Spotlight on Laura Coleman

Each month we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of 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 Laura Coleman, a wonderful and dedicated Friends of Robinson Gardens member. Laura has been a Van Hostess for Garden Tour and volunteered to work at the Gardens during the shutdown due to Covid. Her many articles on several of our events including education lectures, garden classes, children's visits, Garden Tour and Gala have been published over the years in the Beverly Hills Courier, thus sharing who we are with the world. Thanks to her superlative journalistic skills, Laura has written fantastic articles for the Happenings as well.

We asked her these four questions:

1. How did you first learn about VRG, and what inspired you to become a Friend?

I was first introduced to the Gardens in 2012 by the extraordinary Jeanne Anderson shortly after joining the Beverly Hills Courier as a journalist. As part of my job, I was afforded the mandate to discover and craft great stories – and the Virginia Robinson Gardens offered an abundance of meaningful copy. In addition to having a great origin story – vivacious woman travels the globe a century ago collecting exquisite flora – the Gardens are championed by a multitude of extraordinary women who volunteer their time to create meaningful experiences including educational programming for students, inquisitive art salons, the magical Patron Gala, and of course, the Annual Garden Tour.

2. What’s your role -- how do you contribute to VRG?

I’m happy to do whatever is asked of me in support of the Gardens. I have helped out at the Gala as well as Garden Tour, in addition to writing for the newsletter.

3. Can you share a favorite VRG memory with us?

Sitting in the Italian Terrace Garden and drawing with Kerstin Royce remains a forever highlight!

4. Please add any additional information you would like to share!

I am forever grateful to Jeanne Anderson for introducing me to the Gardens and her boundless kindness and generosity. Indeed, it was love at first sight, and I now have so many treasured memories of the Gardens. And I LOVE the friendships I have made here - particularly Marcella, Kerstin, Joan, and of course Jeanne. And there are so many others I completely adore. Truly, the Friends are the most wonderful group of women I have ever met!