Chances are you’ve seen the sign as you’re driving through Corona Del Mar on the Pacific Coast Highway, but have you ever been inside? If you’re like me, you’ve always wondered what lies behind the high brick walls, but never had an excuse to explore the mysterious gardens… until now!

Sherman Library & Gardens has been in their coveted Corona Del Mar location since 1966. Beyond hosting weddings and events, they have a picturesque cafe “Cafe Jardin”, a historical research library, the Garden Shop, and a lush array of gardens, patios, and conservatories. There are over 1,000 different plant species in the garden, and numerous alluring collections, from orchids and roses, to succulents and ferns! There’s even a flourishing tropical conservatory, complete with a koi pond and a couple of resident turtles! The gardens are open daily, from 10:30am to 4pm, and adult admission is only $5! What better way to spend a sunny spring day? But wait… there’s more!

This spring, Sherman Gardens is offering a wide array of fun, family-friendly events, with everything from painting classes for kids, to afternoon tea, to their annual Fuschia Festival! Here are a few of the activities we’re excited to check out:

April 2, 2019: Sherman Library’s 6th Annual Open House: This free event gives you an inside look at the Sherman Library, where you can take a guided tour and admire a the Library’s many unique collections. This year, the focus is on historic Corona del Mar!

5:00-8:00pm, RSVP to library@slgardens.org or (949)673-1880.

April 10, 2019: Afternoon Tea in the Gardens: What sounds more relaxing than enjoying an afternoon tea in the lush gardens? The specially curated menu includes a pot of tea, fresh tones, tea sandwiches, and decadent desserts. Afternoon tea is offered on the second and last Wednesday of each month, so you might want to make it a monthly tradition!

Tea times are at 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00pm. By reservation only: (949)673-0033.

April 10, 2019: San Onofre: Memories of a Legendary Surfing Beach: Calling all surfers! Join author David Matuszak, as he chats about his book San Onofre: Memories of a Legendary Surfing Beach, and dissects California’s fascinating and ever-changing surfing culture.

7:00pm. This is a free event, RSVP to library@slgardens.org or (949)673-1880.

May 11, 2019: Newport Beach Garden Tour: Taking place the day before Mother’s Day, we can’t think of a better gift for mom than a day admiring seven private gardens in Newport Beach! Also included in the ticket price is live music, a light lunch, and an after party at Sherman Gardens. This is an event not to be missed!

10:00am-3:00pm. $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Purchase tickets at www.slgardens.org or (949)673-2261.

May 18, 2019: Fuschia Festival: With the Fuschia being Sherman Garden’s signature flower, it’s only appropriate that they celebrate it yearly! This event is fun for the whole family, with painting classes, seed planting classes, a barbeque, scavenger hunt, and of course, a sale on Fuschia plants! Even Sherman Garden’s resident mascot, “Shermie” the River Otter will make an appearance!

10:30am-4:00pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-18, 11 and under are free.

Written by: The Traveling Newlyweds