Volunteers helped to bring The Oak Woodland to life. PHOTO BY MARTHA BENEDICT
On Nov. 15, Descanso Gardens celebrates the opening of its first major garden addition in three decades. The Oak Woodland represents something old and something new. This lakeside green space is located near historic Boddy Lodge, but it boasts around 30,000 new plants that have been added in the last year.
Most of the planting was done in March by a group of volunteers. The greenery features a mix of meadow, woodland and chaparral plants that suggests the landscape native to the San Gabriel foothills. Visitors can stroll the Woodland’s paths and along the lake to view bird activity or just enjoy some bucolic peace and quiet. A wildlife camera has been installed to observe animal guests of the Woodlands.
The Opening Day celebration will include a craft time from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., a family walk at 10:30 a.m., guided tours at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and viewing of a model of the Mars Rover courtesy of Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 9-10:30 a.m.
The gardens are located at 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada-Flintridge. Admission is $9 adults, $4 ages 5-12. Learn more at www.descansogardens.org.
