July Gardening Tips Photo by Josh Johnston

July is usually the month “June Gloom” recedes, bringing the hot summer sun.

Planting is still doable, but you must check on your plants every day to maintain a good moisture level. If you decide to plant a few vegetables, after planting, check the soil in your garden bed to make sure the soil is not too dry.

Plants that are in pots need special attention because the soil in pots dries up very quickly and needs constant monitoring.

If you mulched your garden last month, this will help with your watering needs.… Read More

Co-chair Elaine Stein

The Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club met for a sold-out event to discuss Warren G. Harris’s book, Clark Gable: A Biography on June 20, 2026, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Members shared lively insights into Gable’s multifaceted life, sparking plenty of laughter as they explored his childhood, acting career, persona as a “man’s man,” and his many high-profile marriages.

Warren G. Harris’s biography of Hollywood legend Clark Gable cuts through the romanticized studio-era myth to reveal a complex man. The book details his rise from an awkward, working-class youth in Ohio to the “King of Hollywood,” … Read More

Left to right: Superintendent Diane Sipos and Richard Manion

As part of the Architectural Lecture Series, curated by Superintendent Diane Sipos, architect Richard Manion presented a lecture and illustrated presentation entitled, “Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello” on April 29, 2026, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. He began by saying it is fitting to highlight this historic home as we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.  Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, but many people don’t know that he was a talented and considered the nation’s first architect.  He designed … Read More

Left to right: Ruth Ann Jones, Frannie Pam, Natalie Gordon Beiser, Lori Greene Gordon

On May 15, 2026, on the Great Lawn at The Virginia Robinson Gardens, the Friends enjoyed great conversation and warm camaraderie at the beautifully organized annual Membership Appreciation Luncheon, co-chaired by Lori Greene Gordon and Natalie Gordon Beiser with the assistance of committee members Frannie Pam and Ruth Ann Jones.

Thanks to the hard-working efforts of Lori and Natalie, we have 18 new members who are a great addition to the Friends.  They are: Celena Abrahamsem, Holland Bender, Dolly Bretter, Florence Fellman, Karina Geller, Despina Gianopulos … Read More

The Friends of Robinson Gardens (FRG) are delighted to report that we received the 2026 Historic Preservation Award, Historic Site Stewardship category, from the City of Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission. Cultural Heritage Commission Chair Lori Greene Gordon was instrumental in establishing the awards, which bring attention to preservation projects within Beverly Hills.

The award was presented at a gala event held at the Greystone Mansion on May 27th, 2026, with many Friends in attendance: Joan Selwyn, Betty Goldstein, Kerstin Royce, Maralee Beck, and Natalie Gordon Beiser.

Left to right: Kerstin Royce, and Chair, City of Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage … Read More

Dear Friends,

I would like to share with you all the accomplishments and forthcoming events of the Friends.

Many of you have participated or volunteered in our many events but seeing them in their entirety is very impressive. As a Friend of Robinson Gardens, please take pride in these accomplishments.

Awarded the 2026 Beverly Hills Historical Preservation Award: Category Historic Site Stewardship Award.

Restoration projects — paid for by the funds raised by the Friends and donors:

Restoration of the Harry W. Robinson Fern Collection in the Palm Forest

Restoration of the Dining Room chairs

Restoration of the two lion … Read More

On a beautiful Thursday morning, the first week of June in 2026, we arrived at The Frederick R. Weisman Foundation, housed in a beautiful 1920s estate designed by Gordon B. Kaufmann in Holmby Hills, just a 10-minute drive from our lovely Gardens. As we arrived for our Friends of the gardens field trip, we were greeted by some really cute Lalanne Sheep in the front yard. In that moment, I just knew that the rest of the collection, and the day, would be as fabulous and fun as the sheep who welcomed us! 

Frederick purchased this home in 1982 and moved in as … Read More

June is the month that gives plant roots time to establish themselves before the heat of the summer. It is also a month when you must be careful how you water your plants. Pay attention to watering needs, as some days are cold and some are hot. Watering your plants early in the morning gives the leaves a chance to dry before the evening arrives. If possible, avoid overhead watering. If overhead watering is part of your system, again water early in the morning, making sure the leaves are dry before the evening. This will help avoid fungal diseases.

.kb-image220869_41ecbe-c2.kb-image-is-ratio-size,… Read More

Left to right: Victoria Kastner and President Betty Goldstein

On May 7th, 2026, author, historian, and VRG favorite Victoria Kastner, spoke to a packed audience in the Pool Pavilion at The Virginia Robinson Gardens about “Becoming Fred Astaire.”  Ms. Kastner chronicled this beloved icon of dance from his Nebraska childhood through his early struggle years in vaudeville alongside his sister, Adele, to their popularity on the London circuit dubbed “Astairia.” to what we remember… his legendary career in Hollywood. He literally changed the way dance sequences in movies were filmed, insisting that the focus stay on the dancers and the … Read More

Left to right: Koni Rich, Kerstin Royce, and Co-Chair Lori Greene Gordon

On April 24th, 2026, the Friends of Robinson Gardens hosted a delightful New Members’ Tea, welcoming our newest Friends for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and discovery in one of Beverly Hills’ most treasured historic landscapes.

New members had the opportunity to mingle and get to know one another while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea featuring an assortment of sandwiches, warm scones, fresh fruit, and an array of delectable desserts. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air as guests shared stories, exchanged interests, and began forming the friendships … Read More