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 … Read More

Meadowscape lawn conversion at the Virginia Robinson Gardens

“Meadowscape” lawn conversion at the Virginia Robinson Gardens

If you are thinking about giving up a lawn in your garden to reduce your water usage by 33%, the alternative looks pretty good here in our front yard at Virginia Robinson Gardens.

Our front lawn before:

And now with our “Meadowscape:”

Like a supporting actor in the movie Chinatown, the front lawn at Virginia Robinson Gardens was subdued in mood, providing an edgy, sterile, green plain for the rest of the cast, the flowering plants, to play off of. This surrealist green, high maintenance lawn existed in an otherwise “unsupportive,” semi-arid … Read More

THE ANNUAL CHILDREN’S SCIENCE FAIR AT ROBINSON GARDENS

The Annual Children’s Science Fair at Virginia Robinson Gardens on April 22nd

Virginia and Harry Robinson did not have children of their own but doted on nephew Ted and a niece, Helen. Virginia was very philanthropic, and one of the charities she devoted much time to was the Orphanage Guild. Through that organization, she realized how many children were not so fortunate to have an aunt Gigi who lived on a fabulous estate.

Virginia started an admirable tradition of inviting children from group homes to Robinson Gardens for a Holiday party. The Friends of Robinson Gardens has for many years … Read More

Virginia Robinson: Her goals and her impact on Beverly Hills

Virginia Robinson: Her goals and her impact on Beverly Hills

Nancy Dowey, Virginia Robinson’s great niece, said that it was Virginia’s desire to have Beverly Hills reflect her own sensibilities. Virginia wanted to live in a sophisticated, wealthy suburb like the developers, Rodeo Land and Water Co., had promised in their advertising. She, therefore, led by example. Virginia felt that her home was not only a showcase for her lifestyle but that it was the standard that the community of Beverly Hills should pursue. This level of excellence would have appeared to have been a low bar to cross since … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

Fellows Broad Museum

Make a Day of It: L.A.’s Broad Museum

25 Fellows were inspired by a recent tour of The Broad Art Museum in February. Home to the 2,000 plus works of art in the Eli and Edythe Broad collection. Diller Scofidio and Renfro in collaboration with Gentler designed this contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles. With its innovative “veil and vault” concept, the 120,000 square foot, $140 million building features two floors of gallery space to showcase the Broads comprehensive collection and is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation’s worldwide lending library.

Contemporary just means, “art that has Read More

Table Whimsey Workshop and Cookie Exchange

Holiday Events at the Gardens Table Whimsy Workshop with Nancy Miller

Nancy Miller, an incredible artist and Friend of Robinson Gardens for many years, led a great workshop on making festive napkin rings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other occasions last November before the holidays. Armed with glue guns, the participants first glued fabric on strips of cardboard. They then attached the ends of the fabric together to make a ring. Explaining that “sometimes the cheapest materials are the best,” Nancy brought raffia, ribbons, fabric, acorns, and silk orchids among other items for the group to use. Besides saving wrapping papers … Read More

1 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TO STAY IN THE KNOW!