Descanso Gardens in the Spring

Spring always starts me longing for a garden, and Descanso Gardens is freeway close.  Could there be a better solution?  I grabbed my camera and arrived as early as possible in order to catch the best light and beat the crowds.   I hoped to find flowers and budding shrubs, anything that spoke to me of Spring.

Flowers

I was in luck; the tulips were still blooming.  I confess I was worried I had waited too long.  In years past I visited in early March and now here it was the end of the month.

There were tulips beds everywhere.  How thrilling to stroll from color to color!

Along with tulips, I found daffodils and irises.  I love the deep purple irises with their soft velvety petals.

Trees and shrubs

Descanso is shedding its winter look as the trees come into bud.  I was attracted to this scene.

I like the vertical lines.  The building’s columns show through the “rain” of willow-like branches which almost touch the plants.

I wandered through the garden areas admiring the spring flowers and enjoying the last of the camellias.  I think the season for these spectacular bushes is autumn through early spring.   If so, they too won’t last much longer!

The above creamy white flower was one of the few I found that wasn’t droopy or shaded.  Many were deep inside the shrubbery away from the path.  I was pleased to find one turned toward the light.

By this time I had walked to the lilac garden, an area consisting of mostly bare branches.  I did find one or two that were blooming.

Most of the bushes were barren–no flowers, buds, or leaves.  I hope this is normal for winter and that these plants will yet bloom this spring.

Summer’s Coming

As for the tulips, well the season is over.

The above tulip bed will soon blossom with summer flowers.  I expect to see it filled with zinnias, marigolds, and alyssum when next I visit.

To see more photos from my visit to Descanso Gardens, simply click here.