Secrets of the Italian Renaissance Garden

A popular garden author will be at Descanso Gardens Saturday, Feb. 17, to lead a virtual tour of six Italian Renaissance Gardens.

Jan Smithen will use a slide-illustrated lecture to share the secrets of these gardens that reflect the heart of Renaissance culture. Her program, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 17, at Descanso’s Van de Kamp Hall, will explore how these beginnings of landscaping in the Western world developed principles still used in modern gardens.

Smithen, a retired teacher of the art and science of gardening at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, now writes and lectures about the gardening life. Her book, Sun Drenched Gardens: In the Mediterranean Style, is a favorite among gardeners. She has led garden tours to England, Italy and France.

Fee: $20 ($18 members.) Registration is recommended as walk-in space is not always available. To register, call 949-7980.