On a foggy morning in Fall, I visited a lovely garden in Arcadia designed by renowned designer Judy Horton.  The informal tour was part of the Southern California Horticultural Society’s Coffee in the Garden series, which features gardens owned by the Society’s members.  Working with an established, 30-year-old landscape already featuring beautiful specimen plants and...Read More

By now you must know I am hooked on garden tours, believing that experiencing great garden spaces is an essential, ongoing part of the landscape designer or landscape architect’s education. Yesterday I toured six Los Angeles residential gardens as part of The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program.  Below are images of my favorite garden that...Read More

With its mild climate and diverse plant life, California has a rich tradition of garden design.  From Spanish-influenced mission gardens, to estate gardens of the 1920s and modern residential landscapes by Thomas Church and Garrett Eckbo, there is a stunning variety to study and experience. I recently visited Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens...Read More

With the welcoming sociability of a community garden and the easy accessibility of a neighborhood park, Arlington Gardens in Pasadena is a gathering spot for gardeners, young families, dog-walkers and more.  The former vacant lot was designed by Mayita Dinos and juxtaposes Mediterranean-inspired, formal herb gardens with more relaxed plantings of California natives and other...Read More