A Trio of Garden Visits
It may be hot in and around Pasadena during the summer, but we are fortunate to have nearby gardens that offer shade and serenity. There were 4 different gardens visited over 4 days. Below, description and images for 3 of them.
In answer to the question - what do you do all day? It appears I spend a lot of time outdoors in nature :)
El Molino Viejo in San Marino, CA
To reach a nearby park where we regularly walk, our route takes us on Old Mill Road . This piqued my curiousity - was there an old mill nearby? Indeed there is one! Designed in 1816, the Old Mill is the oldest commercial buiding in Southern California and was fully functional for seven years. It provided resources for the San Gabriel Mission and surrounding area. In 1823, a newer, more efficient mill was built adjacent to it.
El Molino Viejo or The Old Mill is open every day except Monday, 11am-2pm. It is free to visit, donation suggested. During Covid-19, visitors are allowed to tour the gardens and view the exterior of the building. The space feels as if you are somewhere in Europe, though the website indicates it as western adobe style architecture. See the images above. When I stopped by, there were lemon and pomegranite trees with fruit hanging from the branches. The brick walls surrounding the Old Mill offer a nice feeling of seclusion.
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena
We had a chance to visit this beautiful and tranquil 2-acre Japanese Garden on Sunday, having planned ahead and pre-purchasing tickets. During Covid-19, it is open Sunday only for 2-hour timeslot reservations. The garden is considered a masterwork of designer Kinzuchi Fujii, who created it over a period of seven years between 1935 – 1940 for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns. A hidden gem, the garden is located near Old Pasadena. Visitors can stroll around and across the pond and take in garden features such as a fifteen-foot waterfall and formal teahouse.
Descanso Garden in La Canada Flintridge
Yesterday, I finally got my act together to time my visit when Descanso Gardens opens one hour early for members at 8am. There are still many early birds, but everyone is able to spread out along the many trails throughout its 150 acres.
I’ve blogged about Descanso before (Click HERE). This most recent visit was to experience the garden when it is less crowded. Thus, it was more a morning walk along favorite paths and to favorite spots than to see everything. It was particularly nice to be surrounded by the live oaks and pine trees.
