Photo Gallery: New Center Circle, birds and Camellias at Descanso Gardens

There are many buds on the Camellia trees at Descanso Gardens now, in La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Many of the Camellia trees have a wide variety of flowers in many colors.  (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

People are enjoying the many flowers and buds on the Camellia trees at Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Many of the Camellia trees have a wide variety of flowers in many colors.  (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

People are enjoying the many flowers and buds on the Camellia trees at Descanso Gardens now, in La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Many of the Camellia trees have a wide variety of flowers in many colors.  (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

A Green heron did not mind having people stand close to it as it fished on a small pond at Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Many of the Camellia trees have a wide variety of flowers and buds in many colors.  (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

A Green heron was seen catching small fish and tadpoles on a small pond at Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Many of the Camellia trees have a wide variety of flowers in many colors.  (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Tina Chong, of Burbank, paints a serene scene of a bridge and creek at Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Chong has been painting for 60 years. Many of the Camellia trees have a wide variety of flowers in many colors.  (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Workers build a new Center Circle area at Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. From the press release: Center Circle update. Located just inside Descanso Gardens’ gate, the Center Circle is a demonstration garden that changes every few years. Starting in January 2018, Descanso will be bidding farewell to the New Look for LA Garden in the Center Circle, to make way for a new sustainable display garden focused on year-round color. The Gardens’ horticulture staff are designing a new display featuring dramatic plants with flowers and foliage. This evergreen garden will be focusing on show-stopping plants in strong contrasts of silver, purple and hot pink from all over the world, which thrive in our seasonal rainfall. Improvements are not just about the plants, other Center Circle improvement include: Clearer paths to different areas of the garden A revitalized entrance into the Rose Garden A permanent “welcome” table. Removal of broken asphalt to be replaced with sustainable permeable paving. The creation of a cooler space in the entryway. The creation of gathering spaces for walking tours, separate from the main circulation route. Improved lighting, so walkways are safe after summer concerts and night events. The new Center Circle will be done Spring 2018.  (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)