Succulents in pots throughout the garden are ready to bloom.

These plants are so rewarding and stunning throughout the garden.

A Child's View Of The Garden. Delightful

I love following my grand daughter as she explores our garden. What a joy to watch her grow right in front of my eyes. I am so proud to be a grand parent.

This Morning In My Garden

A cool sunny morning here in southern California. The cyclamen are blooming away. They love these cool mornings and so nice to see this beautiful color in the green garden. The fountain is reflecting the morning sun.

Myra Hoefer's wonderful California home.

Had to share the story in the March issue of House Beautiful. This is the charming home of designer Myra Hoefer. Her transformation of a modest property is quite spectacular and inspirational.

Thinking Of Our Summer Garden.

These pictures are of our Summer Garden, taken in July 2011. We are having hints of Spring already but I have begun to plan colors now for summer. I am looking forward to summer.

Natuaral Greens and Things From The Garden For Christmas Decor.

I like to use a mix of natural materials for decorations at Christmas. A mix of pine, balsam, magnolia branches, eucalyptus sprayed gold, branches of berries and even branches of preserved oak leaves. It makes for a festive bouquet here in my studio.

Fall Comes To A Corner Of My California Garden.

Although it is just a corner of our California garden, the Boston Ivy gives beautiful color at this time of year. It reminds me of "back east" and my College Campus in Philadelphia.

That's our fallen angel in the basket.

Winter Comes To My Garden. Sunbrella Table Skirt Will Remain For Winter.

With winter we see changes here in California. Perhaps not as severe as other spots in the country but none the less the garden has a more severe look. We do keep our Sunbrella drape table skirt in Upland/Denim on the table all winter. I like the touch of blue in our green garden. No more dinners outside but we will have lunches overlooking the pool.

We do have season changes here in California but they are subtle.

The Orchids On The Back Terrace Signal The Last Of Summer.

Among the small topiary on the back terrace are these small orchid plants which were given to me as a gift by a very thoughtful dinner guest. I will have to wait until spring to see more flowers but it is so beautiful to see them tucked in amongst the green plants and trellis.

Container Gardens Provide A Great Entrance.

Containers with Topiary can create a grand entrance to garden and home. I like the flexibility of these planters to move and place as needed to create spaces and grace the stairs or entrance gates of my home. A great way to define the space.

Hot But Beautiful Morning In Southern California!

As the sun rises here in California, it will be another "hot one" but as I realize the days of summer are quickly passing; I will savor the beauty, hot or cold and be thankful for the surroundings that we have to share.

Structures In The Garden Give Interest To The Landscape.

Structures are so important in our garden. I especially like the bay laurel trees in the French planter boxes from accentsoffrance.com. I have trained these trees to be short and full to give a statement to the entrance of our pool garden. The lanterns hanging from the tree are beautiful at night and of course the lattice wall that marks the center of the garden. The boxwood creates outdoor rooms to relax and entertain.

Plant Mini Gardens At The Bottom of Rose Tree Pots.

The Rose Trees always look a bit bare at the base of the tree; I like to create these "mini gardens" of mixed flowers to give color to the base. This year I have added color to what is usually a white garden.

It makes a nice welcome to our entry court.

Succulents Like The Hot Weather!

With our warm weather here in California the succulents seem to be doing fine. They do like water however. They can stand alone or are great mixers in our moss baskets with the Martha Washington geraniums.

The New Herb Gardens at the Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai California

The New Herb Garden at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is delightful. Meandering paths through fragrant lavender and various herbs, such as mint and rosemary and a new pool, cafe and spa area. The peace and serenity at the Ojai Inn make it a very special place to "get away."

The Succulents of Pelican Hill. A Treasure Trove of 35 different species and hybrids.

The Resort at Pelican Hill spans more than 100 acres of hillside above the Pacific Ocean. The display of succulents in containers and baskets throughout the property is an impressive collection of some very rare varieties and colors. As a big "fan" of succulents, I delighted in this display and wanted to share.

The Dahlia. Summer's Finest Blooms & Color

The Dahlia certainly brings beautiful color to the garden and to our home. These beautiful giants make for hardy additions to the cutting garden.