Descanso Gardens

What is Descanso Gardens?

Descanso Gardens covers 150 acres and includes forested areas, streams, ponds, and open lawns. Themed gardens highlight camellias, roses, lilacs, oaks, and fruit trees such as oranges, peaches, and pears. There are also a Japanese Garden with a tea house, a historic mansion called the Boddy House, and an art gallery. Wildlife like deer, birds, and squirrels are often seen among the plants. Paths and walkways connect the different sections, and visitors can explore at their own pace.

The history of Descanso Gardens

The land was originally part of a large ranch granted to José María Verdugo in 1784. It stayed in the Verdugo family until 1869. In 1937, E. Manchester Boddy bought the property, named it Rancho del Descanso, and developed the gardens and mansion. During World War II, Boddy acquired a large collection of camellias from Japanese American nurseries. In 1953, he sold the estate to Los Angeles County. The Descanso Gardens Guild, formed by local volunteers, now manages the gardens in partnership with the county.

What there is to see

Visitors enter through a main gate with a ticket office, restaurant, and gift shop. Once inside, they can pick up a map and explore sixteen different garden areas, including the Camellia Forest, Rose Garden, Oak Woodland, and Japanese Garden. The Boddy House and Sturt Haaga Gallery offer exhibits and art shows. The gardens are open year-round, with different plants blooming in each season. A small train, the Enchanted Railroad, circles part of the grounds.

When to go

Descanso Gardens is open to the public all year and hosts a range of activities. People visit for walks, picnics, and to enjoy the changing displays of flowers. The gardens are a popular site for weddings and private events. Seasonal programs include light shows in winter and Halloween-themed events in autumn. The gardens also offer art exhibitions, music, and educational programs for children and adults.

Parts and collections

The gardens are divided into themed areas, each with its own focus. The Camellia Forest is known for its large collection of camellia plants, while the Rose Garden and Lilac Garden display many varieties. The Japanese Garden features traditional landscaping and a tea house. The Oak Woodland and Ancient Forest highlight native trees. Art exhibits in the Sturt Haaga Gallery change several times a year.

Why Descanso Gardens matters

Descanso Gardens is recognized for its horticultural collections and its role in preserving plants from local nurseries, especially camellias. The Boddy House and gallery add cultural and historical interest. The gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are a valued community space for recreation, art, and celebration.

The flowers of Descanso Gardens

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursPeachA flowering fruit tree from China, grown for its pink blossoms and sweet fruitPomegranateA shrub with bright red flowers and a fruit full of edible seedsMalusThe genus of apples and crabapples with spring blossoms and autumn fruitLilacFragrant spring-flowering shrubs and small trees grown for their showy clustersCamelliaEvergreen shrubs and trees with showy blooms, best known for tea and garden flowersCommon LilacA spring-flowering shrub with fragrant purple or white bloomsCamellia reticulataTall pink-flowered camellia from Yunnan, grown for gardens and tea oil

Questions people ask about Descanso Gardens

Good reading and sources

• Official websiteOfficial site
• David Brown reflects on over a decade of leading Descanso GardensLos Angeles Times, Article
• Weekly List - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)US National Park Service, Article

• Descanso Gardens on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data