Surrounding one of the original 1920’s Hollywoodland cottages in Beachwood Canyon, Landscape designer Judy Horton’s garden is a jewel box filled with plants that reflect her 25 years of gardening and designing.  I was amazed at the number of unusual plants (270 species!) tucked into the tiny garden when I visited in June as part...Read More

A relaxing outdoor seating area continues to be one of the most requested features from my clients. Here a few tips to consider when planning your own: How will you use the space? For intimate gatherings? Large parties? Make sure you allow enough room to enjoy the area the way you would like to.  For...Read More

Experiencing landscapes that have been consciously developed hones our senses and improves our capacity to appreciate good design. Last month I visited a beauty: The Moreland Garden is a hillside property perched high atop the Santa Monica mountains and designed by landscape architect Lisa Gimmy. This private garden was open as part of the Garden...Read More

Yesterday my husband and I welcomed over 400 people to our garden, which was one of seven featured on the free, annual South Pasadena Beautiful Garden Tour. Each garden displayed principles of sustainability–including California native and Mediterranean landscaping, planting for wildlife, bioswales, permeable paving options and recycling organic waste. In front of our house was...Read More

When I heard that Catherine Pannell and Robert Waters purchased their home in Downey 38 years ago for its garden potential, I knew they were kindred spirits. Having already gardened extensively with cacti, palms, succulents, fruit trees and more on their original 1/3 acre lot, the couple’s native garden was born when they purchased the...Read More