Filoli’s Spring Fling takes place Saturday, April 6, 2013. Families are especially welcome to enjoy the many aspects of the historic House, 16-acre Garden in bloom and the festivities of Spring Fling. The Bubblesmith, who creates giant bubbles, is back by popular demand. The Fortis Agility Sports Training Group will put their talented dogs through their paces on the north side of the House. Nearby, there will be alpacas for viewing and a miniature horse for petting. Puppies in training to become Guide Dogs for the Blind will roam the property. A wonderful Clown, Easter Bunny and a Lady Bug will stroll through the Garden.
Docent-led nature walks are available throughout the day on the trails in Filoli’s woodlands. Orchard docents will be available to provide information about Filoli’s Gentlemen’s Orchard, which is the largest heirloom orchard in private hands in the United States. This year guided Orchard tours begin on June 1.
Additional activities for children and families include live music, flower arranging demonstrations, a magic show, puppet show, arts and crafts for children, face painting galore. Children ages 3-12 can try their green thumb by potting a spring plant in a pot, which they decorate to take home. Filoli’s own honey, herb mixes, vinegars, dips and soup mixes are available for sale.
Visitors are also able to enjoy a rare chance to see the three historic greenhouses where there are plants that have been in Filoli’s collection from 1920 to the present, including carnivorous plants, unusual bromeliads, orchids, and edible tropical plants. In the potting shed, children can decorate a container and pot a spring plant to take home. Throughout the greenhouses and gardens docents will be on hand to answer questions.
The Shorebirds Band will entertain near the Sunken Garden and Joe’s Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Tennis Court while one can relax and enjoy a boxed lunch. The boxed lunches must be ordered and paid for in advance. Garden Information Docents will be on hand to answer questions about the plants, trees and flowers on the estate... One may view the art exhibit in the Visitor & Education Center, entitled “Inspiring Destinations – A collection of Paintings by Jann Pollard for Karen Brown Guides.â€
Tickets: $20 for members, $25 for adult non-members, $5 for children ages 5 to 17 and free for children 4 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online at
https://www.filoli.org or by calling Filoli weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (650) 364-8300, ext. 508. Early reservations are recommended as space is limited. Pre-ordered Boxed Lunches are $18 for adults and $10 for children and must be ordered in advance. Parking is free. Visit
https://www.filoli.org for complete event activities.