VRG, Author at Robinson Gardens

Discover the Magic of The Virginia Robinson Gardens: Join the Friends Today

Nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a hidden gem brimming with history, beauty, and philanthropy. For those who wish to preserve and celebrate this remarkable estate, there is no better way to get involved than by joining the Friends of Robinson Gardens (FRG) — our premier philanthropic community. Why Join the Friends? When you become a Friend of Robinson Gardens, you enter a welcoming circle of individuals who share a passion for history, horticulture, and community. As a member, you’ll gain exclusive access to a variety of exciting events and experiences within the Gardens and throughout Southern California.

Superintendent Diane Sipos’ Message: Restoration Projects and BHMN

The Virginia Robinson Gardens is an exceptional public garden and historic estate dating from 1911, and with this comes much maintenance and care. The County of Los Angeles has operated and maintained this unique estate for almost fifty years and is very fortunate to have a strong partner in the Friends to help steward this beloved property. The Friends of Robinson Gardens was established as a non-profit in 1982 specifically to partner with the County to preserve, program and protect this public jewel thus fulfilling Mrs. Robinson’s legacy.

Friend Robin Blake Back at the Gardens!

Last Saturday on December 21, 2024, we were thrilled to see Robin’s beautiful face return to The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We had a small luncheon to celebrate her return to the Gardens after a most serious accident that nearly took her life several months ago. With the love and support of family, doctors and best friends, Robert Peters, Ron Hyde, and Leslie Kavanaugh, Robin is recovering far beyond what we might have expected. She is walking with assistance and full of smiles and good cheer. We look forward to Robin taking her rightful place as our official greeter at our front door for Garden Tour 2025.

Spotlight on Pamela Davis-Burns

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 Pamela Davis-Burns, a terrific and dedicated Recreation Service Leader at VRG. She is always so enthusiastic and kind. Eager to help in any way she can, Pamela is a sheer delight to work with!

A Message from Presidents Betty Goldstein and Lynn Whitaker

Our Dear Friends, As I walked along the beach, I saw a ribbon of a million glittering reflections on the water as the sun started to set. The sun was a bright orange-pink colored ball with the few clouds surrounding the sun repeating the orange-pink color. I stopped and allowed myself to take in this moment of joy, to remind myself that the world still held wonderful experiences in which to enrich our souls. I too, had to evacuate. I was one of the lucky ones -- I had a home to which I could return.

William Mulholland and the Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club

Our “holiday” Book Club meeting was held December 21, 2024 in the Pool Pavilion of The Virgina Robinson Gardens. After a membership discussion led by Membership co-chair Lori Gordon, members shared their plans for the holidays, which was a delightful way to get to know each other. There were close to 30 of us! Our book William Mulholland and the Rise of Los Angeles, written by one of his granddaughters, Catherine Mulholland, sparked a thorough discussion about the value of water in the development of Los Angeles. Completion of the aqueduct bringing water to Los Angeles from the Owens Valley in 1913 was only accomplished after a multitude of complex political maneuvers reflecting many dedicated and strong personalities. The demonstrated expertise in speechmaking and technical knowledge made William Mulholland a real force in this endeavor.

Holiday Wreath Making Class at VRG

On December 4, 2024, founder of Viola Floral and VRG Friend Jelena Trifunovic kicked off the VRG winter holiday season with a festive wreath workshop at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Fourteen VRG members and first-time visitors to the gardens - including two mother/daughter pairs - were treated to a guided tutorial by Jelena as she honed her roots in education. In addition to receiving a grapevine wreath, paddle of wire, and a pair of clippers, Jelena offered a fresh bounty of fresh greens which included Juniper, Cedar, Noble Fir, Princess Pine, and Silver Fir. Additional adornments included Magnolia leaves, Thistle, pinecones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, bells, and ribbons. Guest selected their desired materials and were encouraged to “gather, layer, wire - repeat.

A Story Virginia Robinson Would Have Liked…

As Friends of Robinson Gardens, we are fortunate to encounter many wonderful “artists” with impressive talents such as established horticulturists, florists, designers, historians, architects and more, who come to share their knowledge with us and our guests. We get to hear their stories, and some stories make us feel very humbled. This is a story of one young man who came to work for the County at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We had a botanical art workshop one day, and Justus Ross came in to help set up. We discovered that he had an art degree, so we started asking questions, and he helped us with the complicated foreshortening aspects of painting flowers. Our curiosity as to why he was working at the Gardens opened our eyes and ears to quite a story of how remarkable this young man was.

Doyle Auction Lecture a Hit at VRG

The inaugural event for the Friends’ Education lectures, “Welcome to the Wonderful World of Auction!” was a fabulous and well-attended event at The Virginia Robinson Gardens on November 19, 2024, thanks to our terrific co-chairs Susan Finkelman and Andrea Layne. The charming and vivacious Doyle Auctions’ Senior Vice Presidents Emily Marchick, Director of West Coast Operations and Nan Summerfield, California Senior Jewelry specialist, enthralled the audience with their fascinating anecdotes.

Spotlight on Barbara Remedios

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 Barbara Remedios, Member Relations & Administrative Manager at VRG. She is an invaluable and wonderful asset to the Friends, and in the words of the founder of the Friends, Joan Selwyn, “Barbara is our ‘Wonder Woman.’ She is dedicated to Robinson Gardens and meets every challenge with speed and efficiency. Barbara brings her zest for travel and love of life to her office, making it a pleasure to work with her.”

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