Sponsored by the American Public Gardens Association and Rain Bird, National Public Gardens Day helps raise awareness of the botanic gardens, arboreta, conservatories and public gardens across the country.
A special 20-minute National Public Gardens Day Tour will be offered through the Villa’s Herb Garden where visitors can enjoy the mythological stories and uses associated with plants and learn about Roman recipes. During the tour, visitors will be able to create a bouquet garni for flavoring ancient dishes using herbs from the garden. The free National Public Gardens Day Tour will be offered at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The day will also include an hour-long Villa Gardens Toga Tour with Getty grounds supervisor Michael DeHart dressed in a Roman toga. He will discuss the ancient Roman uses of the plants and flowers throughout the site’s various gardens. Visitors will be encouraged to sample the herbs. The free Villa Gardens Toga Tour will be offered at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Before or after the tours, visitors can enjoy special menu items at the Getty Villa Café in honor of National Public Gardens Day. The menu will include a Spring Asparagus Salad with Tarragon Shallot Vinaigrette and for dessert a Goat Cheese Lavender Cheesecake with Fresh Market Berries.
The Museum Store at the Villa will offer a 20 percent discount on garden-related items.
Help celebrate public gardens and get a jump on Mothers’ Day at National Public Gardens Day at the Getty on Friday, May 11. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. Parking is $15 per car. To make a reservation please call (310) 440-7300 or go to www.getty.edu.