Visiting LA's Natural History Museum; outside the wall

Last November Andrew and I spent a week in the Los Angeles area and one of our stops was the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Andrew had been before, but this was a first for me. I was spurred to visit by folks telling me they had a great garden and photos I'd seen online and in print.

Today's post looks at the wonderful gardens available to everyone who passes by, outside the wall—no ticket required—like this purple vining flower. I have no clue what it is, but the ants loved it.

These big guys were dueling out at the main corner, near the entrance.

Drama queens trying to take the focus off the agaves!

It didn't work though, at least not for my eyes.

Doesn't the museum complex look a little like a prison building? Agaves would be the perfect perimeter planting there too.

They're so big, and so beautiful!

This guy was labeled Evan's Philodendron, Phildendron x evensii. Did my friend Evan leave his philodendron in LA?

This was the main attraction for me, the living wall.

I've seen many photos, and it was even better in person.

Well, I should say the wall and the plants in, on, above, and around—the whole thing was just so very well done.

Agave shawii

Agave sisalana (bottom)

And so many Agave victoriae-reginae!

A pair of Dasylirion wheeleri make a nice screen for the agave behind.

Agave 'Sharkskin'

Walking along the side of the museum complex now, and admiring the fruit of the Ceiba speciosa tree.

Tropical hibiscus.

Looking east across the Exhibition Park Rose Garden towards the Alexander Science Center School. Naturally the plants escaping the roofline were of much interest, although we didn't make it over to see what it was all about.

Agave 'Blue Flame', I believe.

And Agave 'Blue Glow'...

Beauty in numbers.

Living under the shadow of a couple tall fir trees and a pine tree next door I appreciated this mess.

On Friday I'll share photos of the garden you see once you pay your entry fee and pass through the gate, but these final few photos were again taken on the public side of the wall, after a full day of exploring. I was waiting to meet Andrew back by the car (he has more museum energy than I do).