Message from President Betty Goldstein

“The transformation of the butterfly inspires, as life continues in a new and graceful form.”

Dear Friends,

The monarch butterfly is a creature of great beauty and immense strength. It works diligently and fortifies itself as it gets ready to build its home to reproduce again. Here at the Virginia Robinson Gardens, we are busy “strengthening our home” and revamping our programs to meet the needs of today and the future. The preservation of the Robinson estate and gardens and its legacy is of upmost importance at this difficult time. The Robinson estate has always been a crucial part of the history of Los Angeles, and it is our responsibility to help ensure its conservation.

Our Garden Tour Star Pamela Burton

Every 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 internationally renowned landscape architect Pamela Burton.

We asked her these five questions:

1. What garden changed your life or made an impact on you?

My understanding of art and architecture was completely transformed when, at twenty-two years old, I took time off from studying architecture at UCLA to visit Kyoto.

Thoughts from Friends: Natalie Gordon

Audrey Hepburn once said, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."

These days, there is a strong preoccupation with tomorrow. Questions like, "When will we get a vaccine?" or "When will life return to some form of normal?" dominate nearly every headline. And while the often-devastating news rages on outside our doors, many of us remain at home, hoping for a brighter tomorrow.

Virginia Robinson Set the Style in Beverly Hills

Part 1: Virginia Forms her Style in Early Los Angeles

Virginia Robinson came to this area as a small child. Because Los Angeles was at a pivotal growth moment ready to burst into a bustling city, she had a tremendous opportunity to help shape the development of this nascent area into a major metropolis with a rich cultural climate. What she did growing up was reported frequently in the newspaper in large part because of her family’s position in the community. Virginia’s two most important early influences were her father, Nathanial Dryden, and her uncle, Leslie Brand. Her father was an architectural designer and builder who had a significant influence on her sense of style. Her uncle, a colorful man who gained great success in his many business pursuits and much notoriety for his glamorous lifestyle, played an influential role in her own business interests as well as her love of living grandly.

Kamins’ Garden Water Features

Offer a Powerful Sense of Transcendence and Tranquility

Today we highlight the various water features created by the Kamins in their historic estate in Beverly Hills.

The water features throughout the Kamins’ garden are bountiful, beautiful, and intriguing. There’s a sense of discovery and anticipation as you round each bend in the garden path.


As you transverse the Kamins’ garden there’s a fresh perspective as each water feature reveals itself individually. Yet, there’s a connectiveness as they evoke the qualities of music. Collectively, they sound like a symphony.

Some water features are abstract and metaphorical, providing hidden patterns of pure … Read More

Spotlight on Janice Jerde

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 Janice Jerde, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens Board Member and a committee member of Premier Events. She has helped Fellows Chair Jeanne Anderson with many exciting events.

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