An Elegant Mediterranean Style Estate Garden

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Much larger than the typical Southern California garden, this wonderful Eden emphasizes mature trees, architectural details, and green expanse rather than floral display.  The anti-cottage garden.  No dainty plants crammed into every available space--this garden is all about the luxury of space.  Meticulously and lovingly maintained, as elegant as can be desired.  

Mature trees, including this glorious native Oak, are the stars of this garden.
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The trees are a classic California mix of Palms, Italian Cypress,Eucalyptus, Oak, Jacaranda, Pepper (Schinus molle) and specimens including Cercis 'Forest Pansy' and  two of the oldest and largest Metrosideros in the area.
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For most Southern California lots, a single one of these mature trees would engulf the entire property.  Here multiple large trees form a rare natural spectacle in an increasingly crowded and urbanized environment.
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A  planting scheme of massed supporting shrubs, allowing the trees to shine and dominate, works well in the large-scale space.  Boxwood and an expansive lawn occupy the sunny portions of the garden, while the shade under the mature trees is carefully dressed with appropriate understory plants including Japanese Maples and massed Clivias, Hydrangeas, Hellebores, Junipers, and Azaleas.  Winding paths and numerous sitting areas make this a place to relax and dream.

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Meticulous care and maintenance increase the elegance.
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Brunfelsia magnifica, with larger flowers than the more common B. pauciflora ("Yesterday, Today, And Tomorrow"), hangs in a large basket from the limb of a Schinus molle.  Such limited use of floral color makes the impact of each touch all the greater.
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Sculptures, water features, and other structural elements, used sparingly but effectively, also support the natural architecture of the trees. 
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Don't cha just love it?

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Comments

  1. Loved all of your photos, but especially the first path shot and those evergreen arbors. Magnificent garden.

    ReplyDelete

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