VRG, Author at Robinson Gardens

George Geary Delights Audience with his Latest Book on LA Restaurants

Extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, best-selling author and renowned educator George Geary kept the audience in stitches with his fascinating tales about the culinary world in his latest book, LA’s Landmark Restaurants: Celebrating the Legendary Locations Where Angelenos have Dined for Generations on October 11, 2023, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. The Friends have been very fortunate to have George speak at the Gardens twice before about his previous two books, LA’s Legendary Restaurants and Made in California. Our wonderful President Lynn Whitaker, standing in for Education Chair Adrienne Horwitch, warmly welcomed the guests as they mingled and enjoyed mimosas

Fall-Themed Membership Luncheon Welcomes the Friends

Shiva Moshtael, Chair for the Annual Friends of Robinson Gardens Membership Luncheon, was nervous the night before. Would the Gardens be wet or dry on September 21st? Taking precautions, she astutely moved the location from the Great Lawn to our glorious Observation Rose Garden. The weather cooperated by leaving thin clouds overhead to make the temperature perfect. The Rose Garden was the perfect setting for the more than 50 Friends who gathered to unite with old Friends and meet our newest Friends

EDEN features The Virginia Robinson Gardens!

Eden is the quarterly journal of the California Garden & Landscape History Society (CGLHS). The journal features articles on California’s cultural landscapes, gardens and flora, garden history, landscape architecture, garden design, and local and regional preservation efforts. CGLHS is a nonprofit membership organization devoted to celebrating the beauty and diversity of California's historic gardens and landscapes

Children’s Science Outreach Program

Our Children's Program has made some significant changes! Post-covid reports show that many children are still behind academically, especially in areas of low income. Educators are working extra hard to find innovative ways to teach their children and to keep them interested in learning. The Friends of Robinson Gardens team heard these requests and created a way to alter our "on-site" Science Program to create an "off-site" program to be delivered directly to the students and teachers.

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

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 written by famed ceramicist and author Edmund de Vaal, who wrote the book, The Hare with the Amber Eyes. The photographs are by the renowned and very talented photographer Miguel Flores-Vianna. A sumptuous book with exquisite layouts, poetic text, and surprises on every page, it is a true feast for the eyes and the soul

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 luxuriously filled with a dense tapestry of flowers and plants

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

Message from President Lynn Whitaker

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 with events and programs! Please read the newsletter to find what appeals to you and come enjoy the grounds while you’re here.

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

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