VRG, Author at Robinson Gardens

2016 Fellows Dinner

Annual Fellows Dinner at Virginia Robinson Gardens

Attended by 51 distinguished members, the annual Fellows Dinner was held at the legendary Virginia Robinson estate. The donor recognition dinner began with cocktails served on the Great Lawn Patio. While socializing, guests relaxed on the newly donor-sponsored patio furniture. Musicians played a soothing violin and cello duet in the Yellow Salon of the stately home.

When called to dinner, guests chose where to dine between three beautifully decorated rooms: the Loggia, Formal Dining Room, or Entry Hall. Each room was adorned with elegant floral arrangements that were freshly clipped from the garden. … Read More

Robert S Anderson: Making an Impact

Robert S. Anderson: Making an Impact on the Children’s Program at Virginia Robinson Gardens

The Friends of Robinson Gardens is very grateful to its generous donor Robert S. Anderson. As President of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, Mr. Anderson was instrumental in supporting the expansion of the Children’s Program at Virginia Robinson Gardens. Thanks to Mr. Anderson, the Beverly Hills Rotary Club also generously gave funds to restore the Orchid Greenhouse. This picturesque, historic greenhouse was originally a gift from composer Les Baxter and is situated in the Kitchen Garden where vegetables, herbs and edible flowers are planted. Through the … Read More

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: … Read More

Fellows Tour of New Orleans

Fellows Tour of New Orleans April 2016

Fabulous Gardens, Architecture and Food!

Fellows member Janice Jerde, on the Tulane University School of Architecture Advisory Board, arranged an incredible tour of New Orleans and upriver plantations for the Fellows. Professor John Stubbs, Christovich Senior Professor of Practice and Director of the Masters of Preservation Studies Program at the Tulane School of Architecture, also helped with the arrangements and accompanied us throughout the tour, providing interesting detail and insight into the architecture and history of New Orleans. Through Janice and John, we were invited to tour and have cocktails at private homes … Read More

Restoration Projects at VRG

Current Restoration Projects at Virginia Robinson Gardens

The Master Bedroom

The Master bedroom of Virginia Robinson has been repainted to its original color, a dusty rose. The newly painted soft green trim around the door jams now beautifully accents the trompe l’oeil painting above each doorway in the bedroom.

Before After

Upon restoration of Virginia’s vanity room, original faux marble trim that matches the dark green marble counter tops was discovered. The faux marble accent also matches the decorative painting above the vanity doorway. The plan now is to restore the faux marble back to its original state.

The Cranes… Read More

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.

De Colores Garden… Read More

Children’s Science Fair Earth Day 2016

Children’s Science Fair on Earth Day at Virginia Robinson Gardens

On Earth Day, April 22, 2016, the Friends of Robinson Gardens invited children from group homes, together with their counselors, to a day of fun and education at the Virginia Robinson Gardens estate and the botanical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills.

With the help of wonderful docents and volunteers, the children were introduced to the history, artifacts and exotic plants that Virginia and Harry Robinson had collected from all regions of the world.

Docent showing the children the sgraffito in the spandrels of the arches on the Pool… Read More

Time Out Los Angeles

VIRGINIA ROBINSON GARDENS

June 2, 2016

TIME OUT SAYS: Department store magnates Virginia and Harry Robinson built this Beverly Hills estate in 1911, and upon their passing it entered into the county’s hands as a public park. Because of the six-and-a-half-acre estate’s quiet residential location, it’s only accessible via docent-led tours, which you’ll need to arrange two weeks in advance over the phone or via email. Once inside, you’ll find finely manicured gardens and a just as impeccably assembled mansion. In keeping with its storied history of lavish Hollywood parties, the estate hosts a swanky garden party at the … Read More

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift! Mother of the VRG Historical estate, Virginia Robinson dressed for a Latin-themed costume party.

Need a Mother’s Day gift for someone you love? Why not take them to the Virginia Robinson Gardens’ Latin-themed Benefit Garden Tour: De Colores – The Art of Botanical Seduction!

Known as the “not your average garden tour,” this elaborate experience does not end with its breathtaking, self-guided tour of unique and lush private gardens. This fundraising adventure invites guests back to its exquisite property – the Virginia Robinson Gardens estate – where you will walk through the historical … Read More

Robinson Gardens Coral Tree

Virginia Robinson Gardens’ South African Coral Tree Now Registered as a “California Big Tree”

If you are familiar with the beautiful coral trees that line San Vicente Boulevard from Brentwood (Los Angeles) to the beach cliffs of Santa Monica, you should know that Virginia and Harry Robinson had something to do with it. The Robinsons donated seedlings from their beautiful South African coral tree, which they had originally brought back while abroad on one of their many overseas adventures in the early 1900s.

Over time, this majestic South African coral tree has reached a very mature age and size. “The … Read More

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TO STAY IN THE KNOW!