Claude Monet pioneered Impressionist paintings, creating art that was meant to express the feeling of the landscapes and scenes he was capturing. I feel like it's so easy to lose yourself in his dreamy, soft landscapes, water reflections, and nature scenes flecked with color. Strolling through the beautiful Descanso Gardens in La Cañada, CA, evokes a very similar feeling.
Descanso Gardens, just about 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, is a sprawling collection of themed gardens that welcome some 250,000 visitors each year, and it is no wonder why. No matter where you go, the landscapes are truly picture-perfect.
The meticulously-maintained gardens are gorgeous year-round. Whether or not there are flowers blooming, you are surrounded by layers of color and light almost too pretty to be real.
Especially in the spring, soft washes of color spread through the gardens, like these delicate pink nectarine blossoms against the shadows of old-growth trees and dense foliage.
To me, the tiny blooms and wood chips across the garden floor mimic the dot-like brush strokes that characterize Monet’s artwork. This could easily be a painting.
But, it is the Japanese garden with its flushes of pastel colors and painting-like reflections on the water that truly feel like a Monet. If you have ever seen Monet’s water lily pond, they feel very much like this. Even the footbridge, though it is red and not green, is quite reminiscent of the one in his own garden that he painted.
Monet was particularly interested in light. He actually created an entire series of paintings of his garden - specifically the lily pond garden, capturing it at various times of day to depict the change in the light and color… exactly what you will see if you stay long enough in this dream-like garden. The color that emerges here also resembles his “Artist’s Garden at Giverny” works. Just stunning.
There is, in fact, far more natural beauty to discover at this botanical garden. Have you been to Descanso Gardens? We would love to hear what your favorite area of the garden is. During winter months, the garden is home to a truly enchanting light display as well. Learn about the gardens and seasonal events on the Descanso Gardens website or by following Descanso Gardens on Facebook. If you are looking for a lovely place to stay nearby that won’t break the bank, check out this highly-rated motel.
Find more SoCal inspiration by perusing our collection of outdoor activities and nature adventures!
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