Sunday, July 3, 2011

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.

hobbity 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.

antirrhinums in mass

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

store front succulents

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.

cool window box

window box

window box detail

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!

where a tree can be a tree

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.

venice side garden

rustyness

recycled seating

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

z28

beach house

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

6 comments:

  1. Thank you, I love posts like this...keep it up! You've got a great eye and I can't wait to see what you discover!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, i adore it too !! there are great details to discover in your pictures ! merci !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, that wave fence in the last photo is PERFECT for a beach house.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just found your blog, love all the garden inspiration! Where abouts were you in Venice? I lived there for 5 years and never saw that rusty garden.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.