Stop to Smell the Flowers

With all the fires, evacuations and general chaos consuming our smoke-choked communities over the past few days, consider finding a place to take stock of the beauty of nature over the upcoming Labor Day Weekend.

Descanso Gardens in La Cañada-Flintridge is doing its part by opening up the annual Labor Day picnic and party, Boddy's Big Backyard, for free on Monday, Sept. 7.

"We invite people who have been stuck inside or those who have been evacuated a chance to once again enjoy the outdoors," says David Brown, executive director at Descanso Gardens.

The event is named in honor of E. Manchester Boddy (pictured), who hosted several events at the gardens in the 1930s and ’40s. In addition to the flowers and trees and wonderful strolls the gardens provide, visitors will find a Model A car show, live Latin jazz and grassy spots for picnics (purchase food at Patina Catering or pack your own tasty basket).

So bring some sandwiches and refresh your soul by reminding yourself that the blooms – and the beauty of nature – will always rise from the ashes.