Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Nestled beside the Event Lawn and across from the #Madagascar Spiny #Forest, this magnificent #Peruvian Pepper #Tree has deep roots in our landscape, predating the #LAArboretum itself. Its cascading, feathery branches create a cool, shaded haven, making a nearby bench the perfect spot to pause, reflect, and soak in the surroundings. Did you know that despite its name, the #SchinusMolle isn't a true #PepperTree? Its pink #Peppercorns are actually berries, historically used by the #Incas for their #Medicinal and #Culinary properties. With its rich #History and #Beauty, this tree is a must-see that offers both a peaceful retreat and a connection to the past. Feel free to #Hug it. We won't judge.

Happy Monday! For those who could not make it to the Ohara Los Angeles Ikebana Exhibit this past weekend, we hope you enjoy some of these beautiful displays. Which one is your favorite? ??: Marlyn Woo/Joanne Wilborn

Join us Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, from 9-11am for our first public #SeedExchange event as part of Archiving Eden: Exchange by Artist Dornith Doherty, curated by Shirley Watts. At the heart of this interactive art installation is a structure with transparent walls, adorned with 5,000 vivid X-ray images of native California wildflower seeds. During the event, you’ll have the unique opportunity to take one of these seed images and replace it with a bag containing a real native wildflower #Seed, generously provided by the Theodore Payne Foundation for #Wildflowers and #NativePlants. As the public participates, the installation will transform into a living, collaborative #SeedBank, changing both physically and visually over time. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to collaborate! Join us to contribute to the artwork and take home a piece of California’s natural beauty. The exhibit and #Seed exchanges are included with paid admission and free for #LAArboretum Members.

Looks like this young #CoopersHawk sure knows how to chill in the #Heat. A dip in an #Arboretum water feature is all this #Bird needs to cool off. Thanks to LAAF Trustee and benefactor, Lacey Gostony for capturing and sharing this refreshing moment. Fun facts: Cooper's Hawks are super adaptable—they can thrive in forests, cities, and even our own backyards. They’re incredible fliers, able to weave through dense trees at high speeds to catch their prey! Hydrate, stay safe and enjoy nature!

It's #FlowerFriday! Say hello to the Zephyr lily, a small #Flower with some surprising talents. Known for its delicate, star-like blooms, this little gem has a history beyond just looking pretty in pink. In #TraditionalMedicine, #Zephyrlilies have been used for their anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties. Some cultures believe they even bring good luck when planted near the home. With their easygoing nature, they’re a favorite among #Gardeners for adding a pop of #Color with minimal effort. So next time you see a #Zephyrlily, remember—there’s more to this beauty than meets the eye! Find them in our #WaterConservation garden after a good rain or watering day.

We're often asked what we do with the fruit that grows here at the Arboretum. The birds, squirrels and other critters will enjoy some of it, but we're very proud to work with?#FoodForward?to see that this fresh fruit gets to those in need. Food Forward is a nonprofit organization that brings fresh surplus fruits and vegetables to people experiencing food insecurity. They've been on a mission to fight hunger and reduce food waste since 2009, and they donate enough produce each day to meet the daily nutritional needs of a quarter of a million people. At the Arboretum Food Forward has harvested an amazing amount of fruit since 2021: Washington navel oranges: 860 lbs Valencia oranges: 200 lbs Lemons: 260 lbs Grapefruits: 295 lbs Avocados: 100 lbs Mixed Fruit: 320 lbs These fruits were distributed to organizations such as, Foothills Kitchen, SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, and Grandview Foundation. We appreciate the hard work and smiling faces of these amazing people from Food Forward who collect and donate the fruits of our labor!

#Repost Double-crested Cormorant vs crayfish IG:@ahjet2021 #planetbirds #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #sonyalpha #sonya1 #sony600mmf4 #wild #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #natureloversgallery #feather_perfection #birder #nuts_about_birds #waterbird #seabird #seabirds #laarboretum #DoublecrestedCormorant ?? ?? ?? ?? Wonderful photographs from Ahjet Lin. Welcome back to #BaldwinLake and please have #Lunch—on us! #FunFact: The oldest known Double-crested Cormorant was at least 23 years, 8 months old. It was banded in Oregon in 1997 and spotted by a bird watcher in Washington in 2021. allaboutbirds.org

Happy #WorldGoatDay! We're not kidding when we say we love hosting Goat Yoga with Hello Critter here at the #LAArboretum. If you haven’t tried #GoatYoga yet, you’re in for a treat! Imagine striking a peaceful pose while a friendly #Goat nuzzles up to you or hops onto your back. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and a little mischief. Our friends from @hellocrittercare bring their cutest and most curious goats, who are pros at spreading joy and making our yoga practice one-of-a-kind. Our next sessions are Saturday, September 7 from 9:30-10:30am or 11am-12pm. Spots for this class fill up fast, so don’t wait! Register now at Arboretum.org/Goat and secure your spot with our furry friends! ??:Joanne Wilborn/Marlyn Woo

#Same. On sweltering days, not just #Squirrels but even large birds, like #Peacocks, will lie flat to keep cool. For these animals, spreading out helps them maximize contact with the cooler surfaces beneath them. By doing this, they can release excess #Heat more effectively and enjoy some relief. So, when you see a squirrel or a big bird sprawled out, they're just using a natural trick to stay comfy in the summer heat! REMINDER! Saturday, August 10, the Arboretum will be closing at 4pm with last entry at 3:30pm as we prepare for the #PasadenaPOPS. Stay cool!

Our botanical guru, Frank McDonough, knows his Tech! From his early #CableTV shows to his current Plant Information classes on #Zoom, Frank’s got the tips to make #California #Gardens #Grow! This month, we're diving into some cool tools to help you create your dream garden, and how AI can assist with #LandscapeDesign. We'll also hear about upcoming #LAArboretum events, and what's in bloom. Tune in the Wednesday, August 7, at 1:30 pm on Zoom to get your #Plant questions answered from the confines of your home. Register now at linktr.ee/laarboreum.