Spotlight on Suz Landay

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 Suz Landay, a docent and wonderful and dedicated longtime Friends of Robinson Gardens Member. Suz is a regular and much-loved van hostess for Garden Tour. An amazing botanical artist and calligrapher, she made the sign for the “Succulent Nurse,” a floral tribute the Friends created and installed at the Healing Gardens at Cedars-Sinai in June 2020 to honor our medical heroes. We asked her these four questions

Fred Astaire and the Tea, Scones & Gardens Reading Group

On June 26, 2021, in the Pool Pavilion at the Virginia Robinson Gardens, a lively discussion was enjoyed by participants at a meeting of the Tea, Scones & Gardens Reading Group concerning Fred and Adele Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The book featured was A Step in Time, Astaire’s autobiography. An arduous journey to stardom is traced through his work in vaudeville, then film and his entertainment of the troops in World War II! The movie The Gay Divorcee featured one of the Robinsons’ Duesenberg vehicles as well as the graceful dancing of Fred and Ginger. Anecdotes both poignant and humorous are recounted in the book as determination, hard work, and talent prove fruitful.

The Fellows Visit the Kamins Gardens

In a stunning amalgam of old and new, the Kamins Gardens represents the best of both worlds: the preservation of the landmarked Helms Estate and the creation of entirely original gardens & buildings that blend seamlessly. Angel Members Dorothy and Phil Kamins opened their masterpiece to the VRG Fellows on Father’s Day weekend, a magnificent gift on a spectacular day. From the colorful begonia beds that greeted guests at the entrance, to the rose garden in full bloom, through the formal fountains and parterres to the newest woodland area with its airstream and lodge, it was a treat for the senses. And the inventive canapes by Kais (European Caterers) allowed guests to taste the season, from delightful figs to strawberry shortcake bites. Photos at wonderful settings – the Chinese Pavilion, the birdcage orchid house, the Malibu Tiled Courtyard – enhanced the memories, as well as Kais’ incredible cookies to go. A June treat to remember

Our Garden Tour Star Sophie Sikora

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 florist Sophie Sikora, owner of Arts District Florals. Sophie designs the floral arrangements for Cartier Beverly Hills. She has created stunning arrangements for Garden Tour and was highly recommended to VRG by Patron member Worthy McCartney. We asked Sophie these five questions

Message from President Betty Goldstein

Dear Friends, When we think of summer, we think of brightly colored umbrellas on the beach, picnics, longer days, sunflowers, sunscreen, and weekend trips. At the Gardens, bright colors mimic those multi-colored beach umbrellas with five-foot-high, bright burnt orange alstroemerias standing tall amongst the other many colored flowers in the beds lining the Great Lawn. Over in the cutting garden, the roses are in their last full bloom before the first fade of color of the fall. Along with the roses are staked dahlias, a new addition to the garden, in lavender, deep pinks, rich burgundy, and variegated red and yellow, reminding us of all the hues of summer

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