A Taste of Spring: Friends of Robinson Gardens at Violet Bistro

On March 19, 2026, the air in Westwood carried the faint scent of blooming jasmine and melting butter as 10 members of the Friends of Robinson Gardens gathered for an exclusive culinary experience. The setting was Violet Bistro and Cooking School, a hidden gem housed in a stunning two-story brick building that feels more like a private Parisian residence rather than a bustling eatery. Between the lush courtyard and the breezy rooftop terrace, the group found themselves in the heart of the beautiful demonstration kitchen, designed for intimacy around the communal dining table or wrapped around the large prep area for both viewing and a hands-on experience.

Afternoon Tea with Clarke Young

On April 10, 2026, co-chairs Patty Elias and Adrienne Horwitch arranged a spectacular day with a talk by Clarke Young, the former butler of Virginia Robinson, a beautiful display of Mrs. Robinson’s silver collection, and a lovely Afternoon Tea on the Great Lawn at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Adrienne and Patty graciously welcomed the guests and introduced our guest of honor, Clarke Young. Docent Kate Oakland summarized Clarke’s fascinating recollections:

The Premier Circle of Robinson Gardens Enjoys a Curator-Led Tour of Impressionism at LACMA

On February 12, 2026, thanks to Member Relations and Administrative Manager Barbara Remedios and Co-President Betty Goldstein, the members of the Premier Circle of Robinson Gardens were treated to a fantastic outing to view the exhibition Collecting Impressionism at LACMA. It was a magical day. Co-curators Leah Lehmbeck (Curator and Department Head of European Painting and Sculpture, and American Art) and David Bardeen (Assistant Curator of European Painting and Sculpture) gave the group an insightful tour of the beautiful show, followed by lunch at Wolfgang Puck’s Fanny’s restaurant at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Our Treasured Holiday Tradition – Wreathmaking

The very popular wreath-making workshop was beautifully taught by professional educator, “FRIEND” and Viola Floral founder, Jelena Trifunovic, along with two of her very talented floral designers Trang Quach and Elise Piatkowski on December 2nd, 2025, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens.  You can read more about her here.

This always ‘sold out’ annual event was attended by many outside our FRG group traveling in from the South Bay, Santa Monica and Westwood. It was nice to see new faces and know we are reaching a varied audience. Jelena always brings beautiful greens and embellishments, and this year we started with … Read More

A Delightful Day at the Annual FRG Membership Luncheon

On a lovely, sunny day on October 10, 2025, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens, the Friends enjoyed a beautiful Membership Appreciation Luncheon arranged by co-chairs Lori Greene Gordon and Natalie Gordon Beiser. Seventeen new members, a great addition to our organization, have joined this year! Nine of the new members were in attendance and warmly welcomed by all.

A Fun Movie Night: “Sunset Boulevard” at VRG

On August 23rd, 2025, the Friends hosted a magical movie night on the Great Lawn at The Virginia Robinson Gardens, underwritten by the T. Robert Greene Foundation. Members enjoyed delicious movie snacks (including a popcorn machine, candy, and fruit!) while watching Billy Wilder's 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard. 

Patrons’ Journey to Italy without Boarding a Flight

On June 21, 2025, under a cool gray sunless morning sky, we arrived at a Vision of Italianate Architecture hidden behind a tall hedge of clipped Privet enclosing a crushed gravel motor court fronting the main facade. Were we transported to the towns of Settignano or Fiesole overlooking The Arno River?

Teacher Appreciation Brunch & Tour at VRG

On May 3, 2025, while it was a cold and misty day to honor the teachers who have led the way in sharing the VRG Science curriculum with their students, everyone's sunny smiles lit up the Pool Pavilion for a lively morning of brunch, followed by a tour of the Gardens. After welcoming the teachers and hearing stories about how the VRG science curriculum has impacted their teaching, our guests were captivated by the history of the lives of Virginia and Harry and the beautiful gardens they created. Teachers listened intently about Virginia's passion for helping children and how this has translated into supporting students in classrooms all over Los Angeles! Since the inception of this program, over 200 educators have integrated VRG science materials into their teaching.

A Night to Remember: A Visit to Bruce Meyer’s Car Garage and the Patron Party “Lobstah Fest”

Bruce Meyers

On July 13, 2024, Bruce Meyers had the Friends of Robinson Gardens Patrons and Benefactors spellbound with his stories from selling candles to loving hot rods. His current car garage was once the mail order section of his candle and incense business on Beverly Drive in the Beverly Hills triangle. There is a fascinating story behind each of his cars. “I just buy cars that are attractive to me and did not think of them as collectible.” Bruce believes in only buying what you love and paying top dollar to restore it.

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Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

June 1, 2024, began as a drizzly, overcast, cool Saturday morning as The Friends welcomed several wonderful teachers who have participated in our FRoG Science Outreach Program at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. They represented a microcosm of the many teachers who have taught our 3-unit science program to more than 10,000 students in the greater Los Angeles area in the past few years. The program was written to educate students about what science can be learned from a garden…Nutrition, Plants, and Ecosystems. Each teacher visiting had already used one or more of the units with their students.
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