"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.


If you're from an area where seasons are distinct and easily recognizable, visiting Southern California will make you feel as if you're not having seasonal changes at all.  But if you look closely, you can find it.
Location: Terrenea Resort - L.A.'s Oceanfront Resort
http://www.terranea.com/

If you visit Terrenea Resort, they grant oceanfront access to all California residents, as well as, a professional Falconer who meets up with his magnificient birds of prey daily.  I met this lovely Eurasian Eagle Owl there, on Halloween morning.  This to me was certainly a sign of the season, as well as a fortunate event.  The falconer keeps them there to detract pigeons and rats from moving into the resort.

My gardening mentor, Florence Sullivan, told me she was convinced that even the plants are slightly confused and bloom when they shouldn't.   In any case, if you're used to extreme weather changes, and predictable patterns in nature, Southern California Fall will certainly make you realize you have to open your mind and awareness, and look for the changes.

I suggest you carry your camera, and keep your eyes open.  Opportunities to spot fall in Southern California are everywhere.  One of my favorite places to visit, is Descanso Gardens, in La Canada Flintridge, CA.  

http://www.descansogardens.org/

And although every leaf won't be falling or changing color, even the green leaves give hints of Fall.

It is a wonderful time of year here, so do come for a visit, and enjoy the subtle changes.

Descanso Gardens Gift Shop

I recently visited Descanso Gardens. It's a real pleasure to look around their gift shop. I found these lovely roses, made from shaved wood. If you click the title above, it will take you directly to the Gift Shop. Have fun.

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler"

The quote by ~ Albert Einstein

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler" ~ Albert Einstein, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These flowers are the are the "Summer Snowflake" or Loddon Lily (Leucojum aestivum)

Here's the wikipedia link if you want more information. Apparently they don't care that it's winter in California.

I found them under a tree at Descanso Gardens, in La Canada / Flintridge, California.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucojum

Winter Blooming Cherry Tree ~ Prunus subhirtella

Happy Martin Luther King Day, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I visited Descanso Gardens during the winter season. I was surprised to learn, while walking through the roses, that there is a Winter Blooming Cherry Tree. Interestingly, in researching this delicate beauty, it is a difficult tree to own. You must find the perfect spot, give it meticulous care, and care for it constantly as it is disease prone.

Descanso Gardens had it located in a sunny spot in the rose garden. Amidst the barren roses, it stood out in all it's glory. For sure, this was my find of the day while visiting this lovely garden.

Descanso Gardens

I've been Schmap'd. Is that a word? Yes, Schmap is an online a mapping service for your computer or iPhone. Click the "Descanso Gardens" title above, and you can learn more about their service!

Lots of Easter bunnies, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This photo was taken at Easter time in Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada / Flintridge, California, is my absolute favorite garden in Southern California.

It's sprawling 150 acre garden once belonged to E. Manchester Boddy, a wealthy newspaper publisher. He built a lovely home, which has recently been renovated and is open to the public, and the most peaceful garden you can find. Descanso means "rest."


They have many types of gardens within Descanso Gardens, including a Children's Garden, a duck pond, a rose garden, and a lovely Japanese Garden (pictured above.)
For more information about Descanso Gardens, visit their website at:

http://www.descansogardens.org/site/home.cfm