Surround yourself with other nature-lovers at Cultivate, a monthly event that brings together music, dancing, refreshments, and engaging experiences in nature that will connect you more deeply to the world around you. 

Cultivate: Water/Ways invites guests to explore the relationship between people and California’s water environments. This event is free with admission, so bring a friend and celebrate summer at Descanso Gardens’ Cultivate!

Free with admission or membership, no reservations required.

Schedule

Friends of the LA River

• Meet with the FoLAR team to learn about the Los Angeles River, its verdant ecosystem, and its place in Southern California history, culture, and environment.
• Location: Main Lawn

Theodore Payne Foundation

• Chat about water-wise gardening in Southern California with the Theodore Payne Foundation. 
• Location: Center Circle

Pond and stream exploration 

• Explore waterways at Descanso Gardens with community science experts Sean Ono and Yuzuna Kudo. Come walk along the stream and learn about Descanso Garden’s aquatic creatures— big, small, and everything in between!
• Location: Japanese Garden

Bioswale Walk and Talk 

• Talk with Descanso Gardens’ horticulture staff about the special features of our bioswale (a vegetated ditch designed to capture and filter stormwater), including how and why it was built, and what we chose to plant there.
• Location: Meets at Center Circle

Flashdance DJs

• Dance and enjoy a mix of classic hits and contemporary songs by our popular guest DJs.
• Location: Rose Garden

Giveaway: Succulents

• Take home a Descanso-grown succulent! While supplies last.
• Location: Main Lawn