2 Nov 2020

Katie Marsano and the Art of Ikebana

“What a fantastic class!” “Such stunning arrangements,” said many of the attendees at the Friends of Robinson Gardens’ first Education lecture of the season on November 19, 2020 at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. The group was delighted by the lovely Katie Marsano’s inspirational lecture/demonstration of “The Art of Ikebana Floral Arrangement.” The lecture was sold out at the socially-distanced event at the Gardens, but fortunately, it was also shown virtually on Zoom to many members. Education co-chair and past President Ellisa Bregman introduced Katie, a new Friend member. Katie said that her journey started five years ago when she was spending long periods of time in Tokyo and was introduced to an English-speaking Sogetsu Ikebana Master. Originally trained in Western floral arranging, Katie said that she was drawn to the minimalistic style and understated elegance of the Japanese aesthetic of ikebana.
20 Aug 2020

Letter of Thanks from Cedars-Sinai

On June 1, 2020, a floral “Florence Nightingale” conceived and produced by the Friends of Robinson Gardens, was installed at the Healing Gardens of Cedars-Sinai to honor our medical heroes. As Robinson Gardens board member Maralee Beck observed, “The floral tribute has proved to be as resilient as the front line responders at the medical center: she has been delighting staff, patients, and visitors for the past two months! Transfusions of her vital fluids.....water....have kept her fresh and growing, perfect for posing and drawing smiles in these unsettled times.
16 Jun 2020

Floral Tribute to Cedars from the Virginia Robinson Gardens

How does a public garden make a "house call" in reverse? In these strange days, it seems appropriate that the Virginia Robinson Gardens, the LA County facility located behind the Beverly Hills Hotel, has put together a floral tribute to our medical heroes. It takes the form of a nurse, our front liners -- complete with stethoscope but made completely out of succulents -- whose work has been invaluable to our immediate community. Appropriately, it was installed on June 1,2020, at the Healing Garden of Cedars-Sinai, where staff, patients in both towers, and visitors can look out to the plaza, … Read More

20 Nov 2018

The Rodeo Drive Committee at the Virginia Robinson Gardens

On November 13, 2018, the Friends of Virginia Robinson Gardens hosted a year-end breakfast for the Rodeo Drive Committee Association. The President of the Rodeo Drive Committee Kathy Gohari and Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold attended the reception. Many of Rodeo Drive’s top stores were represented at the gathering, including: Dior Homme, St. John, Goyard, Valentino, Stefano Ricci, 208 Rodeo Restaurant and many more.

Store reps enthusiastically voted to create funds to support victims of the recent Woolsey Fire, which decimated many homes in Malibu Canyon and the adjacent West Valley neighborhoods of Los Angeles. And Susan Salgano, … Read More

27 Jun 2018

A Series of Delightful Afternoon Teas at the Virginia Robinson Gardens

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” – Henry James



The Friends of Robinson Gardens hosted three magnificent teas, chaired by Adrienne Horwitch on June 21, 23, and 26, 2018 at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. President Marian Power had long wanted to have an Afternoon Tea at the Gardens, and showcase Mrs. Robinson’s china. Because the Library in the house needed repainting, all the furniture had to be emptied from the room. It was therefore an ideal opportunity to take out Virginia’s collection of exquisite china, silver, and … Read More

2 May 2018

An Afternoon with Tennessee Williams – Community Theatre Comes to Robinson Gardens


What is the first ingredient for an entertaining and stimulating afternoon at the historic Virginia Robinson Gardens?

You guessed it — Sebastian Galvez, in a one-man theatrical performance about the life and loves of the legendary author and playwright, Tennessee Williams. The performance was directed by Paul Sand, an award-winning actor, and Founder of the Santa Monica Public Theatre.

Sebastian Galvez captivated the audience as he drew them into the turbulent life, loves and relationships of the author.

The Pool Pavilion’s intimate room was the perfect setting to tell the story of William’s roller coaster success, and finally his accidental … Read More

2 Mar 2018

Benefactors and Patrons visit Suzanne Reinstein for a Private Home Tour


Suzanne Rheinstein, renowned interior designer, and former Grand Marshal welcomed the Patrons and Benefactors of Robinson Gardens to a personal tour of her Georgian style home and stunning garden in Hancock Park

It’s a perennial pleasure to come into her kingdom… it does, in fact, feel like its own beautifully harmonious and intricately integrated world…and it was looking particularly wonderful this morning as we got a chance to examine things close-up, and to have Suzanne’s explanation of their provenance, as well as her truly illuminating narrative thoughts and reasoning about their placement and combinations.

It’s remarkable how innovative and individual … Read More

7 Dec 2017

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

27 Jun 2017

Opera on the Great Lawn 2017

In the True Spirit of Virginia Robinson: Opera on the Great Lawn

A truly magical, balmy summer evening of music and dining was presented as “Opera on the Great Lawn” at the Virginia Robinson Gardens on Saturday night, June 24, 2017. Ann Petersen and her husband, Dr. Leslie Pam, graciously orchestrated the event to share their love of opera with the Friends of Robinson Gardens and guests. The magnificent voices of Ashley Faatoalia (Tenor) and Katherine Giaquinto Powers (Soprano) were accompanied by the brilliant musicians, Douglas Sumi on piano and Helen Zheng Altenbach, who played the cello. They performed a … Read More

6 Mar 2017

Judy Polinsky Delicious Rose Flavored Desserts

Judy Polinsky’s Lecture: Delicious Rose Flavored Desserts

Everyone had so much fun at Judy Polinsky’s presentation on her beautiful book Delicious Rose-Flavored Desserts at Virginia Robinson Gardens. It was the perfect lecture so close to Valentine’s Day. Many guests wore red, and were perfectly charmed by our fascinating speaker. A culinary historian associated with the Huntington Library in San Marino, Judy focused on the use of rose water in Georgian baking in 18th century England.

In her book, the left hand page shows the original recipe, while the right hand page details the modern version. Because there was no leavening … Read More

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