May 2016 at Descanso Gardens

Register for programs at the Visitor Center or phone (818) 949-7980 unless noted. Some classes require advance registration. Find details on classes at descansogardens.org.

Toddler Treks, 4 Fridays starting May 6, 10 a.m.: Explore and learn with your toddler (ages 2 to 4 years old). Classes focus on caregiver and child interaction with nature, science, art and garden activities.$40 members; $48 nonmembers; $20 member siblings, $28 nonmember siblings. Preregistration required.

Bird LA Day, Saturday, May 7: Descanso Gardens will participate with other bird-loving groups in this all-day celebration of “our” feathered friends at locations around greater Los Angeles. Morning is the best time for bird watching, so Descanso will open to the general public at 8 a.m. There will also be a family bird walk at 10 a.m. Activities free with admission. Learn more about Bird LA Day at birdla.org.

Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 8, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Enjoy brunch with mom in the beautiful Rose Garden. Menu includes seasonal salads, breakfast favorites, carved meats, baked potato bar and all those delectable Patina sweets! $57 member adult; $66 nonmember adult; $24 member child; $28 nonmember child. Seating is limited and reservations are required by May 5 at descansoorders.com.

Rose Workshop, Tuesday, May 17, 10 a.m.: Descanso’s experts will teach you best practices in taking care of the roses in your garden. Bring gardening gloves. Public admission to the Gardens and this workshop are free of charge the third Tuesday of every month.

Embroidering in Architecture with Jenny Hart, Saturday, May 28, 9 to 11:30 a.m.: Learn beginning hand embroidery techniques from noted artist Jenny Hart as you stitch her original design inspired by Descanso Gardens. Hart has spearheaded the resurgence of interest in embroidery through her hip embroidery designs and her business, sublimestitching.com. $110 members; $120 nonmembers. Class size is limited to 20 students. Pre-registration required.

Rose Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15: Celebrate America’s favorite flower at this two-day festival. Activities are free and presented both days at hours listed.

• Rare rose discovery station, 9 a.m. to noon: Get an up close look at rare and special roses from Descanso’s collection.
• Floral art activities, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Make your very own floral creations using roses and other flowers.
• Patina food service, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Purchase grilled favorites at food stations in the Rose Pavilion and Promenade.
• “Human vase” living art, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Using the body of a model as a canvas, floral artist Alison Franchi and make-up artist Jennifer Aspinall create a living work of floral art.
• Rose Garden walk & talk, 1 p.m.: Join Rose Garden Horticulturist Molly Anne Malinick (Saturday) and Director of Horticulture Rachel Young (Sunday) on a guided walk through the Rose Garden.

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. Information: (818) 949-4200 or descansogardens.org .