2014 / Descanso Gardens to host Japanese Garden Festival, Nov. 8, 9

Descanso Gardens Taiko

Drummers from Kishin Daiko perform in the Under the Oaks Theater (Courtesy of Descanso Gardens)

Descanso Gardens celebrates the art and culture of Japan at the annual Japanese Garden Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9.

The weekend includes taiko drum performances, ikebana display, a garden tour and more. Festival activities are free with admission to the Gardens. Activities include:

Ikebana display, both days, 9am – 5pm: Ikebana, the art of flower arranging, is one of the most actively practiced of Japan’s traditional arts. The Sogetsu Group Yokou promotes a contemporary and international understanding of ikebana art form.

Japanese Garden tour, Saturday only, 10am: Dr. Kendall Brown, professor of Asian art history and author of “Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America,” leads an in-depth tour of the Descanso Japanese Garden.

Camellia Lounge, both days, 11am – 3pm: Patina will sell distinctive Japanese cuisine, sake and beverages.

Taiko drummers, both days, 11:30am & 1:30pm: Always a crowd pleaser, the taiko drummers from Kishin Daiko perform their feats of percussive magic.

Admission to Descanso Gardens is $9 general, $6 seniors/students with I.D., $4 children 5 to 12; children 4 and younger free. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Descanso Gardens was established as a public garden in 1953.

Information: (818) 949-4200 or www.descansogardens.org