Experience the Descanso Gardens in a whole new way through Cultivate, a monthly series that features tours, workshops, live demonstrations, and music throughout the gardens. July’s theme “Made in the Shade,” will compliment the exhibition Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World, which features curation by Edith de Guzman of UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and Jolly de Guzman.
Why attend: Roots of Cool explores the topic of shade equity as installations throughout the gardens and in the gallery, featuring 13 women artists and an art collective, invite visitors to connect to and cultivate appreciation for the life-giving role trees play in making urban neighborhoods livable.
Cost: Included with admission or membership, no event registration required. See event page here.
When: Friday, July 25, 2025, from 4:30-7:00pm
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World is open at the Sturt Haaga Gallery and Boddy House from July 12–October 12, 2025, 10am–4pm daily. Entry to the Gallery and Boddy House is included in the price of admission or membership. Learn more here.
Schedule:
Thermogram Photo Booth
- Use a specialized photo booth that uses infrared technology to capture heat signatures and bodily heat maps.
- 4:30–7pm
Summer Tree Care Workshop
- Summer in Los Angeles County can get HOT. Learn about how to help your trees beat the heat in this workshop.
- 5–5:45pm
- 6–6:45pm
Heat Scavenger Hunt
- Led by Descanso Gardens docents, explore the gardens with the use of a digital thermometer to explore heat and climatic zones.
- 4:30–7pm
Hands-on Craft
- Get crafty with us at Cultivate!
- 4:30–7pm
Ask an Expert
- Meet a member of the Horticultural department and ask any questions you might have.
- 4:30–7pm
- Enjoy a mix of classic hits and contemporary songs by our popular guest DJs.
- 4:30–7pm
