[photo credit: Descanso Gardens]
The display opens Monday, December 15, at the sprawling estate within the La Cañada Flintridge gardens. The Boddy House—a 12,000-square-foot, 22-room Hollywood Regency mansion built in 1937–1938 by James E. Dolena, the “architect to the stars”—belonged to E. Manchester Boddy, publisher of the Los Angeles Daily News, before the property was sold to Los Angeles County in 1953.
Kelly Fernandez, appointed Director of Horticulture & Facilities in November, leads the horticultural vision. “My mission in life is to get people excited about plants,” she said.
Admission is included with standard garden entry: $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, $8 for children ages three to 12, and free for children under two. Parking is complimentary. A golf cart shuttle is available by request at Guest Services for visitors with mobility challenges.
The display arrives amid tighter access to the gardens. Descanso’s “Free Tuesday” program was discontinued June 30, following a $22.2 million budget cut to Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation.
CEO Juliann Rooke highlights the organization’s mission: “My heart and soul are rooted in Descanso Gardens. This is so much more than just a job.”
Boddy House Botanical Display will run on Monday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. For more information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit https://www.descansogardens.org/event/boddy-house-botanical-display-2/2025-12-16/ Ticket prices: $18 adults, $14 seniors and students, $8 children ages 3-12, free for children under 2; admission included with Descanso Gardens general admission or membership.
