The Soothing Sound Of Falling Water

All of Southern California so grateful — it finally rained! Water started falling late Halloween evening, abruptly terminating our trick-or-treat count at 80 kids.

We celebrated the rain by visiting the Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens both Saturday and Sunday. The art collection alone is worthy of several all day visits. But since I live just 7 miles away, I make frequent half-day pilgrimages. There’s a fine collection of European and American art, including the famous “Pinky” and “Blue Boy” paintings which are displayed in the former Huntington residence.

My entire house could fit easily in the Huntington house entry hall. Several times.

View from 2nd floor entry landing.

Pinky

Blue Boy

The galleries are an option if rain falls (rarely) or if it’s too hot (frequently), but our visits usually focus on the botanical gardens. Upon entering the estate one walks through the camellia garden, shaded by huge old oak trees and populated by many happy squirrels.   After walking past the house, a rose-draped pergola is announced by the sound of falling water.

The Huntington’s gardens cover 120 of the estate’s 207 acres. There’s a desert garden, a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, a subtropical garden, an herb garden, a jungle, and a palm garden. Water features and water sound-scapes are found throughout.

Visitors are soothed by the sound of tiny waterfalls everywhere, gently flowing water, and ponds inhabited by beasties of the lagoon.

A tiny drop of water balanced on the edge of a tiny pond plant gave us a special treat.