Secret Garden in California Tour
For a long time, I have nonchalantly walked our dog, Rocky past this lovely garden at the rear of a local home.
I even hired their gardener, Alfredo, to help me with our yard.
They put good soil on top of the sandy dirt and grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables.
I wanted to see what was through that open window.
Finally, I worked up the nerve to drop off a note, asking the homeowner if he would mind if I took a few photos of his garden for my blog.
He said YES…
and he gave me a tour! They have four of these happy dogs.
Look at the lavender and the antique bird cage.
The fountain at the bottom was recently installed with
little custom made doves spitting water into the tiled base.
So darling.
This is the third car garage, that opens from the street and onto the garden. By the way, that is how blue the sky is (no retouching). Apples are growing in abundance all over the property.
There is the window in back that
occasionally has my head with my mouth open slowly drifting by.
Love the white painted brick fireplace.
How cute is that light and the barbecue cover?
I wish I could show you the home’s awesome interiors…but I have to respect their privacy. (Hey, I can only be so pushy). Imagine lots of white board and batten, wainscoting, dark wide planked floors and beautiful stone and tile work.
Thanks, guys for the tour.
Note from Homeowner: “should anyone ask…..puppies not for sale” 🙂
Note from Homeowner: “should anyone ask…..puppies not for sale” 🙂
And thanks for the apples from your secret garden.
Last week while we were in England, we visited
Hampton Court Palace. This was home to Henry the VIII.
Look at the lovely public gardens.
See the pretty pebbled path with boxwoods and lavender…
It is similar to my friend’s “secret garden” path.
Do you have a garden that is special to you?
Participating in
Inspiration Friday
Tuesdays Treasures
I really love in this secret garden the things placed like antique bird cage, and doves spitting water are truly inspiring. Coldwell Banker Paradise
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Wow – what a jewel of a garden your neighbor has! I love the seating area with the fireplace and rattan furniture too – so pretty!
You find the most unique and beautiful places. Thank you fro taking us on a tour.
I am in love with the fountain. Such a lovely home.Find home improvement click
This is so beautiful! What a lovely home he has, with all the details! Im so glad you asked to see it and share it with us.
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
The bird fountain is really sweet. And that covered patio with zinc-topped table and wicker chairs is something that us northeasterners only dream of. Beautiful! Wonderful of them to share their outdoor spaces with us!
Those dogs are so cute 🙂
I am glad there are other "house stalkers" among us…I am always wanting to knock on doors and ask for a little peak….
Beautiful gardens…and that little area with the FP…Hot damn!
Those are some lucky dogs that get to live in that house and romp around in that gorgeous garden!
Oh Mary Ann…I remember walking past this house with the shuttered window. No one could ever say no to you…of course you were invited for a tour!! Just as lovely as I would imagine. Love the fountain. The barbecue cover in striped fabric and that light…perfect in every way!!! And your trip to London looks beautiful!
xo
annie
What a nice neighbor and pretty garden. I really like the patio dining area and the pups, too.
Look really great, love the first pic, thanks for sharing!
LOVE that zinc table and wicker chairs! I would spend all my time on that fabulous porch, too!
MaryAnn,
Thanks for sharing! You're just the ultimate go-to gal what a nice neighbor and what a stunning garden, so well manicured and the bird bath is to die for too cute. Makes me want take a dip too! Love the doggies very relaxed and enjoying life's pleasures, food, sunshine, great place live…sweet.
Bette
The garden looks really wonderful..Really loved the beautiful approved..
Oh my goodness…what a beautiful garden tour!! Thanks for showing us!
What a beautiful garden!
What a beautiful garden!!! They have used many of the plants that I have chosen – I'll be pinning like mad to remember this one!
gorgeous! and the interior sounds delightful as well. We're moving next year to a place where i can have a garden again, and i look forward to growing lots of lavender again.
People really live like that!!! Beautiful home. Bonus….the dogs.
Mary Ann,
Your neighbor's garden is an inspiration. I especially like the small fountain. I plan to show the photo to a friend who is a "constant gardener". I felt like I was invited inside but did not have time to visit. Perhaps another time.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing both of these gorgeous gardens with us at Inspiration Friday Mary Ann! When we were in England many years ago, we visited the gardens at Kensington Palace and they were just so beautiful. We had tea at the Orangery there and it was one of my favorite memories from our trip! I'm definitely an Anglophile! 🙂
Vanessa
What a beautiful garden and patio. So inviting. I can only imagine the inside. I am sure it is wonderful if it is as creative as the out side.
How beautiful! One day maybe you'll pluck up the courage to ask them about photographing the inside. You can tell them you have a reader far away in South Africa, who's dying to see it 🙂 x Sharon
Such a lovely garden! I like the wicker sitting area outside and the yard accessories. So glad you had the courage to ask for BLOG photos!
Cute pups too 🙂
Have a great weekend.
Leslie
WOW! I have serious garden envy right now. Does the gardener travel to Missouri? 😉
Yes…it's perfect! How I would love to spend a day….or a lifetime for that matter…in this wonderful, inviting garden. And it's the perfect size! I am madly in love with anything espaliered and long to have an apple or pear tree espaliered in my yard, but living in the land of "wild things" I would never see a piece of fruit! I also love the "pea gravel" walkways and the the beautiful fountain complete with birds! The outside living space isn't to shabby either! Once more you've shared more fabulousness from the Isle of Lido!!!
What a treat to get to see their garden … I love their B&W fabric and the coffee table on wheels. I would have never thought to make a custom cover for the BBQ – I am going to have to steal that idea! Very classy! Thanks for sharing!
Mary Ann I love the fountain with the doves! what a peaceful spot. I am always amazed at the creativity people have at the beach on the small lots. When we lived in Corona del Mar I used to walk down Goldenrod everyday to the lookout point. There are several gardens that are so simple but beautiful. Then you have the Ahmanson's Swiss Family Robinson house overlooking the ocean with their quirky garden and even a sea lion, I think that's what it is. Even their gates are quirky 🙂 Thanks for sharing this special garden. Gayle
Congrats for getting up the
nerve to ask to see this lovely
garden! I'm not sure you Cali's
realize how lucky you are to
have the climate that you do
and these outdoor "rooms,"
which are so fresh and amazing!
Thanks for sharing your "peek."
I really enjoyed it!
Happy Weekend,
xo Suzanne
It all looks pretty idyllic to me!! Love the espalier and the boxwoods. My backyard is not as formal, but it is special to our family and we love gathering in the back to relax, swim and barbecue. What a fabulous trip you had in London!!
kathysue
Love the fountain/birdcage and I want that zinc covered table! What a beautiful garden…if only it didn't get so hot where we live in San Diego, coastal gardens are so much more beautiful because plants seem to thrive in those cooler temps.
Linda
Now I have to go plant boxwoods!! and lavender! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing the garden and the adorable pup pictures.
Ava
So sweet! It's gorgeous. And so glad you asked! It was worth it, wasn't it?
Stunning! And what a large property on Lido. The BBQ cover must be custom because it looks like it matches the outdoor cushions. Thanks for sharing, Mares!
I just love that garden! Thank you for asking and thank you to the owner. Just lovely.
Mary Ann,
Wow, what an amazing garden, no detail left undone. I love the custom BBQ cover and the light over the BBQ. The actual garden is spectacular. They've done a beautiful job. Note to self, must get into the garden this weekend and work! 🙂
Karen
Good for you for asking – people usually will be flattered and say YES! 🙂 What a great tour so thank you. 🙂 I lived in London for a bit and Hampton Court was the pretty sight that I visited – it's soooo charming!!
What a find in your neighborhood, love the patio and gardens and the clever grill cover! Thank you for taking us to Hampton Court, my grandmother loved their gardens.
May Ann-
You find the most unique and beautiful places. Thank you fro taking us on a tour.
I am in love with the fountain. Such a lovely home.
Have a great weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
That was exactly the mini vacation I needed this morning! Lovely home and homeowners:) thank you!
Thanks for being brave and indulging us in this gorgeous space, Mary Ann! One of my favorite things to do, 'nonchalantly' walk by beautiful homes! Actually, while on vacation in La Jolla not long ago my hubby and I got invited into one, pure joy!
Hi Mary Ann! You're having entirely too much fun! 😉 Oh your neighbor's garden and porch are so beautiful! Love those little doggies too! When I was a little girl I had a black cocker. Sweetest little dogs. OH, the English garden is so gorgeous too!
Keep having fun and sharing with us,
Shelia 😉
Wow, that is a lovely garden and patio! Everything surrounding my house is dried to a crisp and dead or on its way. Maybe next year I'll see green again 🙂
Wow! What a Beautiful Garden. He must be an interior decorator. Love the dining area. Looks like the pages out of a magazine!
Love the photos!!! Thanks for sharing!
Wow – what a jewel of a garden your neighbor has! I love the seating area with the fireplace and rattan furniture too – so pretty!
Gorgeous garden and I love the porch. So nice of him to let you share.
I am crazy about that zinc-topped table surrounded by the perfect wicker chairs.
Stunning…..LOVE their porch, with the wicker and the potted herbs..feels so Provence or Tuscany, excellent taste, how nice of them to share too….those Californians, such nice people:)
What was the bird bath made of?
The gardens look amazing!
This makes me miss California. That barbecue cover is to die for.