New Members Orientation & Tea

On April 4th, 2022, the Friends of Robinson Gardens hosted a New Members Tea, a first-time addition to our annual New Members Orientation at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. The event was chaired by Lori Gordon, Candy Beaver, and myself (Natalie Gordon). New members and FRG board members first gathered in the patio outside the kitchen to mix and mingle. Guests were led to the Loggia for an elegant tea, where they were greeted at their seats with delicious berries and whipped cream. As board members, including President Betty Goldstein, Clare Wagner (Chair of Education Lectures), Patti Reinstein (Co-Chair of the Children’s Program), and Elaine Stein (Co-Chair of Garden Tour and Book Club), presented on their exciting committees, attendees snacked on sandwiches with egg salad, chicken salad, and cream cheese with cucumber as well as scones (with jam and lemon curd), and myriad desserts

Holiday Tea for Prospective Members and their Sponsors at VRG

It was a cold and wintery day on December 9, 2021, but inside the Pool Pavilion at the Virginia Robinson Gardens, all was merry and bright where the Friends welcomed eight lovely prospective members and their sponsors at a Holiday Tea. Thanks to Andrea Layne who had the inspired idea to host the tea, and with the help of President Betty Goldstein, the attendees enjoyed a delightful afternoon. Two twinkling Christmas trees (decorated by Betty, Katie Marsano, Kerstin Royce, and Patti Reinstein) created a sparkling, festive atmosphere. One tree was decorated with Mrs. Robinson’s vintage ornaments from the 1950s. The other travel-themed tree reflected the many worldwide travels that Harry and Virginia enjoyed together. Urns filled with pinecones, ferns, and red berries and festive centerpieces on the tables were artfully designed by VRG gardener Cynthia Mascarenas. Adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the event was an array of appetizing sandwiches, pumpkin cookies, the iconic tarte tatins (caramelized apple tarts) from Dolce Isola --The Ivy Bakery, and Christmas cookies

A Great Day at the 2021 Membership Luncheon

On a beautiful, sunny day on September 23, 2021, the Friends enjoyed a very well-attended Membership Luncheon on the Great Lawn at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Our wonderful President Betty Goldstein, Chairperson Andrea Layne, and Co-Chairs Elaine Stein and Ellisa Bregman warmly welcomed the festively dressed attendees who were so delighted to see each other again. It was a particularly joyful celebration since the Friends were not able to experience this annual luncheon in 2020 due to Covid

New Members Holiday House Tour and Cookie Extravaganza

Virginia’s Robinson’s estate was aglow with decorations for the Festive Holiday House Tour and Cookie Extravaganza on Friday, December 6, 2019.

Betty Goldstein, head of the Membership Committee, kicked off the afternoon by leading a Docent Tour for the New Members event. Standing by the Christmas tree, which was lavishly decorated with pink feathers, poinsettias, and mirrored balls in the entry, Betty pointed out that pink was Virginia’s favorite color. Two additional exquisite Christmas trees sparkled with traditional decorations in the golden salon and the library.

Following the tour, everyone gathered around the buffet table on the loggia where there … Read More

Special Flower Arranging Class for New VRG Members Delights Participants

    It was obvious from the smiles on their faces as they walked through the Pavilion door, that the Flower Arranging class for new members on October 25, 2019, was going to be a big success. How could one not be affected by the riot of fall flowers in gold, rusts, and oranges that Jeanne Anderson placed in white buckets around the room.  As if that were not enough to get your creative juices going, one miniature orange pumpkin and one miniature white pumpkin was placed by each bunch of flowers ready to be decorated.

Jeanne, master floral designer and inspirational … Read More

A Special Day at the VRG Membership Luncheon

New Members from left to right: Meg Ostrow, Mary Donkersloot, Kirith Prady, Juliana Ricks,  Kelley Jackson, Kennon Klein, Roberta White, Andrea Layne, Susan Finkelman, Melanie Lock, Bernice Balson

It was a happy, sunny day on October 11th, 2019, at the Virginia Robinson Gardens where the Friends warmly welcomed 11 of the 19 new members at the very well-attended annual Membership Luncheon. A terrific addition to the Friends, the new members are: Antonieta Arango, Bernice Balson, Robin Carmichael, Mary Donkersloot, Sharon Gart, Kelley Jackson, Donielle Kaufman, Kennon Klein, Miryam Knutson, Andrea Layne, Melanie Lock, Katherine Marsano, Meg Ostrow, Kirith Prady, Juliana … Read More

Membership Opportunities

Join the Virginia Robinson Gardens Family through One of its Membership Opportunities

We welcome you to join us by becoming a member of this very special garden estate.  We hope you will consider volunteering your time to Virginia Robinson Gardens and financially support this incredible historic treasure, ensuring it will be here for all future generations. Know someone who loves gardens? Give them the gift of membership! If you are currently a member, now is the time to increase your love of the Gardens by joining at a higher level.

BECOME A MEMBER

 

 HISTORY

In 1911, Harry and Virginia … Read More

2018 Friends of Robinson Gardens Membership Luncheon

Left to right, seated: Lori Gordon, Natalie Gordon, Luke Anderson, Jane Rascoff. Left to right, standing: Linda Freund, Ilona Sherman, Marci Malakouti, Holiday Maginnis, Josh Flagg, Lara Roman

On a lovely sunny day of October 5th, the Friends of Robinson Gardens warmly welcomed many new members at the annual Membership Luncheon at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. A wonderful addition to our group, the 19 new members are: Laura Coleman, Luke Anderson, Rachel Ault, Lara Roman, Debbie Figoni, Josh Flagg, Holiday Maginnis, Marci Malakouti, Jane Rascoff, Natalie Gordon, Lori Gordon, Brooke Knapp, Jenet Grant, Ilona Sherman, Linda Freund, Bea Torrado-Ridgley, Susan … Read More

2017 Friends of Robinson Gardens Membership Luncheon

On a beautiful sunny day of October 6th, the Friends of Robinson Gardens warmly welcomed many new members at the annual Membership Luncheon at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. In keeping with the theme of the very successful and popular Children’s Program, the tables were decorated in pastel shades, and Cabbage Patch Kids starred as centerpieces. A coloring book for grown-ups, all the rage now, was given as a party favor to all, while the new members also received a planter with potted herbs.

After a brief orientation and tour of the gardens by Superintendent Timothy Lindsay for the new members, … Read More

2016 Membership Luncheon

2016 Membership Luncheon at Virginia Robinson Gardens

Chaired by Joan Selwyn with the invaluable assistance of Patti Reinstein and Kerstin Royce, the Membership Luncheon at Virginia Robinson Gardens, with 60 members in attendance, was a marvelous event! It was a beautiful day, and strains of violin and cello music of the Pacific Coast Strings greeted the guests, many of whom were wearing lovely hats. The theme was “The Hollywood Bowl.” Virginia Robinson loved this outdoor musical venue, and Friends of Robinson Gardens President Marian Power explained that when the Bowl was suffering severe financial hardship during the Great Depression, Virginia … Read More

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