Descanso Gardens
parkLarge botanical garden near Los Angeles featuring extensive plant collections, seasonal displays, and woodland landscapes. The living gardens also serve as an event venue with facilities for weddings and private receptions, accommodating roughly 170–200 guests for outdoor gatherings.
Upcoming Events (13)
Member Appreciation Night
An evening exclusive to Descanso Gardens members featuring live classical music, nature crafts, bloom tours, and a ride on the Descanso Railroad, celebrating membership during Member Appreciation Week in a lush LA garden.
Extended Hours Begin
From March 16 to September 30, 2026, Descanso Gardens stays open until 7pm, inviting guests to enjoy golden-hour strolls through the lush grounds of Los Angeles.
Little Songbirds
Enjoy a nature-themed musical storytime at Descanso Gardens with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, featuring live music, movement activities, a read-aloud story, and a kid-friendly intro to musical concepts for young children and their caregivers.
Rooted Workshop: Spring Bloom Arrangement
Join expert florist Whit McClure at Descanso Gardens for a hands-on Spring Bloom Arrangement workshop on March 19, 2026 at 10:00. Learn color and form to craft a take-home floral design using seasonal blooms and natural materials provided.
Journal of Therolinguistics Opening Reception
Opening reception for the Journal of Therolinguistics exhibition at Boddy House, Descanso Gardens. Meet seven artists and curator Oscar Salguero, with live music and a no-host bar as the venue becomes a living research center exploring plant and animal communication.
Student Community Service Day
Join Descanso Gardens for a student volunteer day to help care for the gardens, earn service hours, and tackle light gardening or educational tasks under supervision. Open to ages 12–15 with adult chaperones; RSVP required; wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Perennial Circle Exclusive: Spring Bloom Tour
Exclusive Perennial Circle members can join a guided Spring Bloom Tour at Descanso Gardens led by horticulturist Taylor Lopez, exploring vibrant tulips, flowering trees, and the seasonal planning behind the garden’s spring display.
Community Service Day
Join a Community Service Day at Descanso Gardens for a hands-on gardening project. Volunteers 16+ receive instruction and contribute to grounds maintenance, planting, and care, helping LA's green spaces while enjoying a friendly, outdoor volunteer experience.
Forest Bathing
Join Debra Wilbur for a morning forest bathing session at Descanso Gardens' Ancient Forest: a guided meditation, exploratory walk, and reflective discussion to deepen your connection with nature for ages 15 and up.
Natural Dye Workshop
Join Leah Thomas at Descanso Gardens for a hands-on Natural Dye Workshop to dye fabric with flowers. Learn plant-based dyeing techniques, dye a provided bandana or bring your own light fabric, and discover vibrant, nature-inspired colors.
Nature Meditation
Join a peaceful 15-minute guided meditation at Descanso Gardens' Center Circle, with Anna Christine Bowden, offered in 9–9:15, 9:30–9:45, or 10–10:15 am; free with garden admission, no registration required.
Journal of Therolinguistics
At Boddy House in Descanso Gardens, Journal of Therolinguistics presents seven international artists exploring interspecies communication and ecological kinship through an immersive, language-centered art exhibition.
Natura Naturata: Nature’s Action
Eight female artists present contemporary photography and video at Descanso Gardens, exploring humanity’s bond with nature through environmental imagery and conceptual installations in the garden’s outdoor spaces.