‘Tis the season for great garden tours…and this weekend the West Adams Heritage Association gets into the game on Saturday, featuring some glorious native-plant gardens at historic homes. Starting at 10 a.m., the self-guided tour opens the gates of ten private gardens that feature native plants in historical settings throughout the West Adams District. All of the front yards and some back yards will be open to view, with knowledgeable owners and docents who will describe the plants and the benefits of “going native.” The gardens on the tour will showcase reduced water use, reduced (or eliminated) chemical and pesticide use, improved habitat and benefits for birds and bees, and the unique aesthetic appeal of gardens designed with California native plants. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you may be walking over somewhat uneven surfaces. Ticktes are $30, available at http://www.westadamsheritage.org/read/1364. Check-in is at 1651 Virginia Rd. (90019) in Lafayette Square.
A bit closer to home, on Larchmont Blvd., another great spring activity – spring cleaning – is in full swing at the Landis storefront at 142 N. Larchmont, where owner Devoney Wolfus is clearing out old fixtures, furniture and more from the rear stock and storage area. Check it out for some great bargains.
Later, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, there will be another great sale at the Wilshire Branch Library, 149 N. St. Andrews Pl. The Friends of Wilshire Branch Library (FOWL) will host a Book and Bake Sale featuring both adult and children’s books, all at bargain basement prices. And we do mean “bargain” — you can fill one of their bags with books for just $5. And don’t forget the baked goods, all baked by the Friends, which they promise will be “as tasty as those your granny made!” All proceeds will be used to help the library and its wonderful staff.
For those interested in cars, future technology, or both, the Petersen Museum is hosting a panel discussion at 11 a.m. on Saturday on Haptics in Automobiles. Haptics are touch-based technologies that can control various functions of cars, provide information to the driver, and form interfaces between the car and its driver. The information used by haptic devices includes vibrations, pressure change, touch-screens, temperature changes or mid-air stimulation. Saturday’s event will also include a hands-on demonstration of several haptic devices, which can be used to increase vehicle convenience, safety and control. The panelists include professors, researchers and scientists working in the field of haptic feedback and devices, particularly as they relate to automotive technology. The event is free with museum admission. Light refreshments will be served.
The Petersen is also the place to be early on Sunday morning this weekend, as the monthly Breakfast Club Cruise-In takes place on the third floor of the museum’s parking structure from 8 to 10 a.m. You can enjoy strolling through rows of classic, custom, exotic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more…along with complimentary parking, coffee and bagels. Museum members will also have early access to the museum from 9 to 10 a.m.
Later on Sunday, from 4 to 8 p.m., you might consider venturing over to the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, 570 W. Ave. 26, for the 8th annual Taste of the Eastside food festival. Foodies and families from all over the Los Angeles area come to sample food and drink from 30 restaurants that range from Eastside landmarks to newcomers changing the culinary landscape. And each restaurant or chef showcases a signature dish or creates something unique just for the event. And 100% of the proceeds go to non-profit organizations such as the Rose Scharlin Cooperative Nursery School, Los Angeles’ oldest parent run co-op (founded in 1939), the Pablove Foundation, which helps kids with cancer, and Friends of the Los Angeles River, a non-profit group protecting the natural and historic heritage of the waterway.
Finally, on Sunday night, there’s another great charitable event – the Ovarian Cancer Circle’s 8th Annual Teal There’s a Cure, inspired by Robin Babbini. Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Catalina Jazz Club, 6525 W. Sunset Blvd., the event includes a three-course dinner, silent auction, and a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Jane Monheit.
Have a great weekend!
