Spring is the perfect season for a garden party, and the Friends of Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills is planning an extravagant tour and showcase house celebration on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will offer an exclusive look at the colorful landscaping at private homes and the grounds and interior of the historic Robinson estate.

The Virginia Robinson Gardens 2019 Garden Tour and Showcase Estate includes tours of private gardens in Beverly Hills as well as the grounds and interior of the historic Robinson estate, and a luncheon and fashion show. (photo courtesy of Virginia Robinson Gardens)

Participants can choose to explore in different ways: a concierge-level package for $500 includes guided tours of five gardens and transportation in a luxury van, a VIP package for $350 includes four gardens and transportation, or a $250 general admission package offers self-guided tours of the gardens. The event is a fundraiser benefitting the Robinson estate, and all ticket holders are invited to attend a luncheon, fashion show, boutique and showcase house event at the 1911 mansion, one of the first homes in Beverly Hills.

“This is our 31st annual garden tour. We have hundreds of people come out; it’s really well-attended,” event chairwoman Kathy Choi said. “It’s such a unique and welcoming experience. These homes are private, you never get to see these gardens. And it becomes a big party at lunchtime.”

The event grand marshals are Elena and Edoardo Baldi, of e. Baldi restaurant in Beverly Hills and Giorgio’s in Pacific Palisades. The tours highlight different estates in Beverly Hills with a variety of landscaping, from eco-friendly gardens to traditional, native and Mediterranean-style horticulture. People who purchase the concierge package can tour Dawnridge, an estate designed by Tony Duquette and Hutton Wilkinson featuring a garden reminiscent of a “tropical fantasy.”

The luncheon and party will be held at the Robinson estate, which was built in 1911 and was once the residence of Virginia and Harry Robinson, of the Robinson department stores. The estate at 1008 Elden Way is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public by appointment. Numerous designers have decorated rooms in the opulent residence and created floral designs that will be showcased during the upcoming party.

“It really becomes a showcase house,” Choi added. “It’s a high-end lunch and garden party, and you get to see beautiful private gardens.”

Randy Esada, of Randy Esada Designs and Prospr on Beverly Boulevard, is among the designers who decorated rooms for the event.

“We were very honored to be involved,” said Esada, who was asked to decorate the estate’s library and adjacent veranda. “I have a collection of vintage books, and my idea was to design it as a library should be, so we will have a big table with books. There will also be a rose- and cypress-based candle I created myself.”

Additional participating designers include Atelier K, Blue Peony Events, Carrie Livingston Design, e. Baldi, Frette Beverly Hills, Grande Maison de Blanc, K. Spiegelman Interiors, Nan Rae Studio, Nicole Antoine and Rolling Greens. Floral arrangements by Ana Kha, Arts District Florals, Bel Air Garden Club, Demetra Natsis, Flower School of L.A., Greenwood Gardens, Matisse Flowers, Yamaguchi Nursery and many others will be on display. Ba&sh will provide apparel for a fashion show.

Choi stressed that the Virginia Robinson Garden Tour and Showcase Estate offers something for everyone, and she encouraged all to join the festivities.

“You can do as much or as little as you want,” she said. “Usually people want to go on the tours and then come back for the party.”

The tours will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the luncheon, catered by the Kitchen for Exploring Foods, begins at 11:30 a.m. Fashion shows will be held at 12:15 and 1:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn, and a luncheon program begins at 1 p.m. For information, visit robinsongardens.org.