The Friends of Robinson Gardens are so grateful to the extremely talented floral and landscape designers who will enchant your senses by transforming the rooms and outdoor spaces at Virginia Robinson’s home into settings of dazzling beauty for the 36th Annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate on May 17, 2025. Don’t miss this gorgeous event where the florists will interpret the theme: “Floral Fantasia.”
Each Garden Tour Star is listed alphabetically along with the room/area they are decorating or located so that you will know where to find them when you visit the Showcase Estate at Robinson Gardens.
Alena Kvassov of Awesome Bloom Décor shares, “I am an event and wedding florist with a lot of experience! I am inspired by the endless variety of nature. I think florists are the same as artists, only we paint with flowers, not paint.” [email protected]. Instagram: @awesomebloom_decor Awesome Bloom Décor will be located in the Morning Room and the Master Bedroom of the VRG home.
Hilary Bein shares, “As an artist, I’ve worked in many mediums, and flowers became another. I see my arrangements as sculptures using the color, the texture, and the form of the flowers. My inspiration comes from the flowers themselves. Whether it’s Jamie Wolf’s garden or the flower market, there’s always something amazing that catches my eye, and I build a palette around that. After that, it’s just like painting: I put something down and everything that comes after is in response – it’s a conversation. I listen to the rhythm of my eyes moving through and keep going until it feels right.” [email protected] Hilary Bein will be located in Ivo’s Office of the VRG home.
The Bel Air Garden Club is filled with wonderful women who love their gardens. We share tips on techniques for better roses, when to plant our bulbs, and how to feed organically. Trips are planned to visit some of the most beautiful gardens all over the world, with sojourns to Seattle and Victoria. The Bel Air Garden Club will be located in the Great Hall of the VRG home.
The Beverly Hills Garden Club was started on May 18, 1932. Ninety-three years ago, the membership stated that, “The object of the club shall be for the advancement of gardening; to aid in the protection of native plants, trees, and birds; and for the stimulation and encouragement of civic planning and beautification.” With those goals in mind, the members of the Beverly Hills Garden Club helped to plan the public gardens in Beverly Hills along Santa Monica Blvd. We are very proud of the legacy of the founding members of Beverly Hills Garden Club. The club provides wonderful and creative opportunities for our members to learn more about gardening, to share their gardening tips and experiences, and to enjoy the camaraderie of our shared interests. The Beverly Hills Garden Club will be located in the Pool Pavilion of the VRG home.
With a holistic artisanal approach, Liz Barbatelli of E. Braun & Company styles, designs and curates custom programs of made-to-measure luxury residential linen collections and everyday luxuries for homes on land, air and sea.
Everyday living takes on a new level of ease and luxury for homeowners working directly with Liz, as she offers exceptional guidance for and the curation of personalized lifestyle experiences throughout every area of the home. From organizing and styling currently owned linens and other personal luxuries to a full-service curation, purchase and installation program for everything from mattress pads up to exquisite bedding and table designs, Liz works intimately alongside private clients to create a most comfortable and uniquely beautiful home.
“Linens are the foundation of everyday living. They are literally the connecting thread from the heart of the home throughout every space of experience.” (310) 273-4320. www.ebraunbeverlyhills.com. Instagram: @ebraunbeverlyhills; @liz.barbatelli. E. Braun & Company will be located in the Master Bedroom and the Guest Bath of the VRG Home.
Krista Everage is the founder and co-principal of Everage Design, a Santa Monica-based luxury Interior Design studio. Krista studied interior design and architecture at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, and Art, and began her design career in Los Angeles, embracing the full spectrum of LA style, from poetic modern to rich vernacular and traditional. Krista also creates bench-made jewelry in her DTLA workshop. The common thread in all of her work is luxurious romance, suited to the casual, indoor/outdoor California lifestyle. (310) 200-7334. EverageDesign.com. [email protected]. Instagram: @EverageDesign
Erica Everage (b. 1987, Los Angeles, CA) is an LA-based visual artist. She won a Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award in 2005 for her drawing, which earned her an apprenticeship with the late sculptor Robert Graham, who taught her to sculpt. Erica has a BA in Theater from Northwestern University and an MFA in Fine Art from Otis College of Art and Design. Her passions for history, feminism, storytelling, and dance all inform her current work as a painter. Some of the most recent presentations of her work include a solo exhibition titled In Her Image at Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, as well as a group exhibition at Reisig and Taylor and the MEY Gallery, both in Los Angeles. (310) 849-6743. EricaEverage.com. [email protected]. Instagram: @EricaEverageArt
Krista Everage of Everage Design Inc. will be curating Erica Everage’s paintings in the Galleria, as well as showcasing a selection of fine garden-themed jewels. All items will be offered for sale, with portions of proceeds donated to The Virginia Robinson Gardens and to fire relief. Artworks and jewels can be previewed on Instagram: @EricaEverageArt @Eve_Bespoke_Jewels
Krista Everage, Erica Everage, and Josh Johnston will be located in the Galleria of the VRG home.
Floracotta in Los Angeles specializes in creating custom raised-bed kitchen gardens. They guide clients through regenerative organic gardening methods, helping them grow clean, delicious food in a garden they love. We believe when you garden, you come alive — a simple plot of earth to grow on can brighten the spirit for a lifetime and have a massive impact on your overall health and the environment. Faith Ford is the current Kitchen Garden Consultant. (323) 770-3236. www.floracotta.com. Floracotta will be located on the Kitchen Terrace of the VRG home.
Ines Garstecki, owner of Flowermaid, is a talented LA event florist known for her natural aesthetic. Since founding Flowermaid in 2003, Ines and her team have designed florals for hundreds of events, including luxury weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and grand galas. They also are the in-house florist of Hillcrest Country Club and serve several large homes on a weekly basis with fresh blooms. In 2020, Flowermaid expanded into TV and film, creating florals for popular series like Hacks, Westworld, and Palm Royal. (310) 770-3422. www.flowermaid.com. Instagram: @flowermaidLA. Flowermaid will be located in the Yellow Salon of the VRG home.
George’s Garden | Los Angeles, is a full-service Event & Floral Design company. George Martinez serves as the current in-house florist for the luxury high rise LandMark LA in Brentwood, various Douglas Emmett offices in Beverly Hills, All Saint’s Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, United Talent Agency, Cushman Wakefield, StarPoint Properties, St. James Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, St. Paul the Apostle in Westwood, and is a preferred florist for the Los Angeles Country Club. George draws inspiration from old-world and new-world styles of floral arranging. He picks unique, fun, and “romantic” flowers for each of his clients, making sure that each time they’re not just satisfied, but in complete awe of what they’re presented with. (310) 384-0409. www.georgesgardenla.com. George’s Garden will be located in the Dining Room of the VRG home.
As a long-standing member of the Hancock Park Garden Club, Anne Mansour shares, “I have been involved with many floral events. This year is a very special time to be included in the Robinson Gardens ~ Floral Fantasia!! The philosophy of our Garden Club is ‘to stimulate knowledge & love of gardening, and to contribute to the beautification of the community.’
Being an interior designer and an artist, I am always inspired by architecture and gardens filled with glorious flora & fauna. Just back from an art residency in Assisi, Italy, I am enchanted with the landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany! Thank you for the opportunity to participate!” (213) 700-1152. www.annemansour.com. Instagram: @annetmansour. The Hancock Park Garden Club/Anne M. Design, Inc. will be located on the poolside railings of the VRG home.
Amanda Gray from House of A Gray states, “I’m not a professional florist, but flower arranging has become a real passion of mine lately. I love to walk around the flower market to draw inspiration from the flowers that are in season to create beautiful arrangements for friends and family.” House of A Gray will be located in the Galleria of the VRG home.
Sepideh Miyanaby of Ivory Floral Events shares, “We pair stunning creations with exceptional service from our hearts, by putting your needs and your special event first. We proudly serve corporate clients, private event planners, and couples across California, Arizona, and Nevada. At Ivory Floral Events, you can experience heartfelt customer service and celebrate elegance in full bloom.” (310) 321-2222. www.ivoryflorist.com. Ivory Floral Events will be located in the Library of the VRG home.
Courtney Jean shares, “What sets me apart as a chef is my unique approach to food, where I blend cooking with the principles of nourishment and well-being. With a deep-rooted background in farming, I craft farm-to-table experiences that prioritize locally sourced, artisanal ingredients. Each dish is thoughtfully designed not only to be delicious and unique in flavor but also to support a holistic, health-conscious lifestyle. Whether curating intimate private chef experiences, designing memorable retreats, or orchestrating refined events, I bring a refined personal touch to every plate, committed to my ethos of sustainability, flavor, and nourishment.” Chef Courtney Jean will be located in the Kitchen of the VRG home. www.chefcourtneyjean.com.
Creating projects consistently recognized for their professional and design quality is the mission that JMS Design Associates strives for with every project. The result has consistently been projects that continue to be recognized for their creative, harmonious, and aesthetically pleasing impact. With this mindset, Jeffery Smith & his Team continue to create outdoor living spaces that truly reflect each property owner’s lifestyle. (310) 552-1644. www.JMSDesignAssociates.com; www.Houzz.com. JMS Design Associates will be located at the Front Entrance of the VRG home.
The 1,200-square-foot Kitchen Vegetable Garden at the Virginia Robinson Gardens is 100% organic. We plant many herbs and seasonally appropriate vegetables. We provide plenty of flowers that attract pollinators, and grow fruits like blueberries, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, and Kumquats as well. There is an orchid greenhouse and a chicken coop with hens that provide fresh eggs daily.
Josh Johnston works alongside Lucia Burke in the Kitchen Garden and tends to the chickens & parakeets at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. He has worked for over 20 years in landscaping and provides gardening and property care services in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Brentwood. Josh Johnston will also be located in the Galleria of the VRG home. (424) 202-4271. [email protected].
Lucia Burke is a UC-certified Master Gardener who has been designing, installing, and maintaining organic vegetable gardens in private homes for over 10 years. She served as the School Garden Coordinator for SMMUSD from 2010 to 2020. Lucia was delighted to be invited in 2022 to revive the Kitchen Garden at VRG. With the help of Josh Johnston, they keep the garden welcoming, fun, and special for the kids in the Children’s Program. Lucia Burke Garden Design & Maintenance. (310) 922-0644. [email protected].
The Kitchen for Exploring Foods was founded in 1984 by Peggy Dark, an icon within the Southern California culinary world. A celebrated author and storyteller, she built The Kitchen into one of the most esteemed catering firms in Southern California with a passionate and devoted following. Local produce is sourced from beloved area purveyors, along with an emphasis on exclusive and hard to find specialty items. The Kitchen has catered superb lunches and dinners for VRG, including past Garden Tours, Patron Galas, and Education lectures. (626) 793-7218. www.thekitchen.net. The Kitchen for Exploring Foods will be located on the Tennis Court of the VRG home.
Superintendent Emeritus of the VRG and exterior designer Timothy Lindsay designs to serve the space and provide function, while embracing the client’s aesthetic taste. (626) 808-6670. [email protected]. Timothy Lindsay will be located in the Kitchen of the VRG home.
Lynne Vinkovic of Rose Lane Farms says, “My business is unique because I am a farmer/florist. I grow my own product and have done so since 1995. I have always believed that using local seasonal products is always the best, even before it was trendy. I like to think of myself as the Julia Child of garden roses, I like to go into my fields to see what looks good each day. ‘Know what is in season and know what to do with it’ — Julia Child.” (323) 791-1367. www.roselanefarms.org. Rose Lane Farms will be located on the Back Patio of the VRG Home.
The founder of the Friends of Robinson Gardens Joan Selwyn shares, “My interest in flower arranging comes from my deep love of nature. I design my flower arrangements with the same approach. I used to do graphic design and paint. I have taken very few flower arranging classes.” Joan Selwyn will be located on the dessert table in the Pool Pavilion of the VRG home.
Yana Polshina of Vespera Floral Studio shares, “We are on a mission to harmonize the brilliant hues of nature with the imaginative strokes of art, crafting unforgettable moments that linger in the mind long after the petals have wilted. Come embark on our adventure and uncover the bewitching charm of blooms.
We take pride in creating custom arrangements that are not just beautiful but also tell a story, reflecting the recipient’s zodiac sign, favorite colors, hobbies, and interests. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for a loved one or seeking to enhance your business or event space, we’re here to help.” (818) 458-0604. www.vesperafloralstudio.com. Vespera Floral Studio will be located in the Morning Room and the Master Bedroom of the VRG home.
Viola Floral is a premium floral design and teaching studio in Los Angeles that creates and spreads joy through flowers! Jelena Trifunovic shares, “We specialize in flower subscriptions, floral design workshops, and events of all types and sizes. We believe that flowers are wellness, and we love to inspire others to ‘live in full bloom!’” (310) 425-2422. www.violafloral.com. Viola Floral will be located in the Loggia of the VRG home.
Viola Gardens is a boutique landscape design and build firm specializing in ecologically sustainable, artistically conceived landscapes across Los Angeles for over 18 years. Led by one of California’s few fully licensed female landscape designers and contractors, founder and principal designer Jessica Viola shares, “We integrate permaculture principles, fire-resilient plantings, water management, and regenerative solutions to create thriving, self-sustaining environments. Every space we design is deeply personal, blending function, art, and ecology to craft immersive landscapes that nourish both people and the planet.” (310) 919-6786. www.violagardens.com. Viola Gardens will be located near the Lily Pond of the VRG home.
VRG Curator April Walton will be located in the Pantry and the Front Terrace of the VRG home. (310) 550-2040. [email protected].
XOXO Patti Sue is a successful 20+ year floral industry freelance floral designer. She has worked with the greatest and has been the lead design florist for many well-known flower shops in the Los Angeles area. Patti’s work has graced multiple red carpets from The Oscars to the B.E.T Awards. Patti is no stranger to The Virginia Robinson Gardens as she has helped adorn the Dining Room with our beloved George Martinez from George’s Garden for multiple years at Garden Tour. She specializes in lush, oversized garden-style arrangements. (626) 214-6715. [email protected]. XOXO Patti Sue will be located in the Guestroom and the Bath of the VRG home.
“Yamaguchi Nursery is a second-generation and family-owned business specializing in bonsai, but we stand out for so much more,” states Marianne Yamaguchi. “We seek out the best quality plant material for every garden style—from classic to contemporary—as well as an extensive selection of new and unusual plant introductions. You’ll find drought-tolerant plants from Mediterranean regions around the world, fabulous succulents, pottery, statuary and so much more. And our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help guide your selection of the perfect items for your garden.” (310) 473-5444. www.yamaguchinersery.com. Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery will be located on the Back Patio of the VRG Home.
Garden Tour is sponsored by:
Post by Linda Meadows
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Editor of the Happenings
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