The Huntington . . . Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

What do Bonsai, the Gutenberg Bible, and Gainsborough's famous painting of the Blue Boy all have in common? They are alive and well at the Huntington! Famous railroad magnate and real estate empire builder Henry Edwards Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch in 1902 and slowly, with the help of his wife Arabella Duval Huntington—one of the most important art collectors of her generation— turned it into what is now the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens—all that at the end of my street in Pasadena—Allen Avenue. As the guest of Larry and Barbara, two long time Huntington members, I was able to enter the grounds three hours before the general public today and make the first of what is sure to be multiple pilgrimages to this magical place. For today we wandered through the Desert Gardens, through the Australian Forest, and into the Japanese and Chinese Gardens.
Here are some photos from today's expedition. Please enjoy, and remember if you want to see more detail, slide your mouse over the photo and click to enlarge it.

blossoms bursting from the Aloe plants

Over 5000 different species of xerophytes—
succulents, trees, and shrubs
that are adapted to arid environments
live in the Desert Garden.

Images from the Japanese and Chinese Gardens follow.

And on to the Chinese Gardens—

Inside the Pavilion for Washing Away Thoughts

And then on to The Garden of Flowing Fragrance . . .

These gardens are the newest addition to the Huntington Botanical Gardens. Under construction for over 20 years, where in the words of their brochure, "nature's artistry and the spirit of poetry bloom in harmony."

As I made my way past other buildings, and statues, and fountains, and as I took my last shots of these poppies of the tissue-paper-petals, I vowed to myself that I will be back. Soon.