Time in the Garden at Descanso

Yesterday I had a chance to visit Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, a 150-acre botanical garden that is a short hop from where I live in Pasadena. Descanso has reopened to members and visitors after closing in March during #StayatHome. Similar to the reopening of other gardens and cultural institutions, members can visit without making advance reservations and are allowed earlier entrance to explore the space. Every Tuesday visitor tickets for the week are released for online purchase.

What was intended as a short visit turned into several hours of exploration, without a map to guide and just allowing my feet to lead. There are paved paths, bark paths and more hiking trails than I expected - a happy find! Though there were many visitors by mid-morning, the sheer size of the garden and varied terrain allowed ample opportunity for mostly solo walking. Everyone respectfully wore masks and social distanced.

While I had a chance to amble through the different areas such the Rose Garden, Oak Forest, California Natives and Oak Woodland, I didn’t get to spend time in the Ancient Forest, Japanese Garden and Nature’s Table or Edible Garden. Not to worry - there will be future vists to Descanso.

As a current apartment dweller, my limited ‘garden’ is a mixed succulent container and potted herbs. Previously as a homeowner, I had a chance to landscape twice - first with traditional plants that commonly do well in Southern California then a re-landscape using California native plants. My knowledge of plants and familarity with gardening tasks, like maintence and propagation, was picked up through practice and personal interest.

I’ve been thinking about volunteering close to home and will be reaching out to a couple of non-profits, including public gardens. Grateful for our temparate climate and the opportunity to be outdoors everyday!