Spotlight on Lori Gordon

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 Lori Gordon, a wonderful and dedicated member of the Friends of Robinson Gardens. Lori is also an accomplished and talented harpist who has performed in many venues, including the Peninsula Hotel. We asked her these four questions

The Chandlers and the Tea, Scones & Gardens Reading Group

At our September 17, 2022, Tea, Scones & Gardens Reading Group gathering at the Virginia Robinson Gardens, we had an interesting time discussing the family dynamics of the Chandlers including Norman and Dorothy (Buff) Chandler and son Otis. David Halberstam in The Powers That Be describes the evolution of the Los Angeles Times under Chandler's stewardship. Buff was a particularly enthusiastic fundraiser which played a part in her involvement with Virginia Robinson. She also was not only very influential in the transformation of the Los Angeles Times but was responsible for today’s art scene and venues in Los Angeles. A special guest, Scott B., gave us his insights due to his personal involvement with the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Music Center

A Lovely Afternoon at the 2022 Membership Luncheon

The Friends celebrated another year of supporting one of the region’s greatest treasures at this year’s annual Membership Luncheon at the Virginia Robinson Gardens on September 15. All attendees, joyfully enjoying the company of each other, were festively attired, a perfect accompaniment to the lovely weather and the event’s tropical theme. Exquisite floral arrangements by the Friends’ own Jeanne Anderson were the centerpiece at the luncheon tables arranged on the Great Lawn. One lucky Friend at each table - the one whose birthday was closest to the date of the event - got to go home with one of the lovely creations. Also decorating the tables were individual custom sugar cookies painted with the iconic Robinson estate. The luncheon featured a tropical fruit punch, salmon, chicken and salad, along with a light coconut layer cake for dessert

A Walk in the Garden with Superintendent Diane Sipos

The garden is showing subtle signs that autumn is in the air.  The seeds of the great Ginkgo tree in the Italian Terrace Garden are beginning to drop, its foliage slowly turning a deep saffron yellow. Despite the dry, hot summer, the garden continues to thrive, thanks in large part to the hard work of our gardeners.  They have been tirelessly weeding and mulching, among other things, to maximize water efficiency during the drought and extreme hot weather.  We installed a water savings drip irrigation system in the Italian Terrace Garden on the Neptune, Citrus and Lion Terraces, and along the front wall on Elden Way.  I am grateful for the Friends’ extraordinary dedication and hard work to fund projects such as this, enabling this historic living collection to flourish

Message from President Betty Goldstein

Dear Friends, September proved to be a bit of a challenge with the very hot weather, and in Beverly Hills and other areas, there were water restrictions because of a large pipe repair. In preparation, all the flower beds were mulched to keep the moisture in the soil as well as other water-saving actions. Thank goodness for the surprise rain that helped keep the plants. With the coming of October, the flowers in our home gardens are fading, and the summer blooms are gone. I took a walk in the Robinson Gardens to see how our gardens were faring. I was so pleasantly surprised. The dry beds (those lining the great lawn) are in full bloom; among the many flowers are the brilliant orange Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily)

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TO STAY IN THE KNOW!

SUBSCRIBE