Don’t Miss the Garden Party of the Year: “Floral Fantasia” 2025 Garden Tour and Showcase House!

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”

– Lady Bird Johnson

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Friends of Robinson Gardens is pleased to present its 36^th annual Garden Tour & Showcase Estate fundraiser, co-chaired by Co-President Lynn Whitaker and Executive Vice President Elaine Stein. This year’s theme Floral Fantasia celebrates the healing power of nature.

As expressed in Lady Bird’s quote, in difficult times, flowers can symbolize hope, resilience, optimism, and the ability to overcome adversity. Co-President Betty Goldstein adds, “Let The Virginia Robinson Gardens be your place of comfort, your haven, the place to go when you need that moment to enrich your soul.”

Come and celebrate this healing beauty at our legendary Garden Tour, and all for a great cause! This premier annual event raises much-needed funds for the preservation and restoration of the beautiful Virgina Robinson Gardens, a landmarked historical estate built in 1911. Now more than ever, we must protect our cultural heritage. Attending Garden Tour (your ticket is 50% tax-deductible) also supports the very successful Children’s Science Programs, honoring Mrs. Robinson’s legacy as children’s charities were dear to Virginia’s heart. The Friends are very grateful for the sponsorship of the Tour by Northern Trust, Coldwell Banker, Plantasia, Lillian Vernon, and Sunset Magazine.

The enchanting self-guided tour will feature magnificent properties rarely open for garden lovers to visit in Beverly Hills, as well as the estate at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Plantasia, VRG’s garden crew contractor, does a beautiful job in helping to maintain the Gardens.

A not-to-be-missed highlight of the event is the transformation of select rooms of the main house into visions of dazzling beauty by top florists. A truly glorious sight to behold, the floral designers’ enchanting creations are an inspiring and visual feast for the soul.

This year, the Friends are very proud to honor Jade Mills as our Grand Marshal. In the luxury real estate market, Beverly Hills realtor Jade Mills is renowned among colleagues and clients alike for her integrity, loyalty, and professionalism.  In 2019, Jade became the #1 agent worldwide for Coldwell Banker and is the International Ambassador for Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. With over thirty years of real estate experience, Jade is both nationally and internationally recognized for her sales achievements and has a reputation as one of the most trusted and admired agents in the Los Angeles real estate market. She serves as a board member for the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Governors at Cedars Sinai Hospital.

The Friends are also very honored to present Beverly Hills jeweler, Douglas Kazanjian, as our Garden Champion. Douglas is CEO of Kazanjian Beverly Hills, celebrating its 112^th year in business. Kazanjian has a fine gems and jewelry business that includes antique jewelry and custom designs.   His mother Virginia was a Friend of the Gardens for over two decades. At the 2010 VRG Patron Gala, “Jewels and All that Jazz,”the Friends honored the family. The Kazanjian Foundation, represented by Michael, Virginia, Douglas and Michelle Kazanjian, was the recipient of the “Spirit of Beverly Hills” Award.

An accomplished photographer, Doug has also published gorgeous books of gems and jewels artfully displayed among flora in the gardens at Robinson Gardens. He will be signing several editions of his books, Kazanjian Gems in the Garden.

Gourmet delights are another favorite part of this glamorous garden party. On the Tennis Court, bedecked with flowers, The Kitchen for Exploring Foods will be serving a sumptuous luncheon. (The Kitchen was founded in 1984 by Peggy Dark, an icon within the Southern California culinary world.) The signature Peach Fuzzy cocktails will be served.

You will also enjoy the iconic coconut cake and an array of delicious desserts in a luscious display in the Pool Pavilion.

The culinary feast continues with delectable bites by Chef Courtney Jean in the Kitchen. With a deep-rooted background in farming, she crafts farm-to-table experiences that prioritize locally sourced, artisanal ingredients.

During lunch, you will be entertained by a captivating, informal modeling show, presented by Sheila On Sunset. Founded by Sheila Speer, the store on Sunset Plaza features a curated collection of small independent designers from Europe and the U.S. that showcase clean lines, beautiful fit, and exquisite details. From casual to cocktail, cotton to cashmere, Sheila will always keep you in style.

This is the third year we will have the very popular and successful Hat Contest, chaired by the founder of the Friends Joan Selwyn and emceed by Marcella Ruble. The three categories for the prizes will be: Most Glamorous; Best Fascinator; and Best Floral Fantasia. Join in the fun and wear your favorite hat or create your own! Let nature and your imagination inspire you!

At the Marketplace on the Great Lawn, you will find a great selection of new and exciting vendors! This shopper’s paradise will offer lovely fashions, bags, hats, jewelry, charms for charm bracelets, French tablecloths, candles, and unique gifts for the home and garden – a great place to buy gifts for your loved ones or yourself. In addition, our very popular Friends’ Boutique will have enticing treasures for all.

A silent auction will offer unique experiences and beautiful items to bid on, from restaurant experiences to cooking demonstrations, stays at iconic hotels and more.

Don’t miss this great day of magnificent beauty through garden visits, breathtaking floral creations, an exciting boutique and silent auction, a culinary feast, and more. This glorious experience would make a great Mother’s Day gift as well.

Your presence will help preserve and restore the magnificent Virginia Robinson Gardens that has provided inspiration, enrichment, and enjoyment to adults and children alike in our Gardens’ magical setting!

In the words of longtime Friend Tania Ferris, “This is the best Garden Tour in the nation.”

Board member and past President Kerstin Royce adds, “Whether it is restoring Virginia Robinson’s treasured antiques or positivity in young people’s hearts, it makes us so proud to be part of the Friends of Robinson Gardens.”

Garden Tour is sponsored by:

Post by Linda Meadows
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Editor of the Happenings