On the eastern edge of the San Fernando Valley, north of downtown Los Angeles, are the Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada Flintridge. Descanso Gardens is a 25-acre camellia forest that includes a Japanese tea house, lilac garden, bird sanctuary, and, on occasion, exhibitions of local art. The 34,000 Camellia put on their best floral show in mid-winter. The five-acre International Rosarium puts up good competition with 3000 rose bushes. Boddy House, the estate that was home to E. Manchester Boddy, the founder of Descanso Gardens is open for visitors interested in viewing this 22-room example of Hollywood Regency style architecture.
Tram tours of the ground are available and handicap accessible and kids love the Enchanted Railroad. And even if nobody walks in LA, the garden offers several self-guided walking tours.