Embroidery Social

Native willows and riverbank vegetation define this 3.9-acre naturalized park along the Glendale Narrows, one of few sections where the Los Angeles River flows over a soft bottom rather than concrete. Named for the poet-activist who championed river restoration, the park represents a radical reimagining of urban waterways as living ecosystems rather than flood control channels. Bicycle paths trace the water's edge where herons wade and native butterflies find habitat among carefully restored plant communities. Educational pavilions interpret the watershed's ecological significance, while strategically placed benches invite contemplation of water flowing past downtown's skyline. This riverside refuge embodies Los Angeles' environmental awakening—a testament to community activism and the persistent power of natural systems to regenerate when given space to thrive among dense urban development. We meet at the back of the park by the long curved cement bench.your ideas, and a sense of adventure to this hidden gem, where LA’s landscape feels alive with possibility. We meet at the back of the park by the long curved cement bench.

White Spanish-colonial towers emerge from lush foliage in this 31-acre cultural enclave at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains. Originally the 1904 mansion of wealthy developer Leslie Brand, this transformed estate has served as a specialized arts library and exhibition space since 1956. Japanese gardens with koi ponds and curved bridges complement the Mediterranean architectural elements, creating trans-cultural dialogues through landscape design. Recital halls fill with chamber music while art galleries showcase emerging talent, fulfilling the property's bequest as a public cultural resource. Trails wind upward from manicured grounds into chaparral-covered slopes, offering both refinement and wilderness within a single visit. This multifaceted retreat embodies California's embrace of global influences—a place where diverse artistic traditions converge to inspire new creative expressions. We meet in the middle of the central staircase towards the shade of the hill and the trees.

Thirty-two acres of open meadows stretch across what was once Southern Pacific Railroad's cornerstone in Los Angeles, the city's industrial birthplace transformed into undulating parkland. Opened fully in 2017 after decades of community advocacy, this reclaimed space preserves traces of railway infrastructure while creating contemporary connections between downtown, Chinatown, and the LA River. Sculptural landforms create subtle reminders of the watershed's original contours, while native plantings restore ecological functions to industrialized land. Historical markers and art installations tell layered stories of immigration, labor, and urban development that shaped modern Los Angeles. As afternoon light casts long shadows across grassy expanses, the downtown skyline provides a dramatic backdrop to this breathing space—a democratic forum where residents reclaim industrial history while collectively envisioning the city's future. We meet by the bridge overlooking the park and downtown.

Winding gravel paths and drought-tolerant landscapes transform this former estate site into Pasadena's only dedicated public garden. Created in 2005 on land once slated for development, the garden's Mediterranean design showcases sustainable beauty through climate-appropriate plantings arranged in outdoor rooms. Spring poppies and salvias attract pollinators, while citrus groves reference the region's agricultural heritage. A classical labyrinth invites meditative walking, and hidden benches offer quiet moments among native chaparral plants. Without fences or admission fees, this democratic green space embodies a different kind of civic treasure—not a manicured showpiece but a working demonstration of resilient beauty. As climate challenges intensify, this horticultural haven offers a forward-looking vision of urban gardening where water conservation and ecological function create new definitions of landscape aesthetics. We meet at the gazebo hidden between the top and the bottom of the park.

Hillside terraces and modernist architecture crown this cultural sanctuary where Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Hollyhock House anchors 11 acres of creative space. Donated to the city in 1927 by oil heiress Aline Barnsdall as an arts complex, the park continues its founder's vision through gallery exhibitions and community programs. Ancient olive trees frame panoramic views of the city below, while open lawns invite contemplative wandering between art installations. The interplay of structural innovation and natural contours creates dialogues between built and organic environments—conversations that have defined Los Angeles' artistic identity for generations. As sunset bathes the distinctive architecture in golden light, visitors experience the rare harmony of artistic vision, historical preservation, and public accessibility that makes this hilltop retreat a testament to the city's cultural aspirations. We meet at the top of the picnic area overlooking the city skyline.

Mission-style courtyards and flowing fountains honor both water and heritage at this transformed cultural center near the confluence of the Los Angeles River and Arroyo Seco. Once the bustling Lawry's California Center (1953-1992), today's serene complex celebrates the river's ecological renaissance through educational exhibits and demonstration gardens. Wrought-iron gates open to reveal intimate patios where ivy climbs terracotta walls and pepper trees cast shifting shadows across Spanish tile. Water—once channeled away in concrete—returns as a celebrated element, with fountains that speak to the site's role in watershed restoration. This riverside haven embodies Los Angeles' evolving relationship with its natural systems—a place where community gathers to reimagine urban spaces as interconnected ecosystems rather than conquered landscapes. We meet behind the Main Courtyard on the green lawn.

Seven sunken acres of vibrant blooms transform this historic garden into a fragrant canvas where over 20,000 roses have replaced a once-notorious racetrack. Established in 1927, the garden's classical design features marble gazebos at each corner and a central fountain that anchors four symmetrical pathways. Once a testing ground for prestigious rose awards, this protected landmark has survived numerous development threats to remain a public treasure. Morning light illuminates dewy petals in an ever-changing palette while nearby museums and university buildings frame this floral refuge. In a city defined by reinvention, the rose garden stands as a testament to preservation—a living artwork where time slows and visitors can trace Los Angeles' evolution from frontier town to cultural metropolis. We meet to the left of central fountain at the heart of the garden in a gazebo.

Curved wooden bridges and towering trees characterize this secluded hillside retreat, visible yet hidden from the nearby 2 Freeway. Established as a neighborhood park, its 5 acres feel expansive through clever pathways that reveal quiet alcoves and unexpected vistas. Birdsong filters through leaf canopies, creating natural sound barriers from urban life just minutes away. The park's modest play area invites families, but its true magic lies in solitary corners where creativity and reflection flourish. As seasons shift, this woodland enclave captures California's enduring connection to natural spaces—a place where city dwellers can reconnect with quieter rhythms and find inspiration in the gentle rustling of wind through branches. We meet by the curved wooden bridge where the path crosses the dry creek bed.

Spanish arches and cascading water define this hidden courtyard oasis, designed by Lawrence Halprin in 1989 as Pasadena's answer to old-world plazas. Here, hand-painted tile fountains create melodic ripples that echo against terracotta walls, while Mediterranean plants frame intimate gathering spaces with dappled light. The plaza fulfills a century-old vision of a public garden worthy of the nearby Beaux-Arts City Hall. As afternoon shadows lengthen across decorative paving, visitors find themselves transported to a quieter era—a respite where the fusion of architecture and nature creates a distinctly Californian poetry of space, inviting contemplation amid the urban rhythm. We meet by the central fountain with the colorful ceramic tiles & fish sculpture.