Spring Awakening

Need a break from the office? housework? the computer? One of our favorite activities this time of year is to go out and enjoy the bountiful blooms of Spring. This is the season that the earth blesses us with so much beauty. Everything is blooming and oh so green! On our recent trip driving down the California Coast, we enjoyed green grassy hills and a wide array of colorful wildflowers. Below are some suggestions for great places near Los Angeles to experience the beauty of Spring. (For those of you who don't live near L.A., research what parks and gardens have the best blooms, and go enjoy!)

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
The Reserve located 15 miles west of Lancaster, 15101 Lancaster Rd.

Wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through mid-May, the park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills, including a paved section for wheelchair access, make the park a wonderful place to hike and explore any season. Shaded picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with an interpretive display and a serene view over the valley to the San Gabriel Mountains.

Tours: During the wildflower season, free guided public tours are offered if staff is available at: 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM weekends. 11:00 AM on weekdays

Hours: The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Weekdays 10 AM - 4 PM, Weekends 9 AM - 5 PM
Parking Fees: $7 per vehicle $6 per vehicle with a senior on board (62 and over)


The Huntington Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
626.405.2100
Located near Pasadena, the Botanical Gardens are an ever-changing exhibition of color and a constant delight. Covering 120 acres, more than a dozen specialized gardens are arranged within a park-like landscape of rolling lawns. Among the most remarkable are the Desert Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Chinese garden. The camellia collection is one of the largest in the country. Other important botanical attractions include the Subtropical, Herb, Jungle, and Palm gardens.

It is also the home of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and the Rose Garden Tea Room.

Hours: Monday: 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed Wed-Fri: 12 noon to 4:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Huntington is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day. From Memorial Day (May 25) to Labor Day (Sept. 7)
The Huntington observes summer hours and is open from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays).
Reservations are not necessary to visit The Huntington.

Tickets may be purchased at the time of your visit. For Admission, tours, schedule information go to their website at: huntington.org

Free Day: Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advanced tickets. Hours on Free Day are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Parking: Parking is free at The Huntington


Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Beautiful year round, these gardens are especially beautiful in the Spring because of the numerous selection of plants, trees and flowers throughout the property. A natural "bowl" in the San Rafael hills provides the perfect secluded setting for Descanso Gardens. They have many events scheduled throughout the year for the whole family to enjoy.

Located near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways. It is a short 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles.

Hours: The Gardens are open every day of the year except Christmas, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (although visitors are encouraged to arrive by 4:30 p.m.)

Free Parking.
Admission: General $8. Senior/Students $6. Children (5 to 12 years) $3. Guild members and Children under 5 free. Tram $4. Enchanted Railroad $3


California Wildflowers: For more information on Southern California wildflowers, check out: pbase.com

getupgirl.org