Message from President Betty Goldstein
“September days are here, with
Summer’s best of weather &
Autumn’s best of cheer.”
– Helen Hunt Jackson
Hello September!
Dear Friends,
Summer is over, and September is here. It is a month of new beginnings. It is the time we can start to plan our fall gardens. In my garden, I am picking the last of my apples, and the figs are ripening, feeding the birds and the local squirrels. At the Virginia Robinson Gardens, the last of the grapes and eggplants are being harvested and the soil prepared for new plantings.
For many, it is the beginning of school, and it is certainly the start of the many fall holidays. We have much in which to look forward.… Read More
Our Garden Tour Star Kenneth Boyer
Each month we are highlighting “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, and interior designers who have participated in 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 interior designer Kenneth Boyer. He has designed many spectacular rooms at VRG for Garden Tour, including the Living Room, Dining Room, Guest Bedroom, Morning Room, and Loggia.
We asked him these five questions… Read More
The Fellows Tour Three Private Gardens in Santa Barbara
On July 14, 2021, the Fellows of the Virginia Robinson Gardens visited stunning gardens in Santa Barbara. The first garden belonged to George Schoellkopf. (The Fellows toured George’s Connecticut garden, Hollister House, in June 2019.)
George’s Summerland garden is perched on the brow of a high hill and was begun a little over twenty years ago; it is laid out in several distinct sections, ranging from formal areas near the house to more naturalistic areas further afield. The garden is Mediterranean in spirit with mostly drought-tolerant plants and no lawn. A new guest house and swimming pool are nearing completion and will define an important new garden area.… Read More
Spotlight On Debby Figoni
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 Debby Figoni, a wonderful Friends of Robinson Gardens member.
We asked her these four questions… Read More