Spread out over 127 acres, the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden contains over 12,000 types of beautiful plants. Attendees really appreciated the art and sculptures that were interwoven amidst the garden grounds, which is something that makes the Arboretum stand out from other gardens. One favorite piece of art for attendee Lora Hall was a sea themed sculpture (pictured) created from scrap metal and set in a dry garden. All of the art added playfulness and a whimsical nature to the gardens. Some of the attendees also checked out a DIY mosaic workshop after the tour.

One of the highlights of the tour included learning about native grasses and other ground cover plants that can be used instead of traditional lawn grasses. The cactus and succulent gardens were visually inspiring for those of us who want water efficient but still beautiful gardens.

Managed by a partnership of a non-profit foundation and the County of Los Angeles, one of the best things about the Los Angeles Arboretum it is that it is meant to be the people’s garden. Nine dollars for adult admission is a bargain. It was nice to visit a garden where the diversity of plants was matched by the diversity of visitors.

Thank you to our host, botanical consultant Frank McDonough, and to our attendees for coming out to American Planning Association – Los Angeles‘ June Amble in the Arboretum. Be sure to visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden this summer!