“Plants cry their gratitude for the sun in green joy.”
- Astrid Alauda
Here at the Virginia Robinson Gardens, we have much to feel gratitude towards. Our first thank you would be to Virginia Robinson who had the foresight to leave this magnificent piece of property and important part of history to the people of Los Angeles. From the time she and Harry purchased the land in 1911 until it was bequeathed to the County of Los Angeles in March of 1974, they pursued their dream of having a beautiful botanical garden filled with a variety of unusual plants, many from different parts of the world. Being animal lovers, they also had a menagerie of animals, monkeys, turtles, an aviary filled with birds and a bird nursery to take care of any injured bird that came their way, and of course their beloved dogs. They always had an open door for not only friends but for others too. They opened their gardens and home for many philanthropic events and to many children’s organizations, allowing the children to roam the gardens in a free and safe environment. Donating the land in her later years, Virginia Robinson envisioned a place that would be used “for the enjoyment of the public.” We as the Friends have endeavored to continue her legacy.
Our Children’s Science Program, instead of diminishing during Covid, was re-envisioned by its volunteer chairs Kerstin Royce, Patti Reinstein and Leslie Kavanaugh. Our outreach program these last two school years reached as many as 5,000 children. And happily, our children’s science tour program has resumed once again. Our outreach program could not have been successful without the participation of the teachers representing the many schools that were part of the outreach program. These teachers were invited to the Gardens for a thank you luncheon. The teachers were very enthusiastic about the program and its value to the children. We are grateful to all the hard work and many hours contributed to the program by these chairwomen and their helpers.
Also, we must give gratitude to the former Los Angeles County Superintendent Tim Lindsay who for 20 years, groomed and maintained the garden in the vision of the Robinsons. It is through his dedication that the gardens exist in their pristine condition.
This estate is part of the fabric of the history of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills and its cultural growth. This important historical estate helps keep us rooted in the history of our city. But maintaining a historical property is a difficult task. A wealth of gratitude to Joan Selwyn who 40 years ago established the Friends of Robinson Gardens, a 501(c)(3) organization, who through its years has raised funds to augment those needed for the estate to flourish.
An abundance of gratitude to the garden and office staff of the Virginia Robinsons Gardens who work with extreme dedication and always with a kind and helpful attitude. And the docent volunteers who lead the public tours, who have trained and learned about the gardens so you may have a truly great experience as you tour the estate.
And of course, to every volunteer board member past and present, who worked tireless hours to run educational programs, fundraising events, and communications and improving the internal structure to keep the organization running smoothly so we may continue to keep the gardens and home in good working order for the present and future residents of Southern California.
And to you, our wonderful membership, who have taken the ride with us and supported us through these trying times; we are so grateful to you for your loyalty.
We have much to be thankful for, and most of all to Harry and Virginia Robinson, who have left us a treasure to share.
May you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday.
Warmly,
Betty Rodriguez Goldstein
President of the Friends of Robinson Gardens
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