2016 Garden Tour

De Colores: The Art of Botanical Seduction

2016 Garden Tour: De Colores The Art of Botanical Seduction

Virginia Robinson Gardens Estate Below are images from this year’s garden tour held at the beautiful Virginia Robinson’s estate. To read more about this spectacular “More than a Garden Tour“ event, click here or just enjoy the beautiful photos shown on this page! Front Lawn and Entrance Pathway: Eric Solberg Gardens; Entrance: Yamaguchi Nursery Foyer/Entry Designer: Castle Antiques & Design; Florist: Muguet Florist Living Room Florist: Le Jardin Privé; Piano: Dale Witt Morning Room Designer: Lladró; Florist: Natural Objects Library  Designer: Suzanne Rheinstein, Hollyhock Master Bedroom & Bath Designers: Zale Design Studio, Grand Maison de Blanc; Florist: Swinging Chandelier Events Galleria Vendor: Denis Bloch Fine Art Galleria Bar Floral Design: Carole Gaba, Bel Air Garden Club Guest Bedroom Designer: Frette; Floral Design: Jamie Wolf, Beverly Hills Garden Club Dining Room Designers: Christofle, Kenneth Boyer; Florist: Sweet Pea’s Custom Floral Loggia Designer: Everage Design; Vendor: Juan Bastos; Florist: Luna Gardens Ivo’s Office Vendor: Kazanjian Brothers Jewelers; Floral Design:…

De Colores: More than a Garden Tour

Virginia Robinson Gardens’ Fundraiser De Colores: More than a Garden Tour Thanks to our very dynamic, enthusiastic and talented co-chairs Nicole Antoine, Kathy Choi, Diane Jenkins, and Dana Reston Lyons, and our dedicated Garden Tour Committee, the Virginia Robinson Garden Tour this year was an outstanding and fabulous event. It was a day of incomparable beauty, elegance and fun, with the “De Colores – The Art of Botanical Seduction” Latin theme reflected in the beautiful floral displays at the Robinson Gardens Estate and the delicious luncheon served. To see all the photos from the event, click here. Showcasing this Mediterranean theme, the private gardens were truly spectacular this year. The fabled Harold Lloyd Estate enchanted with its beautiful Mediterranean Revival architecture, romantic rose garden and antique children’s carousel. A peaceful, bucolic retreat, Granja Crescenda boasted a small organic farm filled with vegetables, herbs, fruits, and edible flowers, and a welcoming…

Not Your Average Garden Tour

Not Your Average Garden Tour! The annual “…into the garden” Benefit Tour at the Virginia Robinson Gardens is NOT your average garden tour! This elaborate fundraiser not only includes tours to exquisite private gardens, but also has an unparalleled luncheon by The Kitchen for Exploring Foods, a fashion show by IRO, a fabulous boutique, and book signings by VRGs Garden Tour Grand Marshal Suzanne Rheinstein with her new book, Rooms for Living, and Vanguard Award recipient Louise Roe with her new book, Front Roe: How to Be the Leading Lady in Your Own Life. Most importantly, guests will be delighted by the work of top designers and florists who decorate the interior and exterior of the estate for a visual sensation that will inspire and delight the senses! This years theme De Colores, The Art of Botanical Seduction will overflow with brilliant colors, charm, and Latin flair. This exquisite property, which is listed with the National…

De Colores Fiesta Boutique

Join Us at the De Colores Fiesta Boutique – Virginia Robinson Gardens Come and enjoy our fabulous boutique at the Virginia Robinson Gardens estate during the Garden Tour! There is something for everyone. Designer handbags, clothing ranging from vintage to one of a kind, unique jewelry, lovely gifts and elegant antiques, romantic hats, pet accessories, and delightful paintings are but a few of the items offered. Twenty percent of what you buy benefits a great cause – the Virginia Robinson Gardens and the Children’s Program where children are inspired by the beauty of the estate as they learn about botany and ecology. (Click here for your tickets.) To Learn more about the event, go to: Robinson Gardens 2016 Garden Tour! Dominique Vialar, owner of Art Couture, never thought she would be a clothes designer, let alone make a living at it…in America!!! Schooled to be an art director, her first job happened to take…

Designing with Passion

Designing with Passion The historical Virginia Robinson Gardens home will explode with passion as top designers and artists present incredible displays that will visually stimulate the senses. The designer’s pieces will beautifully and fluidly complement the seductive botanical presence added by the florists, bringing together a magical experience for all to enjoy. Each of these talented designers and artists has provided information about their work that defines what makes them stand out, thus giving you something to look forward to experiencing. Make sure to purchase your tickets at bit.ly/VRG-2016-tickets for this premier Beverly Hills event! Castle Antiques & Design has been in business for over 40 years and has one of the largest collections and variety of antique furniture and home decor in the United States within its 35,000 sq. ft. showroom. It offers up-to-date fashioned finishes on its furniture, along with an amazing team of skilled carpenters.  www.castleantiques.net. Castle Antiques…

A Passion for Frida Kahlo

A Passion for Frida Kahlo By now you must have noticed the beautiful collage design of Frida Kahlo on the cover of the invitation to the Robinson Gardens Tour. This year’s theme is “De Colores, The Art of Botanical Seduction” and an image of Frida Kahlo surrounded by flowers couldn’t be more fitting. A modernist artist from Mexico, Frida Kahlo’s connection to nature is well known. Christine McConnell is the artist who created the artwork. She lives in Australia and has a particular interest in Frida Kahlo. She has travelled extensively and her work in all mediums has been influenced by strong women. Christine has kindly agreed to answer some questions about herself and her art so we could learn a little more about her: 1) What is it about Frida Kahlo that you admire? I am inspired by the openness and honesty of Frida Kahlo’s original artworks and the passion…

The Art of Botanical Seduction

The Art of Botanical Seduction The Virginia Robinson Gardens is honored to have some of the finest florists, nurseries, and garden clubs displaying their exquisite floral and plant creations at this year’s garden tour. To get you excited about what to expect, we have asked each to share what makes them unique. The Bel Air Garden Club is filled with wonderful women who love their gardens.  We share tips on techniques for better roses, when to plant our bulbs and how to feed organically.  Trips are planned to visit some of the most beautiful gardens all over the world, with the last sojourn to Seattle and Victoria. Carole Gaba, President of the Bel Air Garden Club states, “Flower arranging is a hobby for me, and I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I love flowers.  My approach is to use lots of flowers that are brightly colored and smell…

Garden Tour Fashion Partner IRO

Garden Tour Fashion Partner: IRO at Virginia Robinson Gardens IRO was started by two Parisian brothers, Laurent and Arik Bitton in 2005. Originally a musician, Laurent was the lead guitarist and singer in a rock band in New York City. However, he eventually decided to join his brother Arik, also a musician, to start a fashion business. In France, the parents of the brothers ran a womenswear line for twenty years. This family experience in fashion helped the brothers when they decided to design their own line. Starting with a small collection of cool, casual and stylish tees, jeans and dresses, they expanded their line globally over time. Vintage-inspired, IRO combines a rock and roll sensibility with an effortless, Parisian chic. The reason the brothers decided to name their brand IRO is very heartfelt. Laurent always views his brother Arik as a hero, hence the name IRO, which is how…

Travel in Style: VIP and Concierge Garden Tour Benefits

Travel in Style and Comfort with VIP and Concierge Level Tickets at the Garden Tour! Take advantage of VIP and Concierge level tickets for a most luxurious day on Saturday, May 14, 2016 when visiting the private gardens on the Virginia Robinson Gardens Tour! With the VIP van, you will enjoy the ease and convenience of door-to-door transportation. No need to drive, navigate, and look for parking! With the Concierge luxury van, you gain the additional benefit of a knowledgeable docent-led tour that will inspire and entertain you. PLUS, VIP and Concierge tickets visit a BONUS garden that is not available for the general admission level ticket holders. Upon returning from the private gardens tour, Concierge guests are served lunch with special, decorated and designated reserved tables, and receive a lovely gift bag from Jo Malone.  Another convenience is the opportunity of Valet Parking your car with a pre-paid ticket. No need to park your car…

Rooms, Blooms and Rites of Spring

The Annual Garden Tour Countdown Begins! Rooms, Blooms, and Rites of Spring Of all the traditions sacred to gardeners and garden lovers here in Los Angeles, the Virginia Robinson Gardens Tour has to be the most eagerly anticipated. It’s the occasion when we get dressed up, don our garden hats, and tour some of the most enchanting private gardens in Los Angeles. Afterwards we go to the beautiful Robinson estate in Beverly Hills for the garden party of the year. This is the only time of the year that the entire house is open to the public, and it truly sparkles. The rooms of the house are decorated by the top designers and florists in Los Angeles and are always a glorious sight to behold. There is a delicious luncheon and tea accompanied by an elegant fashion show and fabulous boutique. It’s a day for catching up with old friends, discovering…