Welcome to The 3 most beautiful Gardens around Pasadena CA
Pasadena, California, and its surrounding regions are a haven for garden and nature lovers like me, this whole area’s vegetation is the most proficient in the Valley of Los Angeles County. Besides the numerous green spaces, three gardens shine for their beauty, variety, and serene atmosphere, it’s so beautiful to drive around this area, the roses display in the houses surrounding the botanical gardens are just a dream.
The following Gardens are great examples of the gorgeous vegetation around this area. Join us as we explore these breathtaking botanical gardens in Pasadena.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Garden
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Website: https://huntington.org/
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of San Marino, California, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens invite you to immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty and cultural marvels. Spanning over 120 acres of carefully tended gardens, this haven of greenery promises an enchanting voyage through various ecosystems and themed landscapes.
From the Japanese Garden’s peaceful ambiance to the Rose Garden’s vibrant colors and the Desert Garden’s fascinating beauty, every part of the Huntington Gardens reveals a hidden gem of plant wonders ready to be discovered.
Paired with the prestigious art collections and literary gems housed within the library and museum, the Huntington Gardens serve as a testament to the harmonious blend of art, nature, and human ingenuity, extending a warm invitation for you to embark on a personal journey of discovery and inspiration.
Main Highlights of the Gardens
The Japanese Garden, a serene oasis features a traditional moon bridge, koi ponds, and a ceremonial teahouse surrounded by lush greenery and meticulously pruned plants. The peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation, if you get to go during the right season, you’ll be enchanted by the Cherry Blossom Trees in all their glory.
The Desert Garden is home to one of the most extensive collections of cacti and succulents globally, this garden is a vibrant display of resilience and beauty. The array of shapes, colors, and textures is simply mesmerizing.
The Chinese Garden, known as Liu Fang Yuan or the Garden of Flowing Fragrance, this garden embodies the essence of the timeless elegance of classical Chinese landscape design, characterized by its intricate pavilions, tranquil lake, and meandering pathways, it offers a glimpse into the harmonious balance between nature and art.
The Rose Garden, where you can lose yourself in a sea of vibrant blooms as you wander through the picturesque pathways of the Rose Garden, home to thousands of rose varieties in a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances. they also have the “1919 Café” which offers an extraordinary view of the Rose Garden.
Distinctive Features
The Huntington is not just a botanical garden; it also houses an extensive art collection and a library with rare manuscripts. This combination of art, culture, and horticulture creates a multifaceted visitor experience.
Also, each garden showcases a specific type of flora and landscaping style, providing a broad horticultural education, including the children’s gardens which is one of my favorites.
Huntington also offers a great research program, offering resources for scholars and the public.
If you would like to know more about The Huntington, feel free to check out my other Blog Post at the link. https://myfavgetaway.com/1-extraordinary-day-at-the-huntington-garden/
Descanso Gardens
Address: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Website: https://www.descansogardens.org/
Descanso Garden is a gorgeous garden where time slows down especially the craziness of Los Angeles traffic and life, and where nature’s beauty takes center stage.
The 155-acre garden is home to multiple types of flowers, trees, and other gorgeous plants, where you can get lost in a day to explore the beauty of nature.
Descanso Gardens is a magical oasis of beauty where you can wander through winding paths adorned with colorful blooms, discover hidden pockets of serenity beneath ancient trees, and embark on whimsical adventures that ignite the imagination.
Main Highlights of the Garden:
The Camellia Collection at Descanso Gardens is home to one of the largest camellia collections in North America. During the blooming season, these vibrant flowers create a stunning display of color and beauty.
The Rose Garden leaves you speechless, It features a wide variety of roses, offering a fragrant and visually delightful and unforgettable experience. It’s a perfect spot for an adventurous stroll or a quiet moment of contemplation.
Oak Woodland: A naturalistic area showcasing California native plants and majestic oak trees. This woodland garden provides a habitat for local wildlife and a peaceful retreat for visitors.
If you would like to know more about Descanso Gardens, feel free to check out my other Blog Post at the link. https://myfavgetaway.com/how-to-spend-1-magical-day-at-descanso-gardens/
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Address: 301 North Baldwin Avenue
Website: https://www.arboretum.org/
Arcadia, CA, 91007
Just a short drive from Pasadena, the Arboretum and Botanic Garden spans 127 acres and boasts a diverse range of plant collections from around the world.
The Arboretum is home to several historical structures, such as the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn, which add a historical context to the garden visit
The wildlife and Natural Habitats at The Arboretum are extraordinary including peacocks, which roam freely. It also features the Prehistoric Forest, which showcases plants from ancient eras.
Main Highlights of the Gardens
The Meyberg Waterfall, a picturesque waterfall that is a focal point of the Arboretum, creates a lush, tropical atmosphere. The sound of cascading water adds to the garden’s tranquil ambiance.
The Prehistoric Forest, it’s like you took a step back in time as you wander through this section featuring plants that have existed since the era of dinosaurs. The towering cycads and ferns offer a unique, almost otherworldly experience.
Historic Buildings like The Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn add a touch of historical charm to the Arboretum. These beautifully preserved structures in the garden provide a glimpse into the past and enhance the garden’s picturesque setting.
Descanso Gardens is particularly known for its seasonal displays, such as the camellia collection, one of the largest in North America, and its extensive rose garden.
Distinctive Features
Native and Woodland Gardens at Descanso features a significant collection of California native plants and a serene oak woodland, which provides a naturalistic setting distinct from the more curated landscapes of the other two gardens.
It offers a more casual and family-friendly atmosphere, with areas designed for children’s exploration and interactive learning experiences and they have a mini train that is super adorable for the kids. It gives them a tour throughout the gardens.
Focus and Integration
The Huntington integrates art, culture, and horticulture, offering a blend of gardens, art exhibits, and a rare book library.
The Arboretum combines botanical displays with historical buildings and wildlife, emphasizing natural and cultural history.
Descanso Gardens focuses on seasonal plant displays and naturalistic landscapes, emphasizing California native plants and family-friendly activities.
Both The Arboretum and Descanso Garden have a display of lights at night that is just extraordinary. They sell different tickets for those events, especially during the December Holidays.
Other Places Not to Miss in Pasadena
One of the most Iconic Public Parks is the Arlington Garden in Pasadena.
Address: 275 Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA
Opens daily from Sunrise to Sunset.
This park is the only dedicated public garden, spanning three acres and designed to be a sustainable, water-wise space. Located in the heart of Pasadena, this charming garden offers a peaceful retreat and a variety of plant life.
Arlington Garden is a community-driven project, developed with the support of local volunteers and donations. It serves as an educational resource, demonstrating sustainable gardening practices and offering a beautiful space for the community to enjoy.
If you would Like To Know More about beautiful Iconic places to visit in Pasadena CA, check out my blog post: https://myfavgetaway.com/11-best-things-to-do-in-pasadena/
Conclusion
Exploring these three gardens around Pasadena offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the artistry of landscape design.
Whether you’re strolling through the serene Japanese Garden at The Huntington, marveling at the prehistoric plants at the Arboretum, or enjoying the seasonal blooms at Descanso Gardens, each location promises a memorable and enchanting experience.
Next time you find yourself in Pasadena, make sure to visit these botanical treasures and immerse yourself in their beauty.
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