Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a Classic in SoCal Ecology

The <a href="http://www.arboretum.org">Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden</a> is 127 acres of breathtaking <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roofs-west-symposium/" target="_blank">flora and fauna</a> from all over the world, set in the hills of southern California. The attraction is in fact a triple threat, as it is also a nationally registered historical site that is rumored to be haunted! The incredibly expansive grounds of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/ultimate-tree-houses-at-the-dallas-arboretum/" target="_blank">arboretum</a> and botanic gardens are grouped geographically into South American, Asiatic-North American, Mediterranean, South African, and Australian gardens featuring species imported from each region. In March, visitors flock to watch the blooming of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/south-americas-tallest-building-set-to-open-in-2012/" target="_blank">South American</a> pink trumpet trees. The blossoms are famous for forming a thick hot pink canopy high above the lush green paths and are one of the most impressive displays in the whole collection.

The incredibly expansive grounds of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/ultimate-tree-houses-at-the-dallas-arboretum/" target="_blank">arboretum</a> and botanic gardens are grouped geographically into South American, Asiatic-North American, Mediterranean, South African, and Australian gardens featuring species imported from each region. Picture Above: Yellow Kangaroo Paws inside the Australian garden.

In March, visitors flock to watch the blooming of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/south-americas-tallest-building-set-to-open-in-2012/" target="_blank">South American</a> pink trumpet trees. The blossoms are famous for forming a thick hot pink canopy high above the lush green paths and are one of the most impressive displays in the whole collection.

The small, intimate pathways leading to the regional gardens are lined with spectacularly color-coded arrangements.

The aloe trail on the way to the South African <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/compass-green-a-mobile-greenhouse-powered-by-renewable-energy-for-nyc/" target="_blank">greenhouse</a> features over 10 different species of aloe while color-coded perennial beds guide visitors to the Asiatic-North American section.

the Mayberg <a href="http://inhabitat.com/towering-waterfall-made-from-recycled-plastic-highlights-water-pollution/" target="_blank">waterfall</a> is a prime spot for photo ops.

The Garden of All Seasons, rich with herbs, vegetables and wildflowers planted mainly by volunteers, it is the centerpiece of hands-on environmental lessons for children and adults alike.

Year round classes range from beginners <a href="http://inhabitat.com/utopian-permaculture-farms-look-like-fantastical-floating-islands/" target="_blank">permaculture</a> to creating holistic body kits.

Founder Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin imported a great number of the ground's international treasures more than 100 years ago, including the famous arboretum peafowl he had imported from India.

They and the now 232 different <a href="http://inhabitat.com/pixelated-birdhouses-sprout-on-city-trees-in-london/" target="_blank">bird species</a> found within the gardens contribute to the sustainability of the grounds by eating snails, fertilizing the grass, and of course, keeping things colorful.

The Queen Anne Cottage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally a honeymoon gift from Baldwin to his 4th wife. It is widely considered haunted and famous for appearing in the beginning credits of "Fantasy Island."

In addition to boasting a sizable<a href="http://inhabitat.com/unstudio-unveils-green-roofed-library-of-the-future-for-belgium/" target="_blank"> library</a>, the gardens also host the Los Angeles Environmental Education Fair and the Los Angeles Gardening Show.

The aquatic, prehistoric, and jungle gardens feature unique endangered species along their winding paths.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens are constantly dedicated to educating the public and preserving the natural beauty of southern California.