Tales of Trips & Tours by Patty Gaffney … Another terrific tour day!
On October 27th in perfect fall weather, eighteen club members made good time, an hour and a half, to La Canada Flintridge for a self-guided tour of Descanso Gardens. Transitioning in bloom seasons, the Rose Garden still had fragrant, colorful roses interplanted with blooming iris, lilac-like buddleia, sages and native plants, while the camellias were beginning to bud and even bloom in the Camellia Forest. Clearly the camellias enjoy the cooler microclimate in the La Canada foothills, displaying notable height with plentiful buds and flowers already.
Without the distraction of spring color, the mature trees showed to advantage and provided a dappled canopy for the pumpkin wonderland of creative Halloween vignettes. As part of the “Carved” event, there was also a hay bale maze for children and a tiny house lined with pumpkins, some showing wildlife nibbles.
A beautiful use of the outdoor stage was the Día de los Muertos altars arranged in circular tiers, festooned with marigold garlands, and capped with radiating, colorful bunting banners.
Lunch was al fresco at the garden cafe with salads, wraps and unique drinks where at least one club member enjoyed a neon green, pickle juice soda. While there was considerable traffic on the rush-hour drive home, this was more than compensated by great conversations and camaraderie with fellow members.
