Hidden Garden

I recently spent time helping my friend, Virginia,  replant an empty tree well in the front of her house. It was a collaboration. She designed, I provided technical assistance. The result is a combination of succulents, grasses and repotted cuttings given to her by dear friends who have passed on. We're both delighted with the result.

Virginia's home in Laguna Beach is close to the high school, close to downtown and the beach so parking is always a problem. Parked cars and lack of sidewalks make viewing this home difficult so most people walk or drive right by. Her lot is a narrow pie shape with mature trees. Not the easiest place to garden.

Virginia is a gifted communicator, spacial designer, collector of treasures and people. Spending time with Virginia is always a delight, like reading a good short story. Her home is filled with amazing collections of things that matter to her. One of these days she may let me take some photos of her space. Her garden, however, is the subject of this post.

Luckily there's a long driveway at the narrow end of the pie where I can park my car if I'm too lazy to walk over for a visit. It's been lined with producing citrus trees and there's just enough light for some tomatoes and assorted other veggies.

Nestled among the lemon trees is this fabulous door.  Hard to believe how many times I've walked right by without bothering to notice it.

Under a pepper tree shade plants are doing well. This wisteria vine used to grow on the other side of the carport but managed to get a start on the shady side where it seems to be very happy.

Next to the carport is a bow window, or is it bay, where potted plants enjoy the dappled light.

In a deeply shaded corner of the front yard a vine doing its best to imitate "art".

This gorgeous wall tile is hidden behind the kitchen door as you walk out onto Virginia's deck. The deck holds so many treasures that you may miss ever seeing this ceramic masterpiece.

Two more metal pot racks hold garden art and various flowering plants.

The blue french doors give Virginia a view from her bedroom out to the deck. This very old copper wall stand or corbel is a family heirloom.

The decks are shaded by an enormous Olive tree.

If there wasn't enough to admire at eye level, there's this to see above your head. Almost missed it, again.

                                      

Virginia's house is divided into two living areas with a passage way between them. There are two decks. Both lead to the horseshoe pit.

In a dark corner sits this extraordinary plant stand, another family heirloom? The varigated ivy's color pops this space and its graceful shape is the perfect compliment for the stand.

Virginia asked me to plant this doll buggy with some succulents in a removable container. We added ivy in another container so she could redecorate as needed.

This wire birdcage is too cool for words.

So is the well rusted plant hanger sitting next to it.

If you're not a rustaphile how about this frog pot?

Just past the frog pot are stairs leading to the driveway and escape from Virginia's garden before I cave in once again to lusting after her treasures.