Left to right: Book Club Co-chairs Elaine Stein and Patricia Cowett

A very full complement of guests joined in the lively discussion at the Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club on the book, George Cukor: a Double Life: A biography of the Gentleman Director on March 23, 2024, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens.  We had a couple from as far away as Bakersfield!  It was so interesting and informative to reflect upon the idiosyncratic Cukor. The book revealed so many aspects of his persona, including his unique directing style, especially as to women actresses, his interactions with the studio owners, … Read More

Left to right: Author Rodney Kemerer and Education Chair Adrienne Horwitch

Rodney Kemerer’s personality lit up the entire room as he spoke with eloquence and humor about his new book, Tales From the Garage, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens on February 22, 2024.

A car buff and avid reader of car magazines, Rodney was excited when he discerned that he had the desire and the ability to successfully write about his favorite topic…cars!

His first articles were well received by editors, but proper recognition for his work came slowly. Various published magazine articles led to a regular column in … Read More

The Friends of Robinson Gardens is so grateful to the extremely talented floral designers who will enchant your senses by transforming the rooms of Virginia Robinson’s home into settings of dazzling beauty for the 35th Annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate on May 18, 2024. Don’t miss this breathtaking event where the florists will interpret the theme: “Spring Rhapsody.”

Each Garden Tour Star is listed alphabetically along with the room/area they are decorating or located so that you will know where to find them when you visit the Showcase Estate at Robinson Gardens.

Hilary Bein shares, “As an artist, I’ve worked in … Read More

The Friends are very proud to honor best-selling author and educator George Geary as the Grand Marshal at the Spring Rhapsody Garden Tour on May 18, 2024, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens.

A fascinating and entertaining speaker, George has generously given many lectures at Robinson Gardens on his books on restaurants. He will be signing his books: L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants, Made in California, and L.A.’s Landmark Restaurants.

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“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

The Friends of Robinson Gardens is very pleased to present its 35th Annual Garden Tour, Spring Rhapsody, on May 18, 2024, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens, co-chaired by Vice-President Elaine Stein and President Lynn Whitaker. Sweet sounds of harp music, guitar, and piano will entertain and welcome you to this beautiful, historical estate built in 1911. Don’t miss an awe-inspiring day of enchantment and fun, and all for a great cause. This premier annual event raises funds for the restoration needs of the estate and the Children’s Science … Read More

HANDROANTHUS HEPTAPHYLLUS – pink trumpet tree
Synonyms: Handroanthus avellanedae, Tabebeuia impetiginosa

This is a small to medium size tree, 25 to 50 feet tall and almost as wide with a light straight gray trunk, native to the tropical areas of Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil.

The tree is partially deciduous.  Heavy clusters of showy pink flowers with a yellow throat appear on leafless branches in early spring. The spectacular display of flowers is followed by foot-long seed pods that hang onto the tree until winter.

This tree does better in warmer areas and is considered drought-tolerant once established with no significant … Read More

Left to right: Madeline Lindsay, Olivia Meadows, and Yasi Moshtael

Olivia Meadows put together a very creative cookie decorating event on February 10, 2024, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. The New Generation members included Olivia, Yasi Moshtael, and Madeline Lindsay. New Generation member Caitlyn Hartigan, Board member Natalie Gordon Beiser, and President Lynn Whitaker were not able to attend.  Two Executive Board members, Elaine Stein and Evie Carlson, and past President Betty Goldstein joined the event as well.

Olivia assembled a bright colored bag for all those attending which included a parchment paper mat, frostings, decorations, oatmeal mix, shortbread cookies … Read More

On February 13, 2024, the Fellows of VRG stepped back in time to 18th-century Japan where they enjoyed a marvelous tour led by Robert Hori, Associate Director of Cultural Programs of the Huntington Library’s recent acquisition: The Japanese Heritage Shoya House. Built around 1700, this 3,000-square-foot residence served as the center of village life in Marugame, Japan.

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Each month, we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of the Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) — those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you know about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to The Virginia Robinson Gardens and to the community, and what they do that is so impactful.

This month, we spotlight Sharon Gart, a wonderful and dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens and Fellow Member.

1. How did you first learn about VRG, and what inspired you to become a Friend? 

I have my Auntie, Elaine … Read More