Our children grew up visiting the gardens with us, and now, with 4 grandkids ages 10-2, we are still enjoying Desanso. The environment has evolved, is and still evolving, over the years. Fortunately,the Enchanted Railroad still does a little spin around the main walk. We do miss the little red ticket cottage, but are grateful that the tiny train remains. Also, the serene wildlife lake with its turtles,fish and ducks is such a delight to the younger kids. The added waterfall is a welcome, cool retreat during our all-too-often heat waves. Would love to see the return of tea and snacks at in the Japanese Garden, an environment that really sustains lingering if it just offered that cherry blossom punch, tea and tiny treats of years gone by. Summer time does bring some evening life to the Japanese Garden as all of Descanso opens for light-hearted concerts. Boddy House art exhibits are not as rich as I would like, but there an attempt. Rose Garden is a seasonal treat, a bit too warm in summer and barren in winter of course, but spring and fall are a delight. Do go to see the Cherry Blossoms, to smell the lilacs, treasure the old camellias and grand oaks. It is not the floriferous entrance of yore, but the space does welcome and the patio cafe usually delivers tasty soup and sandwiches. Would like to see a refreshing of stock in the gift shop. I think most of the merchandise order must not have changed in many years. As we have just returned from the garden capital of the world, The Cotwolds,where we so enjoyed the gift shops as well as excellent luncheon and tea meals. California has the environment to be outdoors, but does not offer the amenities of so many European gardens.
After dropping off our daughter early at the airport, my wife suggested we take advantage of our early departure to visit descanso gardens. As we had visited before, I was less than enthusiastic. While I like camellias (I have seven different varieties in my garden) this garden doesn't really display them in an interesting or insightful way. Some of their later improvements are nice enough, but with so many better gardens to visit it is really hard to recommend them. Add to this their relatively high admission price and out of the way location, and I would have to recommend many other gardens first. You can do better.
The fall weather was spectacular this one day and we enjoyed the fresh air and lovely grounds. Mothers with toddlers were showing their kids the flowers and all was pleasantly quiet and invigorating. Liked the new garden area and look forward to its "natural" development.
This is the perfect spot to stroll through gardens, you can enjoy camellias, roses, oaks and step back in time in LA. The staff at the gardens do a great job of maintaining the huge property and always have new attractions. We attended the Halloween Pumpkin Festival and it was amazing. If you have kids they run a "ride on" train on weekends that my kids have always loved riding. It takes them on a 5 to 7 minute ride along the streams, past the ponds and through the camellias. If you live near here it is a great walking area and you can buy an annual pass which helps keep the park open and running. Once you are inside you feel like you are in another world, while just beyond the gates is the real world. Depending on the time of the year there are ducks, swans and all kinds of birds on their small lake. Go, see, explore and enjoy.
Love Descanso . Great walkingAmong the nature and gardens.Surprises around every bend...A tea house, amphitheater, historic Boddy House, and mostRecent...lake trail. Deer, ducks,Birds, squirrels...little ones love to visit.Have lunch...great outdoor cafe,And gift shop. Seasonal fun!
Our family was visiting LA for the holidays and enjoyed the beauty of the gardens inspire of the fact it is off season. Some of the Camelias and roses were still in bloom. I appreciated the free wheelchair since I injured myself the previous day. I have been to the gardens in all season now and truly look forward to more visits.
I have been to Descanso throughout the year, but it is clearly in the winter months when the camellias are showing off in their glory. This garden has the full spectrum of colors and varieties. If you also want to have a quiet spot off the beaten path from the LA freeways to enjoy mother nature, this is a fine retreat.Lots of winding paths, water features, japanese garden, art gallery display and more.
Right in the middle of the most beautiful gardens, this restaurant provides a wonderful repast while walking the gardens or just sitting and feeling the wonderment of nature.
Camellias in bloom in November, fall color in the tranquil Japanese garden, plus wildlife viewing [a couple of packs of mule deer]. There is a great gift shop as well.
A perfect place to enjoy the gardens, camellias, roses and a lovely art gallery. The paths are easy to follow and the birdwatching is excellent.