Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is celebrating all that nature has to offer in the late winter and early spring, and you can be part of the celebration.
Until May 31, Descanso Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, for “Signs of Spring,” where you can see all the different kinds of colorful flowers that are in bloom inside the Garden.
Descanso Gardens’ website provides a list of flowers currently in bloom so you can plan your visit, as well as those that are waiting to bloom. For example, California crabapple, irises and roses are now in bloom, and clivias, daffodils, lilacs, tulips and wisteria have just finished blooming. Matilija poppies are just getting ready to bloom.
But flowers aren’t the only attraction within Descanso Gardens. Around this time every year, the birds of Descanso mark spring by making their homes in the Garden. You’ll hear their different sounds as you enter, and you can take photographs of them anywhere around Descanso as they fly around looking for food, or build their nests or tend to their young.
As you explore Descanso, look for special areas from the Promenade to the Oak Woodland marked with the Signs of Spring logo. There you will find displays both educational and artistic, including works by artist David Lovejoy. They’ll invite you to explore birds, nests, blooms, and all the signs of spring.
Tickets to “Signs of Spring” at Descanso are $15 for adults, $11 for students with ID and seniors 65 and older, $5 for kids five to 12, and free for kids four years and younger.
All non-members must buy online tickets in advance. Members can enter without an advanced ticket. For more information about becoming a member, visit www.descansogardens.org/
When you visit, please maintain social distance with six feet or more between you and staff or other visitors, wear a face covering, and bring water as all drinking fountains are closed. Drinks can be consumed inside the garden. You can also enjoy any food at the picnic tables outside of the Visitor Center.
As to dining options, The Kitchen at Descanso invites you to enjoy a socially distanced meal on the Magnolia Lawn. Just make sure to pre-order your meal at least 48 hours in advance to enjoy dining al fresco at Descanso Gardens.
Gourmet To Go is a great way to enjoy a meal at home. You can order your meal 48 hours in advance and make a reservation, then pick it up at the kiosk in the courtyard. For more about dining, visit www.descansogardens.org/visit/
The Sturt Haaga Gallery, Boddy House, and Enchanted Railroad inside Descanso Gardens are closed.
To purchase tickets, visit www.descansogardens.org/
Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge. For more information, call (818) 949-4200.
