Descanso Gardens

This year, on Free Museum Day, we opted to attend an outdoor "museum" called Descanso Gardens.  It's a beautiful venue that offers miles of walking trails through gorgeously landscaped gardens.  Join us on this journey, won't you?

Good Times!

Descanso Gardens is located in La Cañada Flintridge on 150 acres of land formerly owned by Elias Manchester Boddy.  I won't tell you about his history because I want you to visit and learn for yourself.  More on him in a bit.

Admission is only $9 and you COULD spend a day exploring or hammer through in about 2 hours.  They are open every day but Christmas but I don't recommend going on a Monday.  Some exhibits are closed on Mondays and you really want to see them all!  The gardens boast "AMPLE FREE PARKING" but, in reality, parking sucks if you don't arrive first thing in the morning.  They have a cramped little gift shop and a cafe and fancy restaurant, neither of which I have ever eaten at in the few visits I have made.

Where to start?

Descanso is part botanical gardens and part wilderness so you'll want some good hiking boots to fully explore.

We begin in a clockwise motion, at the Japanese Garden.  It celebrates it's 50th anniversary currently and includes features found in many different styles of gardens in Japan, including the stroll garden, the stream-and-pond garden, the tea garden, and the raked-gravel garden (karesansui), often called (incorrectly) a Zen garden.

Continue through the Lilac Garden to the Ancient Forrest, which feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park.  Stroll through the Oak Forest and Camellia Collection-East before making your way up the very steep path to the Boddy House.  Here you will learn about the history of the gardens and take in stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.  While at the top, visit the Haaga Gallery.  I also recommend heading behind the property for some hiking in Hope's Garden.  You'll gain elevation for greater views and avoid some of the crowds.

When you are ready to descend, come down and take the back nature trails, exploring the rugged areas of the upper forests on your way to the California Natives and Oak Woodlands.  Head around the lake to the Rose Garden before making your way to the Center Circle and Nature's Table.  Stroll through the Oak Forest and Camellia Collection-West before making your exit.

The gardens are stunning and relaxing and everything you need to enjoy life.  Go make your admission donation and take in the beauty in our own backyard!