m.: Go wild and plant a meadow in your backyard! The birds and bees (not to mention squirrels and possums) will thank you for it. Natives horticulturist Rachel Young will discuss planning and planting a California meadow suitable for home habitats. Free for members, $10 nonmembers. At Maple.

Patina Wine Tasting, Friday, May 25, 6-8 p.m.: “Cin cin!” Celebrate the vino of Italy at the first wine tasting of the year. Patina chefs will pair tempting tastes of Italian cuisine with extraordinary wines. Members only; $50 per person. Reservation deadline Tuesday, May 22. At the Main Lawn.



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, members welcome at 8 a.m. Closed Christmas Day. Admission is free for members and children 4 and younger. $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students; $3 for children 5 to 12. 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.