Garden sights in Los Angeles
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Serra Retreat
Tile aficionados and hideaway fans should cross PCH and head up to the Serra Retreat, another former Rindge home that is now a religious sanctuary. We recently spotted Martin Sheen, Malibu honorary mayor and a devout Catholic, chatting with one of the Franciscan friars in the lovely ocean-view gardens. You're free to walk around and enjoy the flowers and the views, but respect the tranquil, hushed ambience. The Serra Rd turn-off is about a quarter mile west of the Malibu Pier (look for the sign and tell the guard you're going to the retreat). The road winds through another celebrity enclave where Britney unloaded her home for a cool $12 million in 2007.
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B
Self-realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
No matter what your religious persuasion is, any negative vibes just seem to disappear while strolling these paradisiacal grounds . Paths meander around a spring-fed lake and past clumps of flowers and swaying palms to a windmill-turned-chapel, where George Harrison's memorial was held, and a shrine containing some of the ashes of Mahatma Ghandi. The fellowship was founded in 1920 by charismatic yogi Paramahansa Yogananda and blends traditions of Christian and Eastern religions. Overlooking the garden is the hilltop temple, crowned by a gilded lotus, where anyone can attend the lectures, meditations and services.
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C
Virginia Robison Gardens
Beverly Hills' ultimate ‘secret' garden is tucked among the manicured estates north of Sunset Blvd. Virginia Robinson, wife of department store mogul Harry Robinson, had a passion for plants and devoted much of her life to creating this symphony of trees and flowers that can only be experienced on guided tours. You'll also get to peek inside the Robinsons' magnificent beaux arts mansion, where Fred Astaire, Ronald Reagan and other Hollywood royalty used to pop by for a game of bridge and a stiff whiskey. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance, and even further ahead in spring.
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D
Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens put on a dazzling show all year, but especially so in January and February when some 34,000 camellias brighten the LA winter, some as tall as 20ft. In spring lilacs perfume the air, followed by roses in summer. It's easy to spend a whole day amid the greenery, waterways and bird sanctuary. The gardens are in La Cañada–Flintridge, about 6 miles northwest of Pasadena at the foot of the Angeles Crest Hwy.
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E
South Coast Botanic Garden
Before leaving Palos Verdes, floweristas should head inland to the South Coast Botanic Garden , which has been reclaimed from a former landfill. So when you see all those fruit trees, redwoods, roses, dahlias and some other 2000 species, remember you're actually standing on a huge pile of trash. A tram operates on the weekends, and plant shows and sales take place year-round.
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F
James Irvine Garden
Little Tokyo's main cultural hub is the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center . The gallery spotlights local artists and there's also a library and a gift shop. With bamboo and a gurgling stream, the hidden James Irvine Garden is great to chill in. Reach it by taking the elevator to the ‘B' level and follow the signs.
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G
Hannah Carter Japanese Garden
It's only open by reservation, but the lovely Hannah Carter Japanese Garden is well worth the trouble. Strolling through this spiritual gem inspired by the terraced gardens of Kyoto is an instant escape from city life. Sorry, no picnics. Call at least 10 days in advance. It's about one mile north of UCLA.
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H
Mildred E Mathias Botanical Garden
In UCLA's southeastern corner, the Mildred E Mathias Botanical Garden has more than 5000 native and exotic plants and flowers. Enter on Tiverton Ave. On winter weekdays, gates close an hour earlier.
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