Celebrate Spring with Earth Day

California Poppy

Clarkia unguiculata

Descanso Gardens will present its biggest Earth Day festival ever on Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24. The celebration will include a fundraising 5K run, the spring Mt. SAC plant sale, guided walks and more. And just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, the spring season Botanic Bling sale of unique jewelry and accessories will be presented that weekend.

Earth Day is a worldwide event which promotes environmental awareness. It is celebrated April 22 in more than 192 countries each year. Descanso’s festival focuses on native flora and fauna, including wildflowers, oaks and chaparral plants of the San Rafael Hills.

“Cultivating an understanding of nature is the mission of Descanso Gardens,” said Emi Yoshimura, education programs manager. “Celebrating Earth Day is a fun way for us to forward that mission by connecting with an event that is all about protecting our environment. We hope visitors leave with an appreciation for nature and an interest in caring for nature at Descanso and around the world.”

Earth Day festival activities are free with admission unless noted. (Note: The Mt. SAC plant sale runs Thursday through Sunday, April 21 to 24.) Activities include:

• Mt. SAC plant sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, April 21 to 24: Students from the Mt. San Antonio College horticulture program will sell a variety of potted plants to make your home garden beautiful this spring.

• Botanic Bling, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days: Botanic Bling, a trunk show of unique jewelry and accessories, returns with an Earth Day flavor just in time for Mother’s Day shopping.

• California wildflower display, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days: Get a close-up look at some of the beautiful California native wildflowers cultivated at DescansoGardens.

• Wildflower seed activity, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days: Choose from a variety of native seeds curated by Descanso’s expert horticulturalists to create a wildflower seed packet to plant at home.

• Oak Woodland walk, 11 a.m. Saturday only: Join horticulturalist Layla Valenzuela on this guided walk. She will discuss how the Oak Woodland, which is planted with native flora, restored the natural landscape and created a healthy habitat for wildlife.

• Patina, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days: Patina chefs will have garden-fresh cuisine available for purchase, including grilled favorites, salads and smoothies.

• 5K Fun Run & Walk, 7:30 a.m. Sunday only: Take an early-morning run (or walk) through Descanso and help raise funds to support the Gardens! Sign-in begins at 6:30 a.m. Information and registration at a5events.com.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Admission is $9 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $4 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 4 and younger. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

About Descanso Gardens

Founded as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Descanso Gardens is open daily (closed Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $4 for children 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and younger.

Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Join Descanso Gardens and enjoy free admission and early entry year-round. For more information, contact (818) 949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.