Have you ever wished for a teleportation device that could whisk you away to various parts of the world in just a matter of seconds? Well, while we might not have that technology just yet, The Huntington Library art museum and Botanical Gardens, in San Marino, California, comes pretty close!
A Dash of History: The Huntington Library Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington, an entrepreneur and art collector, the garden was initially established as part of his private estate. Over the years, what began as a personal collection has grown into a world-renowned center for botanical research and education, drawing visitors and enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Why It's a Favorite
Simply put, this place is a photographer's playground. The variety of landscapes The Huntington offers is mind-blowing, all packed into a well-mapped 120-acre oasis! t’s like an around-the-world trip without the jet lag. Here are the Highlights:
Desert Garden: It's not just a bunch of prickly things. Spanning 10 acres, it showcases over 5,000 species of succulents and cacti. The Trichocereus, with its blooming florals, is one of the many show-stoppers in the bunch.
Japanese Garden: A 9-acre oasis that radiates tranquility. Complete with a moon bridge, a Zen court, and a ceremonial teahouse. The bonsais here? Ancient wonders. Some have been trained for close to a century!
Rose Garden: Blooming with about 1,200 varieties, it's a color wheel come to life. From blush apricots to the deepest reds, there's a shade for every mood board.
Chinese Garden: Liu Fang Yuan isn’t just a quick photo op. It's an immersive experience. The garden, dotted with poetic inscriptions, has waterfalls, hand-carved stone bridges, and an intricate lattice-worked Terrace of the Jade Mirror.
Australian Garden: A haven for the unique flora from the continent. Grevilleas, banksias, and the iconic kangaroo paw plant stand out. The scents here? An aromatic adventure.
Jungle Garden: Dive deep into 3 acres of tropical and subtropical wonders. The glistening streams play home to vibrant water lilies, while the paths lead you under the shade of banana trees and giant bird of paradise plants.
Need-to-Knows Before You Go
Hours: Keen to visit? Swing by between 10 am and 5 pm. But heads up, it's enjoying its beauty sleep on Tuesdays. And always good to double-check for any special events that might tweak these times.
Booking: Clicking away for memories? Go wild! But if you're thinking of going pro or using all those fun photography tools (tripods, big ol' reflectors, etc.), give them a heads-up. Booking in advance is the way to go, and sometimes, they might charge a bit for specific shoots.
Alright, that’s the scoop! If you're ever wandering with your camera in The Huntington Library Botanical Gardens, maybe we'll cross paths amidst the blooms and greens. Until then, keep snapping.
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