LOOK AND TOUCH NEW HUNTINGTON GARDEN INVITES YOUNG HANDS AND MINDS.

Byline: Michelle J. Mills and Samantha Gonzaga Staff Writers

Want to stand under a rainbow, walk through a mysterious cloud of mist or watch a volcanic eruption?

You'll soon be able to.

Today the Huntington Library, Arts Collection and Botanical Gardens will unveil its Helen & Peter Bing Children's Garden, a one-acre space that will enable children to get closer to nature by using not only their eyes but their sense of touch and, most importantly, their knack for adventure.

``The garden is really designed to help kids discover the natural elements of earth, light, air and water,'' said Lisa Blackburn, spokeswoman for the Huntington.

``These are all elements that make life possible, and the different sculptural elements in the garden interpret those natural phenomena.''

The Bings of Los Angeles donated $2 million for the project; both are longtime Huntington patrons. Work started on the garden design in 1996.

The facility's botanical director, Jim Folsom, pursued his idea for creating the garden and worked with kinetic artist Ned Kahn to provide an area just right for children ages 2 to 7. Of course, kids of all ages are welcome to visit.

The garden boasts nine sculptural components. Among them is the Vortex and Water Bells, where water travels through bell-shaped fountains ending in a spin; the Sonic Pool, which uses an air compressor to make water quiver and appear thick; and Magnetic Sand, where black grains of sand are coaxed into unusual shapes by two large magnets.

``It is designed to encourage sensory learning,'' Blackburn said.

The Self-Centered Globe shows real-time day and night and allows you to feel the warmth and cold of the seasons on the planet. The Pebble Chimes are interactive; visitors make them ring by dropping small stones through the sculpture.

The Rainbow Room is where jets of mist mix with sunlight to create a radiant rainbow. The dark Prism Tunnel is lit by a burst of colors.

There are airy plants and thick mist at the Fog Grotto and a lush hill of plants with a steamy surprise at the Topiary Volcano.

And what's a garden without greens and blossoms?

``There are a number of plants that are whimsical in appearance, like tree aloes that resemble something from Dr. Seuss - and weeping mulberry trees,'' Blackburn said. ``These give the garden a fun, storybook feel.

``There are vines that climb and cover for topiary effects, and there is a section of the garden planted with fragrant plants so kids can get all their senses in the act.''

The garden will be open during the normal hours at the Huntington, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Entry to the garden is free with Huntington admission, which is $12.50 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8.50 for students, $5 for children 5 to 11 and free for children under 5.

The Huntington is at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Information: [phone] or www.huntington.org.

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Photo:

A youngster examines one of the water bells at the Helen & Peter Bing Children's Garden at the Huntington Library in San Marino.

Photo courtesy of the Huntington Library, Arts Collection and Botanical Gardens