August 2025 Happenings
The Boys and Girls Club at VRG
On June 26, 2025, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens, it was a scene on the Great Lawn for the summer Science Fair for students from the San Gabriel Valley Boys and Girls Club and Our Spot, a free after-school program for low-income teens of the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation. Beverly Hills Rotary Club members, Joanie Garratt and Wanda Presburger, planned this event with Science Committee members, Kerstin Royce and Patti Reinstein, and our wonderful group of helping hands in the office.… Read More
Eleanor Schrader Lectures on the Glamour of Old Hollywood: Architecture of the Stars
Guests arrived at the Pool Pavilion at The Virginia Robinson Gardens on June 14, 2025, buzzing to hear from award-winning educator, lecturer, and author Eleanor Schrader. An expert in her field, Eleanor wears many hats including serving as an instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture and decorative arts, and Professor Emeritus of Art and Architectural History at Santa Monica College. She also did graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby’s Institute in London and New York. Eleanor enjoys a large following from her years teaching and leading architectural tours; guests came as far as from the Bay Area to hear her lecture. … Read More
Ina Garten’s Memoir and the Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club
The Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club on Saturday was ably hosted by co-chairs Elaine Stein and Patricia Cowett on a Zoom link and with the assistance of Ron Stein as photographer on July 12, 2025, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Our book this quarter was Ina Garten’s book, Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir. As the title suggests, much of Garten’s success can be attributed to her willingness to be open to experiment, hard work, and careful observation to achieve simple but exceptional perfection in her cooking and real estate developments. She achieved many accolades for insisting she be herself. Her supportive partner and so very accomplished soulmate is Jeffrey, her love since her late teens. Many delightful recipes are sprinkled throughout the book. A fun discussion was had about long-distance marriages, delight in flowers and gardening and all the various stages of Ina’s career. … Read More
Spotlight on Branden Santos
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 Recreation Service Leader Branden Santos. Branden joined The Virginia Robinson Gardens in September of 2023. Prior to joining, Branden worked for the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) as a Sports Coordinator for the South Agency, where he was in charge of eight different parks in the Carson area. With his parks experience, Branden has brought many people from DPR programs to the gardens, including senior groups and children. Fun fact: Branden is a professional musician! He started playing when he was sixteen years old and his passion for music never ceased. He plays most instruments, with guitar as his main instrument. Branden has recorded albums with several different musical groups which can be found on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube Music, and on vinyl albums. He recorded a song for a comedy special that was on Netflix and performed on tour in Europe with a Blues Rock band. His favorite music genres are jazz and rhythm and blues.… Read More
Patrons’ Journey to Italy without Boarding a Flight
On June 21, 2025, under a cool gray sunless morning sky, we arrived at a Vision of Italianate Architecture hidden behind a tall hedge of clipped Privet enclosing a crushed gravel motor court fronting the main facade. Were we transported to the towns of Settignano or Fiesole overlooking The Arno River?… Read More
Our Garden Tour Star Lynne Vinkovic of Rose Lane Farms
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 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 featuring Lynne Vinkovic of Rose Lane Farms. John Schoustra of Greenwood Gardens recommended Lynne to Jeanne Anderson for Garden Tour. Lynne has now been participating in our annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate fundraiser for several years. Her breathtaking and gorgeous flower bouquets always captivate our attendees!… Read More