Carved, the Halloween season attraction now at Descanso Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge, is a spooky joy for all ages. Open through November 1st, the magic of following an artistic trail of pumpkins through a winding overview of the gardens after dark remains potent.
Focused on the carving of jack o’lanterns, there is both a small house and a charming sea monster made of pumpkins, as well as as an entire field of grinning pumpkin heads and eerie scarecrow figures. Over a mile-long walk through the dark, eucalyptus scented gardens, the glowing orange pumpkins enchant.
While many of the set pieces remain the same as last year, some have moved or are expanded, and regardless, the beauty and family-friendly fun of Carved makes it an annual treat.
The Dia de los Muertos offrenda alter has expanded and is quite lovely, with faux candlelight dancing over the happy musician skeletons and paper and pencil available to create your own tribute to the dearly departed in your lives.
Pumpkin-head characters and a vast array of carved pumpkins, albeit not real pumpkins, which would never last for the run of the event, fill a tree-lined meadow.
But in the rose garden near the dessert station, massive real pumpkins are carved by artisans who can make highly detailed depictions of everything from key Dodgers baseball players to Dolly Parton.
The neon Rhizome light sculpture rises dramatically up from Descanso’s Oak Grove, while orange orbs literally float on water and the charming model trains have dinosaurs and monster figures alongside the tracks.
Guests can also enjoy the fun of a hay maze, the adorable and spooky wood spirits conjured – or rather cut – up by artist Chainsaw Jenna, and the simple wonder of trees, the leaves, the soft grass, the humming of crickets, and all the natural forest setting beauty that makes Carved the immersive experience that it is.
Pumpkin head scarecrows have their charms anywhere perhaps, but here, there is a sense of being a part of nature, the spectral spectacle of All Hallows Eve, the time of Samhain and ancient tradition.
While enjoying the gardens, you can partake of tasty eats such as churros, delightful black bean and acorn squash tacos, cocktails, hot chocolate, and spiked hot chocolate.
Timed tickets mean the trails and beautifully lit set pieces are relatively uncrowded and the magic of an All Hallows Eve experience will happily haunt you. Pricing ranges from $29–$52, for adults and $19–$37 for kids 12 and under. ) A new anytime ticket is also available for $85.
Enjoy the spooky fun.
- Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis