Since today is Mother’s Day and tomorrow is my mother’s birthday, I thought about those events in connection with Favorite Places. At this time of the year I always think about gardens. As a child in Wisconsin, lilacs were blooming and that would be one of my childhood gifts to her. Although I am not physically in southern California with my mother, I thought I would feature one of her Favorite Places:
Descanso Botanical Garden
From where my mother lives in Simi Valley, California there are two of the most spectacular public gardens less than a hour away. Today I want to tell you about the one in La Canada. I’ll save the other one for another time.
Here in the middle of miles and miles of urban concrete you will find 150 acres of botanical garden and forests. The first impression a visitor has of Descanso Garden is of the live oaks and the camellias lining the driveway. Once inside Descanso there is a wide variety of places to go and things to see. You can go to the Camellia Forest, the Japanese Garden, the Iris Garden, the rose garden which they call the International Rosarium or, my favorite, the Lilac Garden.
In addition to looking at and smelling all the beauty offered by the plants, you can also do some other things here. On my last trip we had a nice lunch from their cafe, shopped their gift shop and rode the tram around the garden. In the past my mother has held a membership in the garden and attended many of their lectures, classes, musical programs and festivals.
There are many lovely botanical gardens all over the world. This is definitely one of the best times of the year to visit a favorite garden. What’s your favorite garden?
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I love botanical gardens. And lilacs are my all-time favorite flower. I love the smell and I love the shortness of the season. I have all sorts in my yard.
Unfortunately, it’s been so long since I’ve been in a botanical garden, I can’t remember any of their names. That would be a great activity for Mother’s Day, though. Speaking of which, I hope you have a great day today!
Hi Margot,
Happy Mother’s Day!! My favorite place is posted. It’s Lilacs also. Have a great day!!
Sherrie
Your garden post sounds wonderful! Hope you have a great Mother’s Day!
Botanical gardens are wonderful. This photo could have been taken from my kitchen window – we have a beautiful lilac plant that leans over the deck.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Botanical gardens are always so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Hi there.. nice to “meet” you too. Thanks for dropping a line at my blog. I am starting to read Royal blood. Not sure how quickly I will get into it..but it seems like a good one. I recognize you from comments also!!
Beautiful Flowers… I think a trip to a botanical garden sounds wonderful!!
Ps. I added you to my google reader. Great blog.. I look forward to reading more.
lol IS that a picture of mine? lol
My favorite garden is mine. I planted different flowers for every one in my family…still working on some. But getting there, I have a rose tree for My Maternal grandfather, Poinese (sp)for my Paternal grandfather, Lily of the valley for my Paternal grandmother, Lilac bushes for my Maternal grandmother, Lillys for my Mother, Iris’ for my father, Hostas for my Brother, I keep trying for sunflowers for my sister and for me It was either the 250 bulbs of tulips and daffidils or all the other things I find I like and throw into the garden. I will need to pick something for my nieces this year.
Wow Margot – those gardens sound wonderful! I just love lilacs and have been meaning to plant some in our yard. . .
Thank you for the question you left on last week’s thinger – this week we are looking at reviews! I know of two ways to enter them (I haven’t had much success with the second way, but I’ve shared it anyway).
Thanks for stopping by and participating in Thingers last week! I’ve got the post up for this week. ~ Wendi
Margot,
I’ll bet your lilac garden is gorgeous. Thanks for showing the photo. Don’t worry, I’m coming back. I love your blog.