Roger That!
Roger’s Gardens, located in Corona Del Mar (CDM for locals), California is a stunning garden center. In anticipation of fall, their merchandising team puts together the most sensational displays for their famous Halloween Boutique. Each year has a different theme, and of course some years are more favored than others. However, every year you can count on exceptional merchandise from various artists, props, and fascinating displays.
As an Orange County local, I’ve been going to Roger’s Gardens long before TikTok and influencers existed. It was a “If You Know You Know” type of thing. It seems to be overtaken by content creators opening weekend. My tip is go on a Monday, a week after it opens, and first thing in the morning. I’ve had good luck finding parking and enjoying a minimal crowd.
It’s favored amongst the sophisticated; as Roger’s Gardens is located in a very affluent area. Some of the price tags are more frightening than the decor, haha! Truth be told, you can browse and find affordable treasures. I usually buy a couple items ranging from $10 - $40. This could be dish towels, or a spider web tiara (perfect with my spider web dress) and small trinkets.
This year the theme is The Gathering and you can watch it on YouTube. It really felt like walking through a pumpkin patch that led to the witch’s house in the woods. Tree branches swooped over the entrance as you approached the gathering of the witches. The witches flew throughout the space floating above or were stationed in corners to spy on shoppers. Made of black gauze and chicken wire they created a mysterious, supernatural atmosphere.
The use of faux and real organic materials tucked in every display brought the magic to life. In years past, my favorite displays included sharks appearing to crash into glass and the recreation of the Harry Potter haunted bathroom scene. The opulence of the A Pirate’s Life theme was so enchanting with the addition of bejeweled merchandise it was a pure escape to a fantasy world. Brothers Grimm and the Universal Horror monsters are at the top of my list too.
It is FREE to visit and walk the grounds. It’s also dog friendly! Happy Halloween, and Keep It Spooky Sibs!
Tamantha*
All photos are from Roger's Gardens website.
