On Wednesday, November 18, 2015, fifteen Garden Club members toured the 127-acre L.A. County Arboretum. While there were very few plants in bloom, it was gorgeous with all the greens, shapes, and textures of the plants. Weather was perfect with warm sun, bright blue skies, and cool shade. We learned about the history of the arboretum: Dozens of movies and television shows have been filmed here! Remember “Fantasy Island?” There is a natural lake on the property, which is unfortunately very low right now. We saw ducks, geese, squirrels, red-whiskered Bulbuls, and peacocks. Highlights: a gigantic pepper tree that was at least six feet in diameter, the artwork scattered throughout the gardens, the herb and scent garden, the house and barn (beautiful enough for people to live in!), and, of course, the gift shop. We particularly enjoyed seeing the huge and unrestrained growth of the trees.
We finished the day by getting lost in the Westfield Mall while looking for our restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory. All in all, it was a very good day of plants and friendship.
