Spring fling

On each of the first four weekends this April, Descanso will host a different plant or flower sale. The Rose Revel (Apr 30-May 1) features talks, tours, and live music. Music also fills the gardens during the open-air concert series (Sat and Sun through May 15).

The Lanterman House (1-4 Tue and Thu and first and third Sun of every month; $3; 4420 Encinas Dr.; 818/790-1421) offers a glimpse of the lifestyle enjoyed by Southern Californians during the early 20th century and demonstrates how principles of indoor-outdoor living are relevant today. Back then, the lack of close neighbors allowed the Lanterman family to blend outside and inside into one casual living space by sleeping on porches and dining outside on the lawn.