a tale of two gardens

Spring has really sprung around here!

I’m not sure if you remember,

 because this was a while ago,

but my neighbor Nancy had her garden

photographed for Country Gardens Magazine…

about four years ago.

Well, it’s finally being featured in this month’s issue! 

Yes, she’s now officially

the queen of the hill, haha!

It’s funny because originally

we thought they were going to highlight her

amazing she shed

but instead they focused their story on

the beautiful sloped hillside in her back yard.

I think the article turned out great,

and I’m sure Nancy’s garden has changed

a lot over the last four years!

Maybe we can share some 

updated photos soon!

Just about a mile down the street from me

is the home of my dear friend Marion

who has her own amazing secret garden that

just keeps evolving as time goes by.

Over the years, her magical garden has

become a little outdoor oasis...

In fact, it’s so fabulous

that it was just one of six gardens to be highlighted

on the Sherman Gardens annual tour a few weeks ago.

Marion’s love of antiques and her

eye for European style really come through

in her garden.

As we sat in her kitchen having coffee,

we had a prime view of the side yard,

its fountain and all the little feathered friends

that make her garden come alive.

Marion favors plants that attract

butterflies and pretty birds.

This is one of the two paintings of the garden

that were created by artists during the tour.

Pretty garden urns planted with succulents.

Life imitates art,

or in this case, vise versa.

Plein air painting in the secret garden.

Marion found these antique gates at

a flea market in Pasadena...

and now they mark the entrance to her

alfresco dining area.

A lovely shady spot.

A peek at the garden tour guide book.

And of course, the ever charming little Dante

enjoys every inch of the secret garden as well!

 ciao! fabiana