Peeping Gardener - Carmel and Venice Beach

Whenever I take walks through neighborhoods I usually lug my camera with me so I can snap photos of any gardens I find interesting. I thought I'd start sharing my photos with you guys of the different neighborhoods I visit. Each neighborhood seems to have its own flavor and quirkiness.

This past spring, on the way to Venice Beach, we made a quick stop in Carmel. Right next to where we parked was this interesting fence.

While the house architecture looks a bit confused (Am I Tudor? Am I Tuscan?) I found the fence charming and thought it would look perfect in front of the Hobbit House in Houston.

Elsewhere, this massive planting of a single color of Antirrhinums certainly did the trick to catch one's attention.

I loved this colorful succulent planting in front of some fancy-smansy store, who's name I can't remember now.

The coolest thing I saw were these "stone" window boxes built right into the building facade. I was trying to figure out exactly how they were built, but it basically seems to involve colored concrete over some kind of framework, water-proof flashing, and drainage holes.

I do like how Carmel has respect for its trees, allowing some to grow as they will, even though they take up vital parking spots!

Venice Beach was of course a bit grittier, with funkiness to spare. The following garden was a repurposer's dream and definitely appealed to my love of rust. It seemed to belong to an apartment building but was totally exposed to the sidewalk, separated only by a low wall.

A couple more alley-facing gardens that embrace the beachy vibe.

Next up will be photos from walks through the Rockridge neighborhood here in Oakland.