Tours, Talks at Nixon Library

Thoughout May and June, the nine-acre Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda celebrates its annual Spring Garden Festival--when 1,400 rose bushes, perennials and annuals are in bloom--with tours and special speakers.

The Monday morning “Great Gardens of the Presidency” series begins May 19 with a slide presentation by William Seale, author of “The White House Garden.”

Dorothy Temple, floral designer for presidents Reagan and Nixon, will give a slide show and a flower arranging demonstration on June 2. On June 16, Gordon Chappell, director of landscape at Colonial Williamsburg, will give a slide presentation on Williamsburg gardens.

All of the talks are at 10:30 a.m. and each costs $9. Reservations are required.

On May 3, Jean Stern of the Irvine Museum gives a slide presentation on plein-air painters of California gardens. May 10, Robert Smaus of the Los Angeles Times shows slides of favorite gardens and flowers. Pamela Seager of Rancho Los Alamitos explains this garden’s historical significance on May 17.

On May 24, Mary Lou Heard of Heard’s Country Gardens speaks on English-style cottage gardens. May 31, Mary Brosius of Descanso Gardens talks on plants that go with roses.

June 7, Gary Jones of Hortus Nursery speaks on fragrance in the garden. June 14, Shirley Kerins of the Huntington tells how to make herb gardens and, on June 21, Clair Martin III speaks on English roses.

On June 28, Julie Bush and Michelle Sullivan with Walt Disney Imagineering talk about the landscaping of theme parks.

Call (714) 993-5075 for additional information and tickets.