Descanso Gardens

I've been Schmap'd. Is that a word? Yes, Schmap is an online a mapping service for your computer or iPhone. Click the "Descanso Gardens" title above, and you can learn more about their service!

Lots of Easter bunnies, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This photo was taken at Easter time in Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada / Flintridge, California, is my absolute favorite garden in Southern California.

It's sprawling 150 acre garden once belonged to E. Manchester Boddy, a wealthy newspaper publisher. He built a lovely home, which has recently been renovated and is open to the public, and the most peaceful garden you can find. Descanso means "rest."


They have many types of gardens within Descanso Gardens, including a Children's Garden, a duck pond, a rose garden, and a lovely Japanese Garden (pictured above.)
For more information about Descanso Gardens, visit their website at:

http://www.descansogardens.org/site/home.cfm

Pierre de Ronsard Rose

The first time I saw the Pierre de Ronsard climbing rose, it instantly became my favorite rose of all time. It's a stunning rose, that's beautiful to photograph, and see in your garden.

Pierre de Ronsard Rose, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Stephanie, a friend and fellow gardener, had this growing up and over her pergola, in her cozy cottage garden. A real beauty, this old-fashioned looking rose also goes by the name Eden Rose.

Hybridized in 1987, it's disease resistant, a vigorous grower, and low maintenance.

This rose is a nearly continual bloomer, with year round health and vitality.

If you live in California, and want to use this for your garden, you'll be thrilled if you purchase it from Roger's Garden. Here's their web address, and I've linked their to the title above, and here's the website:

http://www.rogersgardens.com/


(The roses in this post, belong to Frank. More of Frank's flowers are featured below. Frank mentioned that this rose is lovely on the vine, but droops when you try to use it as a cutting rose in a vase.)

The South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation

If you're an avid gardener, or just a person who wants a relaxing day in the garden, take a trip to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There, you'll find the South Coast Botanic Garden, with 87 acres of beauty to experience and enjoy. This botanic garden holds beautiful garden gems.. like the lovely Children's Garden, complete with a child's size house...


...a Dahlia Garden...



...a Japanese Garden...


...a Rose Garden...


...and more...


You must visit the South Coast Botanic Garden. They offer gardening classes, Girl Scout Badge programs, tours, and they have a garden shop with plants and gardening items. For more information visit their website at:
http://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org/home.html

Yellow Marguerite

Yellow Marguerite, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This yellow marguerite is a shrubby perennial plant. It's cultivation history goes all the way back to 1699 in England. I had this flower in my garden for sometime. I recommend you replace it once it becomes to thick and woody. I found it easy to maintain, and a vigorous bloomer.

Pink Dahlia - for the cure!

Pink Dahlia - for the cure!, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Here's my contribution to "Pink for the Cure." It's a wildly edited dahlia, creating a fun floral abstract for a good cause.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A Roadside Garden

While driving, and following my navigator to a Chinese restaurant one day, I stumbled upon this gorgeous roadside garden.   I suspect it was started when someone sprinkled seeds there in the springtime.  It was filled with zinnias, daisies, cosmos and more.   

I think I'll try this seed sprinkling garden experiment next year. I have the perfect patch of soil, right beside my driveway. Hopefully I'll get the same stunning results.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This pink collage is for the cure!