VRG, Author at Robinson Gardens

Message from President Lynn Whitaker

“And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep, and autumn was awakened.”
– Raquel Franco

I am just back from a visit to New England where you can certainly feel the difference in the seasons. We have our own version of the seasonal changes, and it can be felt at the Gardens. There is a sense of relief from the intense heat and even some plants are springing back to life after suffering under our summer’s severe sun. It’s a time to relax and enjoy the beauty of this magnificent place.

The Gardens are alive … Read More

Janice Jerde and Peter Del Rosso Host a Beautiful Evening for Angel, Benefactor & Patron Members of the Friends of Robinson Gardens

une 24th, 2023, was a lovely Saturday evening, and my husband Peter Del Rosso and I were delighted to host an Angel, Benefactor & Patron Members Dinner in our home in Brentwood. The evening began with music in our Living Room. Lynn Hutchinson, a composer & pianist, played piano, accompanied by her very talented 14-year-old daughter Sadie who played the violin. This was a very special moment that we were excited to be a part of

The Fabulous Fellows Thank You Dinner

“It was a night of happiness and friendship,” in the words of Bernice Balson as the Fellows gathered at the very well attended Annual Appreciation Dinner on August 12, 2023, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. The evening was a spectacular success and is held each year in appreciation of the Fellows’ generous support of the restoration and preservation of Robinson Gardens and the very popular Childrens Science Program. It is also an occasion to honor our most generous donors, including the Santa Monica Westside Legacy Fund for Women and Girls, represented by Carol Bennett and Anne-Marie Spataru, who gave an extremely generous donation to the Childrens Science Program this year

Gorgeous Lecture by Maria Hummer-Tuttle on Her Book, “Objects of Desire”

Left to right: Penny Bianchi, Maria Hummer-Tuttle, and Joan Selwyn

Sophisticated, refined, intelligent, and beautiful, Maria Hammer-Tuttle enchanted the audience with her personal stories about the exquisite objects in her extraordinary collection featured in her book on September 13, 2023, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens.

A tremendously beautiful book, Object of Desire is a celebration of the hunt for and the joy of living with objects we accumulate that are precious, not only for their beauty, uniqueness, and craftsmanship, but also for their connection to the past and the future, and for their resonance with one another. The foreword is … Read More

Our Garden Tour Star Hilary Bein

From time to time, we highlight “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, and interior designers who have participated at our annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We want to let you know about these very talented designers, their inspirations, and their creations.

This month, we are featuring Hilary Bein. At the 2023 Garden Tour, Hilary thrilled the guests with arrangements reminiscent of Dutch Master flower paintings in the Guest Bedroom. The rich glowing colors and lush, opulent arrangements took one’s breath away. The delights continued in the adjacent bathroom where a bathtub was … Read More

Spotlight on Jane Rascoff

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 Jane Rascoff, a wonderful and dedicated Board Member and a Fellow Member of The Friends of Robinson Gardens. She is also a Children’s Docent and kindly volunteers as a hostess at Garden Tour.

1. How … Read More

“Everything is Coming Up Roses”

n August 5, 2023, an enthusiastic group of rose lovers arrived at Robinson Gardens to hear horticulturist and renowned rose specialist Charlie Follette. The talk, “Everything is Coming up Roses,” was organized by Patty Elias with her usual perfection. Patty graciously welcomed guests with a brief history of The Virginia Robinson Gardens, mentioning that our classes are sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation in collaboration with the Friends of Robinson Gardens and that these classes are open to the public

Spotlight on Paola Werstler

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 Paola Werstler, a wonderful and dedicated Board Member and Patron Member of The Friends of Robinson Gardens. During the pandemic, Paola’s husband kindly volunteered in the Gardens, which was much appreciated

A Walk in the Garden with Superintendent Diane Sipos

As visitors walk through the upper Palm Forest, the joyful chirping of birds greets them. The historic Aviary, home to parakeets and a male cockatiel, now has a new addition: a female cockatiel. The lone cockatiel had always captured my attention. With bright yellow feathers, orange Crayola-like circles on either side of his beak, and tufts of feathers protruding like a Trojan helmet from the top of his head, the cockatiel would often be perched in front of his bird-size mirror, staring at his reflection as if looking for his mate. Cockatiels are naturally social birds who cannot survive alone in the wild, so it was clear he needed a partner

Thoughts from Friends: Rodney Kemerer

Wishing Well

Text by
Rodney Kemerer
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member

After years of searching, my wife and I stood in front of our dream home. As we looked at the house from the walkway leading to the front door our shared excitement was evident. I think we were even holding hands. This was it, finally something to commit to as a “forever home.” We looked at each other and then, in an instant, without saying a word, we both knew we would never buy this house. It turns out, we each had very different reasons that revealed both … Read More

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