arlingtongarden Archives

Petal Power: Circa’s Guide to the Spring Superbloom

Thanks to all the recent rain, we’re seeing an abundance of wildflowers across the Southland. For a breathtaking superbloom experience, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is carpeted with our beautiful state flower as far as the eye can see. Wisteria season is here, and The Huntington is enveloped in a winding canopy of these gorgeous ornamental blooms. Decanso Gardens is a visual feast of flowering trees, which are an April bloom highlight. To stay up-to-date on what’s blooming, Theodore Payne Foundation’s Wild Flower Hotline provides information on the best locations for viewing spring wildflowers, with many locations not far from Circa.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve superbloom in Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve 15101 Lancaster Rd. Lancaster, CA 93536

Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. 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. Benches located along the trails make good places to sit quietly and watch for wildlife, such as meadow larks, lizards, and gopher snakes. If you’re lucky, you may spot a coyote or bobcat.

Zuma Canyon Trail superbloom in Malibu not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Zuma Canyon Trail Trailhead 5721 Bonsall Dr. Malibu, CA 90265

One of the best ways to see wildflowers is to take a hike. Zuma Canyon Trail is 2.8-mile trail that explores the open Zuma Canyon. The sandy trail stretches north along a stony creek bed and through brushy open space. As the mouth of the canyon closes, oaks and sycamores become more abundant, providing greenery and shade for trail users. This trail has amazing views of Zuma Canyon and is abundant with native wildlife, vegetation, and gorgeous spring blooms. For more great local hikes, visit Trails LA County.

Theodore Payne Foundation superbloom not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Theodore Payne Foundation 10459 Tuxford St. Los Angeles, CA 91352

To learn more about California’s abundant flora, visit the Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF), a nonprofit organization that inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plants. Located on 22 acres of beautiful canyon land in the San Fernando Valley, the TPF includes a full-service nursery, alongside display gardens, wild land hiking trails, an art gallery, educational facilities, and more.

The Huntington superbloom in San Marino not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108

Explore a winding canopy of Wisteria blooming now in the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and Children’s Garden at The Huntington. Encompassing over 130 acres, The Huntington Botanical Gardens feature living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research.

Arlington Garden superbloom in Pasadena not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

A hidden gem in the heart of Pasadena, Arlington Garden is the city’s only dedicated free public garden. This charming three-acre community-built mediterranean garden is located on Caltrans-owned land. The garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, and orchards of orange and olive trees. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also exists as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year.

Descanso Gardens superbloom in La Cañada Flintridge not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden, living museum, and urban oasis just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Situated on 150 acres of cultivated and wild land, Descanso Gardens is nestled into a natural bowl by surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the many paths and trails, verdant woodlands, lush gardens, and colorful native flowers. Don’t miss the gorgeous flowering trees, which are an April bloom highlight. To discover the year-round beauty of Descanso, check their Bloom Calendar.

South Coast Botanic Garden superbloom in Palos Verdes Estates not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Bloom at South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Awaken your senses this spring when the Garden comes alive with new blooms and pollinators a flutter. Throughout the Bloom exhibit, you are asked to tap into your senses and live in the moment. The journey will begin in the courtyard with a stunning display. Guests will then be guided to a variety of areas that are newly planted, and ultimately lead you to the Amphitheater Lawn, where they’ve planted over 21,000 bulbs. This colorful and unique display of flora will invite guests to become immersed in the beauty of nature. As the season continues and new flowers arrive, the experience will continue to Bloom!

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden superbloom in Pasadena not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr.Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is his only remaining garden and the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America.

LA Arboretum superbloom in Arcadia not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. A stroll through the Arboretum will take you through a variety of gardens and landscapes that offer beauty and tranquility as well as ideas for your own outdoor spaces. The Arboretum is also home to historic structures including the Queen Anne Cottage, Coach Barn, and Reid-Baldwin Adobe.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: California Department of Parks and Recreation

Photo #3: National Park Service / LA County Department of Parks and Recreation

Photo #4: Theodore Payne Foundation

Photo #5: The Huntington

Photo #6: Arlington Garden

Photo #7: Descanso Gardens

Photo #8: South Coast Botanic Garden

Photo #9: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #10: Los Angeles County Arboretum

Superblooms & Gorgeous Gardens

April 22 is Earth Day, the world’s largest environment movement, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than getting out and communing with nature. Did you know that California’s superblooms are so dramatic that you can see them from space? But you don’t need a satellite to enjoy this stunning flower show. LA Arboretum and Descanso Gardens are in full bloom, and the historic Virginia Robinson Gardens has finally reopened after a three year hiatus. LA is also home to some delightful secret gardens that you may not have heard about, many not far from Circa. And if you want to get involved for Earth Day, Friends of the LA River is offering a variety of activities that welcome everyone to the River Movement.

California State Parks Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, CA

California Poppy Festival AV Fair & Event Center 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

Apr 21-23 Celebrate our beautiful state flower at the California Poppy Festival. For three days, people from across the state will be able to enjoy live entertainment, a beer garden, food, and more than 200 vendors amidst the sunshine and colorful flowers. While you’re there, be sure visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, and explore eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills, bursting with wildflowers.

Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington in San Marino, CA

The Huntington 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108

Encompassing about 130 acres, The Huntington botanical gardens feature living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research. Great news for high tea fans! After an extensive renovation, The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room will reopen on May 24. Set within the historic Rose Garden, the Tea Room offers an elegant and memorable experience inspired by the tradition of English tea service with a distinctive California twist.

Rose Garden Exposition Park near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rose Garden Exposition Park 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Located across the street from USC in downtown Los Angeles, Exposition Park is home to some of LA’s top cultural attractions and venues, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center, and the California African American Museum. The beautiful 7.5-acre Rose Garden features 15,793 rose bushes in about 200 varieties. The Rose Garden is currently among the three major public-display rose gardens in Southern California and one of the most important in the state. In 1991 the Rose Garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Pollinator Meadow at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Nature Gardens at NHM 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

If you’re visiting Exposition Park, be sure to explore the Nature Gardens, an urban wildlife wonderland at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Over 600 kinds of plants, including California natives and others from around the world, make a home for birds, butterflies, lizards, squirrels, and more. One of the most popular spots is the Pollinator Meadow (pictured above). Flowers are blooming, seeds are ripening, and wildlife is paying attention!

Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills, CA

Virginia Robinson Gardens 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills , CA 90210

May 20 Back in Bloom Garden Tour. After a three-year hiatus, the Virginia Robinson Gardens reopens for the Garden Tour and Showcase House, offering an exclusive opportunity to visit magnificent private gardens in the area, and enjoy an extravagant showcase at the Robinson Estate, featuring top interior designers, florists, and a lavish luncheon. Proceeds will raise funds for the restoration needs of the estate and the Children’s Science program, which has served more than 5,000 children throughout the pandemic years. Built in 1911, the Robinson mansion was one of the first homes in Beverly Hills, known for hosting the area’s most legendary parties. Today, the garden is recognized not only as a historical landmark, but also as an exotic paradise that all sightseers are invited to enjoy by appointment only.

UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden in Los Angeles, CA

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden 707 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a living museum that maintains one of the most important living botanical collections in the U.S. Over 3,000 types of plants grow in the garden and a wide range of environments are found within its borders, from the dry desert and Mediterranean sections on the eastern end to the shaded, lush interior. A stream and series of ponds run through the center of the garden, which is home to koi and turtles.

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Pasadena’s only dedicated free public garden, Arlington Garden is a three-acre community-built Mediterranean garden in the heart of Pasadena on Caltrans-owned land leased to the City of Pasadena. The garden includes thousands of California native plants, such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, orchards of orange and olive trees, and many more species. This lovely space is not only friendly to people and pets, but also exists as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant, and can be seen throughout the year.

Blue Ribbon Garden sat Walt Disney Concert Hall near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Blue Ribbon Garden Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Blue Ribbon Garden is a hidden rooftop garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Nearly an acre in size, the garden is enclosed by the hall’s flowing exterior and filled with lush landscaping that blooms throughout the year. What started as a personal connection between just two people: Frank Gehry and Lillian Disney, has become a shared public art experience for concertgoers and Los Angeles tourists alike. One of the garden’s highlights is the Frank Gehry-designed fountain, a tribute to the late Lillian Disney and her love for Royal Delft porcelain vases and roses.

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena, CA

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America.

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens 3500 W Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Need to unwind your mind? Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens was established by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness as a non-profit center dedicated to peace and spirituality. Called a “Spiritual Oasis in the City,” its purpose is to provide a place for people to take time out of their busy lives to visit, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the peace and solace of nature. The centerpiece of the property is an outdoor stone labyrinth, using the same design as the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. The spectacular Asian-themed meditation garden presents sixteen water features, a koi pond, and intimate seating areas tucked away to reflect, repose, meditate.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: California State Parks

Photo #3: The Huntington

Photo #4: Exposition Park

Photo #5: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Photo #6: Virginia Robinson Gardens

Photo #7: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Photo #8: Arlington Garden

Photo #9: LA Phil

Photo #10: Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens

Photo #11: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

Spring Forward: Explore LA’s Scenic Trails & Urban Oases

Spring is in the air! Now is the perfect time to get out and commune with nature. According to recent research, experiencing the natural world has a powerful effect on our emotional well-being, including less stress in our daily lives and boosting healthy feelings of compassion and gratitude. You don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors. LA is home to a wealth of scenic trails and urban oases that are easily accessible from Circa, where you’ll discover everything from lush flower blooms to rugged woodlands, refreshing waterfalls, and a wide variety of wildlife. We even found some apps to enhance your experience of nature. Before you go, check websites for health & safety guidelines.

Descanso Gardens near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens Bloom Boom 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

It just wouldn’t be spring without cherry blossoms! Descanso Gardens celebrates all that nature has to offer this season, with guided walking tours, craft demos, and live music. In addition to Descanso’s iconic cherry blossoms, you’ll find camellias, crabapples, daffodils, tulips, California poppies, and lilacs. The birds of Descanso also mark spring by making their homes in the garden. Check out the flowering tree map, which is updated weekly HERE

The Huntington Library near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Lavender and white wisteria are in full bloom in the Chinese Garden and well on their way to taking over the faux bois arbor in the Japanese Garden. The Huntington is home to 16 spectacular themed gardens spread across 120 acres, including Desert Garden, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Jungle Garden, Herb Garden, Australian Garden, Lily Pond, and more. See what’s blooming at The Huntington on their interactive map HERE

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park 4235 Monterey Road Los Angeles, CA 90032

Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is 300 acre urban oasis on old ranch land in the Arroyo Seco neighborhood just northeast of downtown L.A. The fourth largest park in Los Angeles, the area is home to walnut-oak woodland, grassland, coastal sage scrub, and over 140 species of birds. A five mile loop meanders through almost every section of this dog-friendly park. Along the way, you’ll discover a pond where you can actually go fishing.

Eaton Canyon Natural Area near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Eaton Canyon Natural Area 1750 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, CA 91107

Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a natural preserve located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. This scenic 198 acre natural area was originally called “El Precipicio” by Spanish settlers because of its steep gorges, and was later named after Judge Benjamin Eaton, a progressive pioneer who was the first to use irrigation from Eaton creek to grow grapes on the slopes. Visitors can explore Eaton Canyon’s expansive hiking and equestrian trails, majestic waterfalls, seasonal streams, and abundant native plants.

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America.

Arlington Garden near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Another hidden gem is Arlington Garden, Pasadena’s only dedicated free public garden. This three acre community-built mediterranean garden is located in the heart of Pasadena on Caltrans-owned land. The garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, and orchards of orange and olive trees. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also exists as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year.

Will Rogers State Historic Park near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Will Rogers State Historic Park 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Will Rogers was one of the most popular and highest paid actors in Hollywood and “America’s most beloved citizen.” During the 1920s, he bought land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch. Eventually, Rogers owned about 359 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in what is now Pacific Palisades. After Rogers passed away, his widow Betty donated the ranch to California State Parks in 1944. Casual hikers can enjoy a moderate 2-mile loop to and from Inspiration Point, and more adventurous hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can tackle the Backbone Trail National Trail into the Santa Monica Mountains, which can take you all the way to Point Mugu.

Point Mugu State Park near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Point Mugu State Park 9000 West Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265

Point Mugu State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons and wide grassy valleys dotted with sycamores, oaks and a few native walnuts. In all, there are more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The beach also features swimming, body surfing and surf fishing. The park includes the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area.

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden 707 Tiverton Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens 3500 W Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

iNaturalist App

Do you want to contribute to science? The iNaturalist app allows you to connect with nature and record your observations of the natural world, such as birds, plants, forests, butterflies, marine life, and wild bees. You can share your observations with fellow naturalists, discuss your findings, and create your own projects. Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed. iNaturalist shares your findings with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe. iNaturalist is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.

Picture This – Plant Identifier App

Have you ever encountered a beautiful, unknown flower during your walk and wondered what it was? Or do you need advice on how to care for your plants? Simply take a photo of the plant and PictureThis answers all the questions for you. PictureThis® identifies 1,000,000+ plants every day with 98% accuracy – better than most human experts. The app’s revolutionary artificial intelligence engine is constantly learning from experts and specialists – and now it’s all at your fingertips. Picture this plant, and discover a new appreciation for nature.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: Descanso Gardens

Photo #3: The Huntington

Photo #4: Earnest E. Debs Regional Park

Photo #5: Eaton Canyon/Wikipedia/Scott Medling

Photo #6: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #7: The Arlington

Photo #8: Will Rogers State Historic Park

Photo #9: Point Mugu State Park/California Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Photo #10: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Photo #11: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

Photo #12: iNaturalist App

Photo #13: Picture This – Plant Identifier App