Signs of Spring

This is an exciting time of year in my Southern California garden. I planted new bareroot roses two week ago. I chose shades of pink, lavender, fuschia, and purple and I removed an old yellow rose that I no longer enjoyed. I had several gardeners recommend this rose "Perfume Delight." I will photograph this for you when it blooms. Some of my roses are peeking out, and will be in full bloom

Garden Bunnies Rock!

Garden Bunny, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I wanted to share an absolutely adorable garden bunny with you. I found this is Frank's garden. (see entries for October 14 and 15 for more photos from his garden)

The Getty Malibu Villa

A Good Day, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.If you enjoy visiting beautiful public gardens, Los Angeles has an array of garden hot spots. If you're looking for an activity, possibly, the word "garden" might not immediately come to mind when you think of "The Getty Malibu Villa," but it should.Not only does the Getty have a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful garden, it has Greek, Italian and

Maryam's Cottage Garden

Southern California has the perfect weather for year round gardening. It's not uncommon to find lovely cottage gardens scattered about town. My neighbor Maryam has a stunning cottage garden, complete with Shabby Chic accents, and a red vintage watering can. Pink, Purple & Green, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes. These are Maryam's window box flowers. She studied Art History at Loyola, and

Grandpa's Garden

There is no more spectacular garden in my neighborhood, in my opinion, than Grandpa's Garden.  Grandpa is not my grandpa, just an elderly gardener, with the prettiest cosmos I think I've ever seen.He's incredibly friendly, and chit chats with anyone who walks by while he's gardening.Start these plants from seed if you want to see prettier healthier flowers! And remember, mix it up a little with a

Fall in Southern California

The Color Purple, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Southern California suffers from overcrowding, and here's the reason. Fall in California comes shades of purple......fading pink hydrangeas......and seashells lying about in your cottage garden...But before you move here, ask yourself, can you handle the traffic, the multi-cultural diversity, and the expense. I moved away once, briefly, and I

Peggy's Garden

My friend Marilyn, introduced me to her sister Peggy, an avid gardener, a few years ago. Peggy is incredibly creative, and her garden is so inspiring to visit. I had the good fortune of being invited over for lunch in Peggy's magnificent cottage garden, and she allowed me the privilege to photograph and share it with you. Peggy's Garden, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes. Peggy raised boys

A Roadside Garden

While driving, and following my navigator to a Chinese restaurant one day, I stumbled upon this gorgeous roadside garden.   I suspect it was started when someone sprinkled seeds there in the springtime.  It was filled with zinnias, daisies, cosmos and more.   I think I'll try this seed sprinkling garden experiment next year. I have the perfect patch of soil, right beside my driveway. Hopefully