Cherry Blossom Festival at Descanso Gardens March 23 and 24

Hello, Spring! Greet the season at the Descanso Gardens Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of Japanese culture and the beautiful flowering trees in the landscape, on Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24. Enjoy drama, delectable cuisine,  garden walks and more. Cherry Tree & Japanese Rose Sale Both days | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Gift Shop Beautiful flowering cherry trees will be available for purchase, 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. & 1p.m. | Center Circle Take a walking tour of the many cherry trees in Descanso Gardens. Origami With Yami Yamauchi Saturday only | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Japanese Garden Learn the traditional art of paper folding from an origami master. Camellia Lounge Both days | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Teahouse Summer's Camellia Lounge returns for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Purchase bento box lunches, beverages and specialty cocktails to enjoy on the Main Lawn. Caltech Players: "Rashōmon" Both days | 2:30-5 p.m. | Under the Oaks Theater 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" alive this spring. Activities are free with admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12; children 4 and younger enter free. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Open daily (except Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details:www.descansogardens.org or (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 with I.D.; $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 4 and younger. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.