June Events at Descanso Gardens

In the month of June, Descanso Gardens will present many fun family programs, a great Father' Day luau and concert, classes, garden tours and refreshing hours in a tranquil setting of exceptional beauty. June also is the month of Descanso's annual benefit to support the Gardens' growing role as an outdoor classroom to thousands of students.

Unless noted, events are free with Gardens admission. All fees include Gardens admission.

Saturday, June 2: "Champagne & Roses: A Red Carpet Affaire" — 6 p.m.

Descanso's annual black-tie benefit will offer elegant dining, dancing under the stars, silent auction and live auction under the gavel of TV personality Fritz Coleman. The event is sponsored by S.E.E.D. (Supporting Education and Excellence at Descanso) to generate revenues for the Gardens and the many school programs offered there. For invitation information and costs, call 952-4391.

Saturday, June 9: Horticultural Spotlight, Camellia Care & Pruning — 10 a.m.

Early summer is the time to tend camellias to ensure beautiful blooms next winter and spring, and the best place to learn how to do it is Descanso Gardens, home of the largest camellia collection in North America. Descanso's lead horticulturist Wayne Walker will demonstrate how to prune the plants and clear away old blooms, and he'll talk about camellias' favorite fertilizers. Learn what you can do to have bigger flowers and healthy plants. This program is part of Descanso's regular Horticultural Spotlight series, free to all with Gardens admission.

Thursday, June 15: Wine Tasting, California Coast — 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Patina's popular summer wine tasting series at Descanso Gardens offers a selection of fine wines, paired with hors d'oeuvres and served in different parts of the Gardens. This first of seven events will feature a selection of wines from northern and southern California, which will be served at the Rose Pavilion. Wine lovers are encouraged to make reservations early.

Fees: $52 ($45 members). To make reservations, call Patina at 790-3663.

Friday-Sunday, June 15-17: Bonsai Society Show — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Carefully sculpted trees, shrubs and other plants will star at the Descanso Bonsai Society's 37th annual three-day Bonsai Show, one of the largest of its kind in Southern California. This juried show, which will include all levels of expertise from novice to masters, will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, June 15 through 17.