LA Arboretum: Any Stargazers?

New at the Arboretum! Join Jenna Ervin in this new Adult Night Hike series at the Arboretum! Inspired by our Family Night Hike Adventures, we thought we’d let the adults have some fun in their own series of night hikes. These night hikes are from 7:30-9pm. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes! $20 Arboretum members, $25 non-members. Preregistration is required; space is limited. Click here to register

Saturday, January 18 – Astronomy Bring a warm blanket and join us as we dive into myths, legends, and history of our night sky.  While stargazing in the arboretum gardens, we will search out constellations and hear stories from the myths of the Ancient Americas to the kooky local history that made Pasadena a mecca for space exploration. Weather permitting.

Saturday, February 15 (V-Day) Bawdy Botany (Adult Only) Why do we give roses to our sweethearts? What are the quirky botanical origins of the birth control pill?  What is the bizarre secret of ficus sex? This Valentine’s season, join us as we wander through moonlit gardens and uncover the fascinating botany of love and lust. It’s a little bit naughty, very nerdy, and a lot of racy fun

Saturday, March 14 – Astronomy Bring a warm blanket and join us as we dive into myths, legends, and history of our night sky.  While stargazing in the arboretum gardens, we will search out constellations and hear stories from the myths of the Ancient Americas to the kooky local history that made Pasadena a mecca for space exploration. Weather permitting

Saturday, April 4 – Drunken Botany Humans figured out that we could get drunk on plants just as fast as we learned how to eat them. Follow us in a nighttime exploration of the gardens as we track down the plants that bring the party. Hear stories about how explorers, royalty, and shysters wielded these plants to make the booze we know and love today

Saturday, May 9 – Plants that Changed History Political assassinations, genocide, social revolutions, and the amassing of untold fortunes!  These events can all be traced back to humble and often unnoticed flora. Hunt with us through the darkened gardens to find the species that shifted the course of history and hear their fascinating stories.

Saturday, June 6 – Victorian Flower Language/Historical Buildings During the Victorian era, floriography, or the subtle art of communication through flowers, was as hot as an uncovered ankle.  Famously repressed young victorians, in a world before Twitter, relied on innuendos and insults sent in the form of bouquets to convey messages too unseemly for polite conversation.  In this program, we will explore the historical gardens and building of the Arboretum while discovering the secret meanings of the foliage around us and the sometimes bonkers origin stories of how those associations where formed.