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.

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

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

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

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

Behind the Scenes Tour at Virginia Robinson Gardens

Docents from left to right: Tom, Kathleen, Tina, Betty and Chuck

Docent Chuck Tellalian led an exclusive “Behind the Scenes” Tour of the first estate of Beverly Hills on Saturday, January 27, 2018. For the first-of-its-kind tour, guests were invited behind closed doors to hear about and experience what life was like with Harry and Virginia Robinson and how Virginia entertained friends at her elegant one-storied turn of the 20th-century mini-mansion. Chuck had four wonderful docents: Tom O’Connor, Kathleen Campbell, Tina Varjian, and Betty Rodriguez Goldstein who were assigned to various portions of the tour where they each shared fascinating … 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

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

Holiday Open House 2016

The First Annual Holiday Open House

The Friends of Virginia Robinson Gardens held their first Holiday Open House, thanks to President Marian Power who envisaged presenting this wonderful, festive holiday celebration in the style of the 1950’s at the Robinson Estate. It was a sold-out event, and such a fun and exciting day, that many attendees expressed how fabulous and great it was. Friends member Rosanna Grabel enthused, “I love it. I love it. They should do this every year!”

Christmas vignettes, created by the Friends, each more beautiful than the next, decorated the house. Several Christmas trees were adorned … Read More

Wreath Decorating Holiday Party

Wreath Decorating Holiday Party

Brad Austin’s hands-on wreath decorating class became a sell-out after his beautiful floral demonstration class in November. The Pool Pavilion was filled with the scent of fresh pine as Brad taught the group how to decorate fresh wreaths with battery-operated light packs. Each participant created her own unique style using a variety of decorations supplied by Brad. Choices included everything from earthy pine cones and berries to shiny ribbons, festive ornaments and feathers.

The luncheon tables were beautifully decorated with lovely, reusable holiday gift boxes designed by Laureen Bozajian from Gift Box Wrapsody. Laureen and Brad … Read More

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