The Donor Tree
The beautiful wrought iron Donor Tree located on the back wall of the Robinson house memorializes the contributions of the Friends of Robinson Garden’s most generous donors. Leaves in copper, silver, and gold designate monetary contributions to FRG for which no goods or services were received ($25,000, $50,000, and $100,000, respectively). Donors’ names are etched on the leaves. The Donor Tree was inspired by Virginia Robinson’s original artistic tree ornament that was restored and re-hung at the back of the house where her head table for parties was set. Please take a look at the Donor Tree the next time that you are at Robinson Gardens. It is quite lovely and in perfect harmony with the home. The Donor Tree illustrates the love our members have for Robinson Gardens. If you have any questions about the Tree or how you might qualify for recognition, please contact Evelyn Carlson at [email protected]….
Spotlight on Barbara Jaynes
Each month we will spotlight a volunteer, staff member, donor or sponsor of Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) — those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you, the reader, know a little bit 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 Barbara Jaynes, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens Member. She is a botanical artist who won first prize in a Robinson Gardens competition to depict Virginia’s camellia. See the photos below of Camellia Japonica and another one of her favorite illustrations, Hydrangea Quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea).
We asked her these three questions… Read More
A Magical Evening at the Fellows Thank You Dinner
Over 75 guests attended the annual Fellows Thank You Dinner at the Virginia Robinson Gardens on June 8, 2019. Lush from the winter rains, the Gardens provided for a romantic and resplendent setting. It was such a magical evening that the party ended one hour later than scheduled. This celebration is held in appreciation of the Fellows’ generous support of the restoration and preservation of Robinson Gardens and the Children’s Program. It is also an occasion to honor our most generous donors. Their contributions are memorialized on the Donor Tree, a wrought iron ornamental tree whose leaves are etched with the names of the benefactors. The distinguished guests, beautifully dressed, mingled on the Great Lawn and the Back Terrace where marinated chicken skewers, salmon tartare, Angus beef sliders and other enticing bites were served. The dinner capped off a year of fabulous and unique events created by our terrific and…
31st Annual Virginia Robinson Gardens Showcase Estate & Garden Tour Delights Attendees with “Oh! Naturale!”
The weather could not have been more perfect for this year’s Virginia Robinson Gardens Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, May 18, where hundreds of artfully attired beauty enthusiasts enjoyed a vibrant day of foliage, flowers and friendship. Centered at Beverly Hills’ historic first estate amidst a sprawling 6.2-acre garden paradise, attendees also enjoyed the grounds of five private luxurious properties. From the charming Provençal paradise in Holmby Hills that normally hides behind iron gates to the spectacular hillside tour through Tony Duquette’s magical “Dawnridge” for Concierge and Grand Reserve ticket holders, guests also enjoyed seeing the 108-year-old onetime home of Harry and Virginia Robinson reimagined by a bevy of florists and designers to this year’s “Oh! Naturale” theme. “Oh! Naturale, this year’s garden tour theme, was inspired by Mrs. Robinson’s devotion to her gardens,” said Joan Selywn, who founded the Friends of Robinson Gardens in 1982, five years after the…