The stroll at the Huntington Botanical Gardens began with the familiar aroma, bright sunshine and vivid assortment of rustling roses and buds. I explored the vast collection of flowerbeds by walking down winding arched paths. As I followed the gravel-stoned road, I noticed that vines entangled the white columns, and some of the rose plants had discovered solace closer to the sky.
Visitors from around the world walk between the rows of colorful, cultivated varieties, which sparkled with dew. I enjoyed basking in the light with them and leaning into the bushes in an attempt to acquaint myself with their soft petals.
Amongst this tranquility, volunteers answered questions regarding what conditions suited the plants best and the romantic tale behind the garden itself.
Henry Huntington originally created the Rose Garden in 1908 for a widow named Arabella. Because she supposedly felt disdain for living in the United States, Huntington wanted to change her mind. He primarily designed this exhibition for her private enjoyment and in hopes that she would consider taking care of it with him.
“Arabella had very poor eyesight,” Botanical Volunteer Steve Schneider said. “But Henry Huntington would grow her favorite roses right under her second story window so she could properly view them.”
Even over a century later, the Rose Garden is full of love. One can tell just how much effort and care was put into each bundle of blossoms, each string of silky eaves; one may even taste the sweet affection that both these flowers and Arabella were showered with. Or maybe the number of couples hand-in-hand gave it away.
From the end of February to past Thanksgiving, all of the roses are pruned and developed in accordance to Southern California’s mild climate, which happens to be an ideal incubator. Each individual plant is labeled with a sign accommodated with a creative name and year of plantation, and there are some flowers that have yet to be introduced.
Around the corner, I accidentally stumbled upon the hidden Rose Café and Tea Room, which I mistook for an actual gallery. If there are free seats, visitors can take their pick at fruit-oriented desserts and English tea amongst highlighted rose treats.
I didn’t get the chance to actually dive into the treats because of the literally jaw-dropping prices and took another turn around. A nearby arbor-covered pathway leads one to the Japanese Garden and Herb Garden, which are both equally enticing exhibitions.
Nearing the end of my trip, I relaxed near an 18th century temple featuring a statue depicting Cupid and a maiden. It’s a lovely place to view the flowers from another perspective, in honor of the Huntingtons’ shared interest in collecting art.
If people are anything like me and need to take a breather from city life, it may be time to smell the roses.
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