Labor Day Fun: Boddy's Backyard Bash

usually offers a breath of fresh air away from the daily grind: there’s babbling brooks, lush green foliage and miniature train tracks of the Enchanted Railroad. Now add some food and music and you've got Boddy’s Big Backyard.

Topping off its summer programs, Boddy’s Big Backyard pays tribute to the glamour of the 1930s and 1940s. Manchester E. Boddy, for whom the event and Boddy’s House was named, was the publisher and former owner of the Los Angeles Daily News.

“The event celebrates Labor Day and serves as a remembrance of Manchester Boddy, who had his home as well as his estate on the gardens property before he gifted the land to the county,” said Lisa Kurstin, head of Public Programs at Descanso Gardens. “The Boddy family loved to entertain in their backyard.”

The activities, planned internally with feedback from members, will run throughout the day. Morning festivities begin at ten with a walk through the California Natives Garden with Native Plants Horticulturalist Rachel Young. The California Native Garden features eight acres of native flowers from southern California and plants such as the matilija poppy take bloom during the summer.

Besides the walk, children can enjoy a “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” story time set in the Rose Pavilion, which is home to more than 4,000 rose bushes. After story time, children can participate in crafts and a walk through the gardens.

In the afternoon, the festivities continue with an American rock and bluegrass concert by the Mobile Homeboys. Visitors are invited to bring their own picnic baskets or enjoy a barbeque in one of the main areas of the Gardens.

“This event is a beloved annual tradition of many years,” said Kurstin.

Activities are free with admission. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $3 dollars for children ages five to twelve, and free for children who are four years and younger.

Decanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.