An Astounding View

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The beautiful structure of this peaceful garden was laid out by landscape architect, Owen Peters, in the 1980s. A group of five stately deodars shelter an oval-shaped front lawn and brick driveway. To create privacy and reduce traffic noise, Peters constructed a small berm close to the street and a handsome wall closer to the house. An 'Iceburg' climbing rose has branches both inside the wall and out. The portion of the rose on the outside of the wall is nipped by deer at every bud. Inside, where the deer can't reach, the rose has healthy leaves and flowers.

The walkway to the rear garden begins here in the patio and winds through a rose garden edged by agapanthus and lavender. On the shadier parts of the path, mature azaleas appear, and hydrangeas bloom under the arching fronds of Tasmanian tree ferns edged by nandina domestica.

Entering the rear portion of the garden, the visitor is immediately struck by an astounding view, one of the best to be had in Pasadena. Between native oaks, a carpet of foliage rolls down the hillside to the Arroyo Seco and the grassy links of Brookside Golf Course. Off in the distance, the San Gabriel Mountains complete the view. Using the Japanese technique of shakkei, or borrowed scenery, the owners have allowed nothing to grow between their garden and the perfection of the canyon and mountain scene.

Potted succulents are the owner's new interest. A collection is arranged about the patio area while two simple pots of variegated trailing geranium frame the pool. A towering redwood shades the south edge of the back garden while plenty of sun adorns a small rose garden and a lemon tree to the north.

Walking around this beautifully sited and well-cared for garden, the visitor appreciates the importance of Peter's original landscape plan. The gated front patio garden functions as an outdoor retreat. The paths are easy to follow, the plants look contented, and the focus in the back is on the lovely view. This is a garden that perfectly compliments our outdoor Pasadena lifestyle.


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