Flip your calendar back 'bout a half year or so and you'll find that we were all experiencing the end of January, no spoiler alert required.
And while that time of year means snow for many places, here around Southern California it is about flowers, or, at least, the very, very first seasonal buds possibly pushing up around our glorious desert landscapes.
Six months later? It's hot, very, around the region, no spoiler alert required. Thoughts of wildflowers, and even the cultivated flower happenings that pop up at our public gardens later in the springtime, have been set aside as we, and the plants in our yards, weather the July-to-September stretch o' heat.
But the flowery run isn't done. In fact, it is fair to say that it is never truly done here, regardless of heat or chill. As for the star blossom of the weekend? It has some truly tropical, fragrant roots, yes, but it is also commonly seen in our everyday lotions, perfumes, and soaps.
It's the plumeria, and, once again, the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden is giving over several hours to plumeria sales, plumeria-growing lessons, and flower-fan-to-flower-fan gabbing.
Plumeria Day at the Arcadia spread is Saturday, July 22, in the morning and early afternoon, so if you've been wanting more plumeria in your life, and not just from the soap dispenser on your bathroom counter, this could be your first step in folding in the oh-so-scentful flower.
A delicious-smelling flower that appears in our bathroom toiletries, and in other places where fragrance reigns, on the regular.
The Scene
Want to find new things to do in Los Angeles? The Scene's lifestyle stories have you covered. Here's your go-to source on where the fun is across SoCal and for the weekend.
Keep in mind, should you call upon the arboretum on July 22, that the history-laden destination, and former home of legendary local businessman Lucky Baldwin, has a number of cool-it-down spots to enjoy.
In fact, a list of seven shady, watery places around the Arcadia expanse are listed right here, courtesy of Frank McDonough, Botanical Informational Consultant at the arboretum.
Meyberg Falls, The Bamboo Grove, and The Tropical Greenhouse are three of Mr. McDonough's picks for chilling it right on down on a heat-filled July day at the typically sun-splashed destination.
Just remember to think cooling January thoughts when visiting any of those spots, and the fact that we'll be discussing desert wildflowers again in just a half year's time.
