Descanso Gardens March events

March 2013 at Descanso Gardens To register for classes, please call (818) 949-7980. Some classes require advance registration. Details on classes at www.descansogardens.org  Little Owls Reading Nest, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.: Bring your little owlets 2 and older for story time at the giant nest! Mama and Papa Owl are welcome too! Enjoy nature-themed picture books read by Descanso staff. Free with admission. In Nature's Table. Camellia Walk & Talk, Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m.: Horticulturist Wayne Walker leads this exploration of the Camellia Garden. Learn to identify the different kinds of camellias and learn how to keep these bloomers in peak condition. Free with admission. Meet at Center Circle. Creating a Meadow Garden, Tuesday, March 12, 2 p.m.: Horticulture Director Brian Sullivan will reveal the secrets behind Descanso's Center Circle meadow garden display. Part of "Get Dirty: A Gardening Series by Descanso." Public admission free of charge. In Van de Kamp. California Natives Spring Walk, Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m.: Welcome spring and explore the beauty of native plants in the California Natives Garden. Rachel Young, garden manager, will lead this informative guided walk. Free with admission. Meet at Center Circle. Beginning Tai Chi, 10 Tuesdays starting March 19, 8:30 a.m.: Instructor Laura Gloster leads this class, which emphasizes force rather than strength. $150 nonmembers, $120 members. Advance registration required. In the Rose Pavilion.  Advanced Tai Chi, 10 Wednesdays starting March 20, 8:30 a.m.: Instructor Laura Gloster leads this class for more experienced students of tai chi. $150 nonmembers, $120 members. Advance registration required. In the Rose Pavilion.    Cherry Blossom Festival, Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24 Cherry Tree and Japanese Rose Sale, both days, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Beautiful flowering cherry trees will be available for purchase in the Gift Shop, as well as rare Japanese roses grown by Descanso volunteers. Get there early - these tend to sell out quickly! Cherry Blossom Walk & Talk, both days, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Take a walking tour of the many cherry trees in Descanso Gardens. Free with admission. Meet at Center Circle. Origami With Yami Yamauchi, Saturday, 11a.m.-3 p.m.: Learn the traditional art of paper folding from an origami master. Free with admission. In the Japanese Garden. Camellia Lounge, both days, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Back by popular demand, summer's Camellia Lounge returns to the Full Moon Teahouse for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Purchase bento box lunches, beverages and specialty cocktails to enjoy on the Main Lawn. And toast spring with a Cherry-Tini! Caltech Players: "Rashōmon," both days, 2:30-5 p.m.: A woodcutter, a thief, a young woman and a samurai meet by an ancient gate among the cherry blossoms. Each tells a different story of the same event. This exciting new partnership with Artistic Director Brian Brophy and The Caltech Players brings Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's classic film "Rashōmon" to life. Free with admission. In the Under the Oaks Theater. Yoga, 10 weeks starting March 25: This weekly class includes a 25-minute fitness walk and 60-minute yoga practice. Morning classes: 8:30-10 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Evening classes: 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Members only; $120 for 10 weeks, specify day and time. Class size limited to 15 participants; drop-ins allowed if space permits for $15 a session. For new students, first class is free. In Birch and Van de Kamp. Patina Easter Brunch, Saturday-Sunday, March 30-31: Enjoy a spring tradition: A delicious brunch prepared by the chefs at Patina Restaurant Group and served in the blooming Rose Garden. Includes buffet brunch and one mimosa for the adults. Brunch seatings are available each day: Saturday 10 a.m. & noon; Sunday 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. $55 non members, $47 members, $19 children 4 to 12 years; 3 years and younger free. Reservations required:www.patinagroup.com/descanso. In the Rose Pavilion.    Admission to Descanso Gardens is $8 general, $6 seniors/students with I.D., $3 children 5 to 12; children 4 and younger free. 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 91011. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.