Archive for the ‘Garden Tours’ Category
GARDEN IDEAS FROM A PASADENA ESTATE
Posted in Garden Design, Garden Tours, tagged David Austin Roses, Garden Design, Open Days Garden Tours, The Garden Conservancy on April 20, 2018| Leave a Comment »
GARDEN TOUR: THORNTON LADD HOME
Posted in Garden Design, Garden Tours, tagged Agave, design, Garden Design, Landscape Design, Mid-Century Modern, Thornton Ladd on May 6, 2016| Leave a Comment »
The garden was designed by the late Owen Peters in 1990 and surrounds a Thornton Ladd-designed modernist house completed around 1950. The garden was then again updated in 2012 by Amy Korn and Matt Randolph of Korn Randolph, as well as by landscape designer Judy Horton.
The Agaves were my favorite, along with Purple Smoke Bush in the background — so pretty. Other plants in this area of the garden are: Westringia, Olive, White Crepe Myrtles, Rosemary, Waxleaf and deciduous flowering Magnolia.
A big thank you to The Garden Conversancy’s volunteers, as well as all the hosts who so kindly opened up their homes to allow us into their private world for a day.
This Saturday, it’s the Los Angeles Open Days tour, which covers mostly the westside of Los Angeles. If anyone is interested in going, click here for more information.
GARDEN TOUR: PASADENA CALIFORNIA
Posted in Garden Design, Garden Tours, tagged Garden Design, Garden Tours, Southern California, The Garden Conservancy on May 3, 2016| Leave a Comment »
One of my favorite things to do each spring is to attend The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days which are held all over the country. This past weekend the tour took place in Pasadena, which never disappoints.
Many homes in Pasadena are built on hillsides which makes it a bit more tricky when designing. This home sits on 2 1/2 acres and was originally designed by architect Louis DuPuget Millar in 1908. It was recently updated by architect David Serrurier. This photo looks out onto the pool terrace from a wisteria-laden dining terrace seen in the photo below.
The outdoor dining terrace situated under beautiful wisteria.
The homeowner chose some gorgeous lights to hang above the outdoor dining table.
All the gardens on the tour were beautiful, though I unfortunately missed one of the gardens designed by Judy Horton. Of those I viewed, I especially enjoyed the garden designed by Nod Eriksson (featured in this post). He was on site answering questions and talking about his work on this particular project.
Me, taking a photo of the lovely fountain pictured below.
Pride of Madeira and Bougainvillea hang elegantly over the fountain
Trimmed boxwood and antique urns lead guests into the rose garden.
My photo doesn’t do this main entrance justice. The details were really lovely. Especially delightful were the water feature, herringbone brick walkway and beautifully potted gardenia. Other plants used in this area were, iceberg rose, boxwood, and lamb’s ear. Not visible in this distant picture, are delicate pink roses, called Eden, outlining the entry.
Beautiful potted gardenia
Clipped Boxwood and Pittosporum
Later in the week I’ll post another garden which had the most gorgeous agave.
If you would like to see more lovely gardens, just click on my category “garden tours” on the right.
Cheers!
Shannon
PETERSHAM NURSERIES
Posted in Garden Tours, Home, Travel, tagged garden center, Garden Design, garden store, Petersham Nurseries, Plants, Richmond, Surrey on November 3, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Although, I didn’t have much time for sightseeing on my recent trip to London, I was determined to visit Petersham Nurseries. Located a short walk from the train station, along the River Thames, Petersham has two cafes, a wine cellar and an inspiring garden center.
The setting around Petersham couldn’t have been more picturesque.
The public footpath
Above, the sign to Petersham Nurseries.
A peek inside the glasshouse restaurant
The teahouse, with gorgeous hydrangeas and geraniums out front
Inspiration for my next garden party…
Lunch…
How lovely & simple is this?
Although, I couldn’t bring back gorgeous plants or antiques, I was able to enjoy a beautiful lunch and take it in, if only for an hour. Looking forward to my next visit!
GARDEN TOUR: SANTA MONICA
Posted in Garden Design, Garden Tours, tagged boxwood, Exterior Design, Garden Design, Garden Tours, Open Days Program, Scott Shrader, The Garden Conservancy on June 3, 2015| 1 Comment »
As a garden designer there are so many other designers I draw inspiration from — Edwina Von Gal, Louis Benech, Jinny Blom, and Scott Shrader to name a few. The garden below was designed by Scott Shrader, and was a big motivation for why I decided to go on the tour.
The Mimosa table
The tour was part of The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. The program is offered throughout the country and gives us an opportunity to poke our heads inside some gorgeous private gardens. Click here, for more information regarding this program.
GARDEN TOUR: CRESCENDO FARMS
Posted in Garden Design, Garden Tours, tagged Brentwood, California Living, Exterior Design, Garden Design, Landscape Design on May 20, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Although, this garden tour happened a couple of weeks ago, I enjoyed it so much I really wanted to share my two favorite gardens with you. This first one, situated on three lots in Brentwood, was just gorgeous. From its “multi-purpose barn” to the layout of the vegetable garden to the many wonderful seating areas — I walked away with some beautiful ideas.
The multi-purpose barn in the background
Inside the barn
Small orchard
Seating area near the main house
Dining area
Beautiful little play house with climbing rose
The main house
Loved this rustic pergola with dining area and fireplace
Climbing rose on pergola
Another seating area with fire pit
Next time, my favorite garden on the tour — a gorgeous gem in Santa Monica.
Open Days Garden Tour: Pacific Palisades, CA
Posted in Garden Design, Garden Tours on April 22, 2013| Leave a Comment »
This garden, designed by Rob Steiner, was my favorite on the Pacific Palisades garden tour. One reason is because it felt completely different from the rest of the gardens on the tour. It felt fresh, crisp and his use of color was brilliant. The house was painted a stark white and a soft lemon sorbet color was used on the french doors. In the garden he mirrored the same lemon color in some of the succulents and then used grays and blues for a soothing contrast. The textures and colors all worked beautifully together. I hope my pictures do it justice.
very sweet
The Pacific Palisades Garden Club Tour
Posted in Garden Design, Garden Tours, tagged Brentwood, Garden Club Tour, Pacific Palisades, Pacific Palisades Garden Club on April 19, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Last Sunday was the Pacific Palisades annual garden club tour. My first time on this tour was 9 years ago and it continues to be an inspiring tour. Below, are a couple of my favorites, both designed by Jay Griffith.
A Brentwood Garden
Above, a 75-year old coral tree
A creative way to camouflage the post supporting the coral tree
A seating area next to the pool with a terracotta Chinese warrior standing guard
A succulent planted in place of a missing brick on the patioThe view looking back towards the main house
Another seating area off the main patio
A Pacific Palisades Garden
The garden below, also designed by Jay Griffith, has an understated elegance.
The lawn overlooks the Rivera Country Club
A private seating area with water feature
The lawn is bordered with lavender, ice plants and California natives
Another seating area in the garden
Tomorrow, my favorite garden from the tour!