[Hailing from Venice, Laure rounds out our first week of trial posts from our talented pool of ATLA Editor finalists. As always, tell us what you think.]

I spent a wonderful, albeit hot, afternoon at Descanso Gardens recently and was surprised by the extent of events and workshops happening this summer. If you've been wanting to plant a container garden, learn more about going green at home, or brush up on your wine skills (who doesn't want to impress at a summer soirée?), Descanso has you covered.

Easy enough to get to (seriously only a 15 minute drive from Echo Park), Descanso is like a smaller, more laid back version of the Huntington nestled against the hills in La Cañada. Started in 1937 as the 'Rancho del Descanso', today it's open to the public and boasts updates like a Patina run cafe, night walks and a renovated Full Moon Tea House.

Even without the recent updates, the garden is a Southern California staple most known for the camelia forest and expansive rose garden. Pack a picnic (unlike the Huntington, you CAN picnic here), wander up into the hills, hike the trails and get inspired by the native California garden full of indigenous oaks, chapparal, sage scrub, and poppies. You'll be glad you did.

-Laure