Descanso Gardens

Hannah and I enjoyed our last day (before my trip) together at La Canada's Descanso Gardens. They have one of the world's best Camellia collections. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful way to say goodbye!

This espaliered fence greeted us at the entrance

Entering the Camellia Forest

an adorable little pink Camellia roseaflora

A variegated Camellia grows underneath the oaks (Quercus agrifolia)

Venturing into the wild oak hillsides

We discovered the historic Boddy house at the top of the property

Next to the house is the garage which has been converted into an art gallery. Outside are some neat vertical gardens with beets growing in them!

 Camellias aren't the only thing blooming at the garden this time of year. I couldn't help getting excited about the Narcissus I saw blooming in little clumps around the property. If only Bill had been there to help us identify them!

Pink Magnolia, probably Magnolia x soulangeana

 There were also some incredible blooming trees. I love seeing a leafless tree decorated with only the flowers.

flower close-up

Hannah and I hiding behind the blooms of what I think is a Taiwan Cherry (Prunus campanulata)

The bright magenta blooms really stood out in the mostly green garden

As a side note, I'm wearing a beanie that my friend Anne custom made for me. She's increadibly talented and you should check out her fantastic blog (which inspired me to start mine!) Empress Anne's Creations

I know lavender (Lavandula sp.) is nothing exciting, but I thought there was something special and different about the color of this Spanish Lavender's flowers

The End!