Flowers

Exploring The Huntington: A Sanctuary For The Soul

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Hey, fellow plant enthusiasts! 🌿 If you’re anything like me, finding the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty is a top priority. And let me tell you, if you’re in Southern California, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, or simply The Huntington, is the ultimate oasis you’ve been dreaming of!

Diana the Huntress
by Anna Hyatt Huntington

Nestled in San Marino, CA, this gem boasts around 120 acres of meticulously landscaped botanical gardens that will leave you breathless. From the serene vibes of the “Japanese Garden” to the striking allure of the “Desert Garden,” there’s something for every nature lover here. But let me spill the tea on my personal favorite: the “Chinese Garden,” aka Liu Fang Yuan 流芳園, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance.

Picture this: lush greenery, tranquil lakes, charming pavilions, and the aroma of blooming flowers dancing in the air. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, believe it or not, this slice of paradise is the largest Chinese garden outside of China! Talk about impressive.

During my visit I had the chance to chat with a landscape architect. In his professional opinion this Suzhou-style garden with its superior design and imported rock formations from China is the best garden to visit at the Huntington.

All of the garden’s visible building materials—wood beams, roofing tiles, granite terraces, paving pebbles—were sourced in China and installed by teams of Suzhou artisans. I was thrilled to find a teahouse and a tea shop serving up the most delightful blends. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a cute little shop where you can snag some souvenirs to remember your zen-filled day.

JAPANESE GARDEN

Now, let’s talk history. The Huntington isn’t just any old botanical garden; it’s a piece of living history. Named after Henry and Arabella Huntington, this place was once their private estate before being transformed into a public institution in 1928. So, when you wander through these gardens, you’re not just experiencing nature’s wonders—you’re also stepping into a legacy of passion for art, literature, and, of course, botany.

The Conservatory
The Conservatory

So, whether you’re craving a peaceful day of solitude or a picturesque backdrop for your next Instagram post, The Huntington has got you covered. Trust me, it’s more than just a garden; it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite plant-themed tote, and let’s get lost in paradise together!

The Huntington

1151 Oxford Road; San Marino, CA 91108 USA

Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day but Tuesdays (closed) 
Reservations required Friday–Sunday, Holidays, and Peak Seasons; no walk-ins. Capacity limited daily. Reservations strongly recommended for week days.

Entrance fees: $13-36 Order Tickets Here

Free parking.

Celebrating 35 Years on the Fresno County Blossom Trail

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If you love spring flowers like I do, a visit to the Fresno County Blossom Trail is worth the trip. Typically you can see blossoms mid-February through March and it’s a beautiful time of year to drive though central California. This year the Fresno County Blossom Trail is celebrating 35 years. You can find a map of their self-guided tour on the website, GoBlossomTrail.com along with points of interest and events.

The Blossom Trail is about 70 miles long, so wake up early if you want to drive the whole thing in one day. You’ll want time to stop for pictures, visit some of the historical sites and enjoy a meal or two.

I’m not an early riser so I hit the road around two in the afternoon. It was still beautiful! I headed to Simonian Farms first since it’s one of my favorite places. They started as a small family owned farm in 1901. Today you’ll find antiques, local wines and the largest collection of dried fruit and nuts. It’s a great place to pick up snacks. I never go on a trip without snacks.

My next stop was near the intersection of Jensen and Temperance Ave. When taking photos please remember that you’re on private property. Be respectful and don’t walk around in the orchards. I pulled off the road onto the shoulder to be out of the way of traffic but stayed right on the edge of the property. At one point I started to pull over and saw a dog coming towards me. I decided to take pictures from inside the car. Keep your eyes open when you’re out there.

Took this picture from inside the car out of respect for the property owners dog.
I know it looks like I’ve wandered onto the property but it’s all about angles. I’m still pretty close to the road.

Spring photos on the blossom trail are very popular for family portraits and engagement photos. It’s not hard to find a local photographer offering these on-location photo shoots. California’s has had a lot of rain recently. I think cute shoes are always a necessity, but make sure to take a pair that can handle the soggy ground.

If you want to learn more about the agriculture GoBlossomTrail.com also has a guide to help you identify which varieties are planted by their blossoms.

There are several spots to stop and eat along the way. The Blossom Trail Cafe and the Chuck Wagon are perfect for lunch. The School House Restaurant & Tavern offers a more upscale experience. This is where I finished out the day and had dinner.

Located in a former schoolhouse built in 1890, the restaurant offers farm-to-table fine cuisine and excellent service. You can make reservations. You can also book them for private events and weddings. My parties meal for the evening included:

  • BRIE CHEESE fig and olive tapenade, local honey, bacon, toasted baguette
  • SHRIMP FETTUCCINI capers, olives, broccolini, chile flakes, parmesan, shellfish-tomato sauce
  • SALMON whole grain mustard gnocchi, carrot, celery, green beans, chardonny-lemon butter
  • APPLE COBBLER almond butter crumble, cinnamon, vanilla bean ice cream
  • CARAMELIZED PEAR BREAD PUDDING vanilla bean ice cream, candied walnuts, basil
BRIE CHEESE
SHRIMP FETTUCCINI
SALMON
APPLE COBBLER
CARAMELIZED PEAR BREAD PUDDING
Empress Elderflower cocktail
School House Restaurant & Tavern – outdoor patio
School House Restaurant & Tavern – “living wall” which holds herbs used in the restaurant’s dishes

Allergy Warning ⚠️

If you grew up in central California like I did allergies are pretty common. Thankfully mine didn’t affect me on this trip as much as they used to. This is probably the first year that I’ve been able to smell the flowers without sneezing. Also the bees are out doing their job — pollination. If you are allergic to pollen or bee stings please be careful and plan accordingly.

Busy bee!

For even more information on the Blossom Trail go to VisitFresnoCounty.org

Worth the Detour: Arlington Garden

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I was in Old Town Pasadena for afternoon tea and decided to visit nearby Arlington gardens. It’s super cute and I noticed the focus on water-conservation right away. The three acre garden is a also refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies can be seen throughout the year. This is a public, water-wise garden that celebrates Southern California’s mediterranean climate. It’s free to the public and open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. If you’re in the area it’s worth the detour!

If you’re a local and you like to garden they have two volunteer programs that allow you to be hands on.

Arlington Garden