Message From President Betty Goldstein
Dear Friends,
March is the month of new beginnings. For a gardener, the most important occurrence is when the vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring; the first day of spring this year is March 20th.
At the Gardens, the Coral tree (Erythrina caffra) located on a knoll in the Italian Terrace Garden, is in full bloom. This magnificent tree with its cone-shaped brilliant orange flowers is one of the highlights of the Gardens. Designated as the largest and oldest tree of this type in California, the Coral tree was placed on the “Big Tree” register by the state arborist some years ago. The tree was planted by the Robinsons in the early 1930s after traveling to South Africa and specifically to the “Cape.” This is where they obtained the start of this magnificent tree. Presumably a seed, or quite possibly a small cutting traveled back with them aboard a steamer… Read More
Our Garden Tour Star Sean Murphy, Owner Of Sean Murphy Catering And Events
Every month, we highlight “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, interior designers, and chefs 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 Sean Murphy, owner of Sean Murphy Catering and Events. Sean is the son of the famed restaurateur Jimmy Murphy who owned the iconic and elegant Jimmy’s in Beverly Hills that was frequented by many celebrities, such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Sean catered a superb dinner at the Fellows Thank You Dinner in August 2021 as well as a splendid luncheon at the 2021 members-only Garden Tour in October.
On a telephone interview, we asked Sean these seven questions… Read More
Spotlight on Bobbie Furrey
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 Bobbie Furrey, a longtime, dedicated member and board member of the Friends of Robinson Gardens.
We asked her these four questions… Read More
Explore the Magic of the Virginia Robinson Gardens through Art
The Miracle of a Garden
Why is everyone ever so happy
When wandering within a garden’s spaces?
Could the answer be amidst the scented
Pansies which capture all the beauty of children’s faces?
So next when one’s amidst a Rose’s bowers
Put aside your woes and sorrows.
Lend your Inner brilliance on those pathways
Sprinkling miracles about for those who’ll surely follow.
Poem by Regina Drucker, Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member and VRG Historian.… Read More