Every Ending is a New Beginning

"Every ending is a new beginning."
-Marianne Williamson

Dearest Friends,
It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as President of the Friends of Robinson Gardens for the past two years. Your support and friendship have been special gifts to me that were generously given and deeply appreciated. As I reach the end of my term of office, I embrace the idea that each ending provides an opportunity to begin anew. In spite of this unprecedented time of the coronavirus, we have worked diligently to accept our challenges and move forward.

Like a Warm Blanket

"I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket."
-Van Morrison

Dearest Friends,
Ahh.... summer... that glorious season with its warmer days and eternal sunshine... its gardens bursting with vibrant color and fragrant perfume filling the air with hope...ripe tomatoes and corn on the cob...sunsets at the beach... sand between your toes... barbecues fired up... Has anyone notice that summer has sneaked in when we weren't looking?

Acts of Kindness

"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees."
- Amelia Earhart

Now more than ever, in these uncertain and unsettling times, a little kindness can go a long way.  Kindness can be the most valuable gift that you will ever give someone. Being kind costs nothing, but is truly one of the richest and most powerful tools in life. No matter how simple the act of kindness may be, it gives us the opportunity to change someone's day and even perhaps their life.  Kindness can soften an angry heart, stop tears, mold relationships, create confidence, give love, and heal wounds. You can be the reason that someone smiles or feels loved or is reminded that there is goodness in others.

Be The Change

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi

Dearest Friends,
Those of us that tend gardens know that we can grow great treasures, as well as have a few disasters. Gardening involves both growth and change. We learn from plants and what they can tolerate... too much sun, water or nutrients... or too little of those same variables. All change, even for the better, can be accompanied by discomfort and drawbacks. Feeling bad or worrying long enough about something cannot change anything whether it be in your garden or in your life. We learn from our gardens how to deal with the urgent question of timing... when to sow, when to reap, when to lie dormant.

Memorial Day

"It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us..."
-Mother Teresa

Hello Friends,
Mother Teresa knew what she was talking about! Since March 15, most of us have been quarantined by the coronavirus, some alone and others with partners and children. This has given us a chance to practice togetherness in real time and to take a deeper look at ourselves, as well as our loved ones. We have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Most of us have set up routines and adjusted our living habits since we are together 24/7. After so many weeks of togetherness, my husband of 52 years and I have found a rhythm that has settled in for us. We work at opposite ends of the house. We divide the chores.

The Gift of Nature

"Like tiny seeds with potent power to push through tough ground and become mighty trees, we hold innate reserves of unimaginable strength. We are resilient."
-Catherine DeVrye, The Gift of Nature

Hello Friends,
As of today, our social distancing orders in Los Angeles County remain in place, testing our strength as well as our fortitude. The impact of the last two months cannot be overstated. Losses have mounted in both our health and economic worlds, and we often receive mixed messages from those who guide us.

The Beautiful Spring Came…

"The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also."
- Harriet Ann Jacobs, former slave

Hello Dear Friends,
I am grateful to be able to stay in touch with you each week and am always excited to read your wonderful comments. For me, spring has forever been a season of hope and warmth and life. After the long winters growing up in Boston, there was always a renewal of spirit as signs of spring were revealed.

In All Things of Nature There is Something of the Marvelous

Hello Dear Friends,

Aristotle said, "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous". As children, we are able to find beauty and miracles everywhere. As we grow up, we often take for granted the magnificence around us. Due to the coronavirus, we have been given time and should take the opportunity to look at the world through the eyes of our inner child...with curiosity and love. Of all the seasons, spring is the most festive and joyful. Our world is awakened by trees and flowers and birds. It is covered once again in color and we are warmed by the sun.

Spring Blooms

Hello Friends,

You are all dearly missed. I hope that you are doing everything that you can to stay well, stay safe and stay sane! I so want to remain connected to everyone out there and to help you stay tethered to beautiful Virginia Robinson Gardens. Once again, our talented Josh Johnston has taken these amazing photos to show you the color and passion alive and well at VRG. You can click on each photo to enlarge the view.

Children’s Wildlife Pond

Hi All,

This week we are proud to show you how life goes on at VRG even though we are still separated by "social distancing". Our wonderful caretaker and friend, Josh Johnston took several beautiful photos of our Children's Wildlife Pond. Building this pond was such a labor of love and we cannot wait to share with everyone when we can gather together again. The last three photos were taken by our Superintendent Tim Lindsay, as tadpoles were released into the pond last week. I hope that we can get to see them before they change from tadpoles to bullfrogs in about 30-60 days. This is the miracle of metamorphosis.
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