Flower Power

by Gillian Glover

Now more than ever, it’s a perfect time to stop and smell the roses. Luckily, you can immerse yourself in natural beauty at several of the city’s beautiful botanical gardens.

(Note: Most of the gardens now require visitors to purchase tickets in advance online. And, of course, bring a mask and water, and observe social distancing.)

The Arboretum

Known for its peafowl that roam the grounds, the Arboretum is a lush retreat in Arcadia across from the Santa Anita racetrack. Grab a bite at the Peacock Café, then explore 127 acres of plants, natural landscapes, wildlife and his- toric buildings. Highlights include the majestic Engelmann oaks and grove of blooming plumeria trees on Tallac Knoll; the tranquil Meyberg Waterfall; and the vibrant colors of the Canary Islands plant collection. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.821.3222, arboretum.org

California Botanic Garden

Located in the idyllic city of Claremont is California Botanic Garden, which is the largest garden dedicated exclusively to the state’s native plants; you’ll find some 6,000 species across its grounds. Its winding pathways across 86 acres provide a master class in the diversity of California plants—ranging from Joshua trees to redwoods—and their habitats. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, 909.625.8767, calbg.org

Descanso Gardens

A camellia in full bloom at Descanso Gardens.

Descanso Gardens is home to a legendary camellia collection. This time of year, however, is the perfect time to see roses, crepe myrtles, sunflowers and the start of fall foliage. Don’t miss The Sky Beneath Our Feet—an immersive sound installation created by composer Pete Wyer that plays over 72 speakers every other hour in the Oak Grove and Camellia Forest—running through Sept. 3. And every night in October, Carved takes visitors on a milelong walk past 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins—a perfect family-friendly Halloween outing. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge, 818.949.4200, descansogardens.org

A peaceful place to enjoy Descanso Gardens' fall foilage

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens

The Pavilion of the Three Friends in the Chinese garden at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

San Marino’s beloved cultural destination the Huntington (formerly the home of railroad magnate Henry E. Hunting- ton) is celebrating its centennial this year. As you stroll through 120 acres of themed gardens—from the Australian Garden to the Japanese Garden—and take in the 15,000 different varieties of plants on display, you’ll feel like you’re traveling the world. The serene Garden of Flowing Fragrance is in the midst of an expansion that will increase its footprint from 3.5 acres to 12 acres and make it one of the largest classical-style Chinese gardens in the world. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, huntington.org

South Coast Botanic Garden

Built on a former landfill, today South Coast Botanic Garden is a lush 87-acre garden boasting manicured landscapes and more than 2,500 species of plants. Check out its newest interactive exhibit, Hide and Seek: Art Meets Nature, which invites you to search for eight works of sculpture—including six modern works from LACMA’s collection—hidden among the grounds’ colorful blooms and flowering trees. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, 424.452.0920, southcoastbotanicgarden.org

UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Hidden on the outskirts of UCLA’s massive campus is this delightful oasis. Free to the public, the 7.5-acre garden, research facility and living museum is home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Full of plants that thrive in L.A.’s mild Mediterranean climate, the garden is organized by geography, classification, climate and theme. New and exotic plants are always in bloom. In August, look out for devil tree and pineapple lily; September brings poison rope and delicate heath aster; and in October, you can find tiger jaws and giant spineless yucca. 707 Tiverton Drive, L.A., botgard.ucla.edu