The Surprising LA Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Today I had a chance to visit the beautiful LA Arboretum & Botanical Garden. I didn't plan this in advance, but made a spontaneous decision after finding out about it online last night. I was pleased to know that the LA Arboretum had a reciprocal agreement with the American Horticultural Society, so that I got a free admission. My husband qualified for a senior discount, which took $3 off his price. A great value for only $6! We spent three hours and could have used another hour or so to take in everything there was to see.

The first one to greet us after we paid admission was the fellow in the photo below.

The previous owner of this property, "Lucky" Baldwin, introduced peacocks and peahens (collectively known as peafowl) back in 1880 from India. They were good for the gardens because they ate snakes and kept snails in check.

The numerous gardens included areas of African, Australian, and native Californian plants; a rose garden, herb garden, and many other specialty areas. There were also some fountains, a large pond, and a waterfall.

Allen's hummingbird

Rufous hummingbird

Egret in the pond

The aloe walk was particularly interesting, and had numerous hummingbirds buzzing around the flowers.

There were other arid-land plants, too.

Saguaro

Barrel Cactus

...and animals!

Flower of the pink floss-silk tree

Glad we didn't overlook the orchid greenhouse...

And the historic coach barn was a surprise visual treat:

Looks vaguely familiar....!

It was a wonderful day. If you are interested, you can read more about the arboretum and it's history at this website: http://www.arboretum.org/.