VRG, Author at Robinson Gardens

Spotlight on David Bronstein

This month, we feature David Bronstein, a dedicated docent at Virginia Robinson Gardens, whom we would happily clone if we could! Those who have toured the estate with David know how his boundless enthusiasm for the gardens shines through … Read More

Wright on Exhibit Lecture

Noted architectural historian Kathryn Smith gave an outstanding lecture on Frank Lloyd Wright on January 25th, 2018 at Virginia Robinson Gardens. The presentation was based on her book Wright on Exhibit: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architectural Exhibitions. A historic preservation consultant, author and lecturer, Kathryn has written many books on Wright’s architecture, in particular on Taliesin, Taliesin West, Hollyhock House and Olive Hill. In 2001, she was awarded the prestigious Wright Spirit Award in the Professional Category from the Building Conservancy.

Born in 1867, Frank Lloyd Wright is famous for the home Fallingwater, finished in 1937 and located in Pennsylvania. … Read More

Spotlight on Charles Tellalian

This month, we spotlight Charles Telalian, a well seasoned docent of the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Charles has initiated a unique tour experience, where guests will be offered an in-depth tour of not only the beautifully themed gardens of VRG, … Read More

Virginia Robinson Gardens’ 2017 Holiday Open House

“How fantastic!” “How fabulous!” were some of the comments heard at the 2nd annual Holiday Open House on December 1 and 2, 2017 at Virginia Robinson Gardens. Last year, the Friends’ wonderful president Marian Power came up with the idea to hold a festive holiday celebration in the style of the 50s, in the spirit of Virginia who threw legendary parties. It was so successful that the event was expanded to two days, and the Holiday Open House has now become an annual tradition. Helmed by the incredible co-chairs Kathy Choi and Patty Elias Rosenfeld, the event was even more … Read More

Spotlight on Patty Elias

Each month we will spotlight a volunteer, staff member, donor or sponsor of Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG)—those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you, the reader, know a little bit about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and community, and what they do that is so impactful.

This month, we spotlight Patty Elias, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens and Board Member. This year, Patty was one of three recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award, given by the Friends of Robinson Gardens. We asked her these three questions:

Gottlieb Native Garden Lecture

Dedicated environmentalist and philanthropist Susan Gottlieb gave a riveting and beautiful lecture on her renowned garden, the Gottlieb Native Garden, at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Susan’s garden in Beverly Hills is a National Wildlife Federation-certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Originally from Canada, she is currently on the President’s Council of National Wildlife Federation, the Boards of Directors of the Friends of Ballona Wetlands and Audubon California, and is a supporter of many environmental organizations. Susan took the photographs in her stunning book The Gottlieb Native Garden: A California Love Story, written by Mallory Smith, which she generously gave as a … Read More

Timothy Lindsay’s 20th Anniversary Celebration at Virginia Robinson Gardens

The Friends were very proud to honor Superintendent Timothy Lindsay for his extraordinary service of 20 years and invaluable contributions to Virginia Robinson Gardens at a luncheon at the Gardens. Beautifully co-chaired by past Presidents of the Friends Debra Shaw and Kathleen Toppino, the moving ceremony was well attended by Friends founder Joan Selwyn, 13 past Presidents and 78 guests in all.

Maralee Beck gave many warm accolades, explaining why “Tim is so very special to all of us…We won the lottery when Tim was assigned to the Virginia Robinson Gardens, after having worked for 7 ½ years as Assistant … Read More

Fellows trip to “Visual Voyages” Exhibition at The Huntington Library

It takes a moment for the eye to settle on the star of the show: a Tupinamba feather cape. Originated in Brazil from the 17th century, it is over 70” high and 59” wide. The entire piece is made of feathers and nothing else. The cape is quill woven together to produce this object of art. “It’s astonishing!” beckons Catherine Hess, Interim Director of the Art Collections at The Huntington, who invited the Fellows from Robinson Gardens to a special curator-led tour on October 24th, 2017.

“Visual Voyages: Images of Latin American Nature from Columbus to Darwin” illustrates the natural … Read More

2017 Friends of Robinson Gardens Membership Luncheon

On a beautiful sunny day of October 6th, the Friends of Robinson Gardens warmly welcomed many new members at the annual Membership Luncheon at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. In keeping with the theme of the very successful and popular Children’s Program, the tables were decorated in pastel shades, and Cabbage Patch Kids starred as centerpieces. A coloring book for grown-ups, all the rage now, was given as a party favor to all, while the new members also received a planter with potted herbs.

After a brief orientation and tour of the gardens by Superintendent Timothy Lindsay for the new members, … Read More

How They Decorated by P. Gaye Tapp

Noted interior designer and author P. Gaye Tapp gave a fascinating lecture to a rapt audience at the Virginia Robinson Gardens based on her beautifully illustrated book How They Decorated: Inspiration from Great Women of the Twentieth Century. Hailing from North Carolina, Gaye related in her lovely Southern accent the trendsetting style of the extraordinary women in her book who were intensely passionate about beauty. “These inspiring women shape the way we look at our rooms today… They had great style that came from self-confidence, study and from cultivating their eye. As one of my personal icons Gloria Vanderbilt … Read More

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TO STAY IN THE KNOW!