October 2015 at Descanso Gardens

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

Toddler Treks, 4 Fridays starting Oct. 9, 10 a.m.: Explore and learn with your toddler (ages 2-4 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 encouraged.

“RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns,” Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 1 to Nov. 1: “RISE of the Jack O’ Lanterns,” a unique all-ages night-time Halloween extravaganza, returns to Descanso Gardens. More than 5,000 hand-carved jack o’ lanterns created by professional artists are arranged in the Rose Garden. Spectators are invited to discover intricately carved images of favorite celebrities and sports figures as well as other large-scale displays based on popular themes.The path is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are available only at www.therise.org. Times and prices vary.

Mt. Sac Plant Sale,Thursday, Oct. 8 – Monday, Oct.12, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Students from the Mount San Antonio College horticulture program will sell a variety of potted plants for your home garden. Free with admission.

Painting Nature, 6 Saturdays starting Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.: Join artist R. Jay Ewing for a watercolor painting class for beginning and intermediate students.
$90 members, $120 nonmembers. Students will be emailed a materials list after registration. Registration deadline Sept. 26.

Herbal Remedies for Cold & Flu Season, Saturday, Oct. 17, noon to 2 p.m.: Prepare yourself for cold and flu season with this introduction to herbal remedies. Learn how to make honeys, syrups, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, vinegars and steams using everyday ingredients found in your kitchen or garden. Leave the workshop with a bottle of your own elderberry syrup and a jar of personalized fire cider. Taught by Emily Han, herbalist and author of “Wild Drinks and Cocktails.” $35 members, $40 nonmembers. Register at peoplespopup.com/descanso .

Kikezuri: Japanese Woodcarving, Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 to 4 p.m., Relax and immerse yourself in the practice of kikezuri, the art of Japanese woodcarving. Part sculpture class, part active meditation, this workshop is taught by master woodcarver Yo Takimoto. Open to all ages and skill levels. $35 members, $40 nonmembers. Register at peoplespopup.com/descanso.

Make Your Own Bitters, Saturday, Oct. 31, 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Craft your own bitters blend. Learn how to use bitters in cocktails, herbal remedies and cooking. Taught by writer and educator Emily Han. Ages 21 and over. All materials will be provided. $45 members, $50 nonmembers. Register at peoplespopup.com/descanso .

Featured event:

Autumn Festival, Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 17-18
The Harvest Festival has a new name! Round up the kiddos and celebrate autumn at this annual festival, which includes a pumpkin carving demonstration (Saturday only), crafting, costume parades and more. Activities free to members unless noted.

Costume parade, both days, 11 a.m.:Calling all cowboys, princesses and superheroes! Here’s a chance for kids and grownups to show off their costumes!

Patina harvest barbecue, both days, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, grilled corn and other barbecue favorites, available for purchase.

Autumn crafts, both days, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.:Enjoy hands-on activities for kids in the Oak Grove.

RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns carving demo, Saturday, noon to 2 p.m.: Learn how to carve like an expert at this demonstration by a professional carver from RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns, the Halloween installation in the Rose Garden.

Admission to Descanso Gardens is $9 general, $6 seniors/students with I.D., $4 children 5 to 12; children 4 and younger free. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas Day. Information: (818) 949-4200. Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.