Co-Presidents of the Friends of Robinson Gardens Lynn Whitaker and Betty Goldstein wrote to the Friends, “It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear member Jane Rascoff on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Jane was a member of our board, and this year organized one of our best Children’s Science Fairs, bringing 100 young children to our gardens for this special day. Jane’s friendship and dedication are a great loss to all of us. We will miss her greatly.”

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Each month, we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of The Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) — those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you know about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to The Virginia Robinson Gardens and to the community, and what they do that is so impactful.

This month, we spotlight our wonderful Diane Sipos, the Superintendent of The Virgina Robinson Gardens, whom we are so lucky to have! The founder of the Friends Joan Selwyn said, “With her warm smile and gentle but super-efficient manner, Diane is a master at keeping the Robinson Gardens running efficiently. We have benefited greatly from her extensive background running educational programs in architecture and the allied arts. Her programs on architecture are very popular and often sold out.”

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On May 17, 2025, the 36th annual fundraiser Floral Fantasia Garden Tour and Showcase Estate thrilled and delighted the attendees, many of whom were already excited about attending next year’s Garden Tour. Founder of the Friends, Joan Selwyn said, “Not even the light rain could dampen the spirit and beauty of Garden Tour. There was laughter and fun at the hat contest so professionally run by master of ceremonies Marcella Ruble while the florists outdid themselves with their lush and elegant floral displays, eliciting oohs and aahs from our guests.”

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From time to time, we highlight “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, and interior designers who have participated at our annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate fundraiser at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We want to let you know about these very talented designers, their inspirations, and their creations.

This month, we are honored to feature landscape designer Jeffery Smith of JMS Design Associates. Jeffery designed the Front Entry of the VRG home in our Floral Fantasia Garden Tour and Showcase Estate on May 17, 2025.

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On April 8, 9 and 10, 2025, the Fellows of the Friends of Robinson Gardens visited Santa Barbara, the American Riviera.

On our first day, member Mary Hampson hosted us for coffee and pastries at her gorgeous home and garden with ocean views and a rose garden in full bloom.

We then visited Ganna Walska’s Lotusland for a docent-led tour by Jill Taylor, followed by lunch under the Chinese elm with some of our garden hosts and CEO of Lotusland Rebecca Anderson. Ganna wanted the best, the biggest, and the most unusual plants available. In the 1970s, she auctioned off some of her Cartier jewelry to help fund her vision of the garden.

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