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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

FULLERTON'S BEAUTIFUL 2016 GARDENS


Sunday, April 24, 2016 was the Fullerton's Beautiful Garden Tour, which is held every Spring.
This year do to the drought there were not as many gardens as in the past.  Two of the gardens on the tour were Fullerton's Police Station Gardens.  Which was planted with succulents, stone and native California plants.

The other garden was The Emmanuel Community Church Garden.  The children were encouraged to grow & experience and knowledge of plants.   It really turned out very nice.
I have seen these as I drive by so we didn't go in and tour them.


Two of my friends and I went on the tour.  The first garden was The Spencer Garden.  There is a song that describes this garden - Afternoon Delight.  It is a delight any time of the day that you step into this garden.  This large property was developed in 1949.  It had been part of the original Valencia orange groves enveloping the city.  There were railroad tracks next to the property where trains took fruit to the packing house.  The original trees are now gone along with the tracks, but through the years the grounds have housed 69 chickens for 4 H projects, goats, a horse and a pigeon house.  Nancy Spencer enjoys designing and redesigning gardens which include a rose and perennial English with an arbor, fruit trees and a pond, Mediterranean shade and the newest, a succulent and cactus garden.

Each space has a relaxation and entertaining area including a front yard swimming pool with its own garden.

This was the most stunning home - I loved it.  Nancy was featured in House Beautiful many years ago.  This is the second time I have toured her gardens.  The last was about 10 years ago and I was so happy that she was back on the tour this year.





Did you notice all her roosters and chickens around the yard.  She loves them as we do.

Another home that I really liked was close to where I live in Fullerton.  The Sarah Roberts Garden.
How lucky for all of us that this was on the tour.  I didn't even know this beautiful garden was there.
                                                                                                                   
This 2015 Fullerton Beautiful Front Yard Award winner led us to a beautiful back yard this year.  I could have kicked my garden to the curb after seeing this one.  The back space was almost the same square footage as mine.  Most of Sarah's plants were propagated from seeds, clipping, roadside discoveries, pass-alongs or gifts.  Add this to a playful mix of birdfeeders, yard art, water features, meandering paths, garden lighting and beckoning seating areas and you have a welcome retreat for wildlife or just sit and watch the sun set.









My mind is twirling as to how I can change mine.  But, I am afraid I am to old to under take this task, but I can dream.


The Collins Garden - with a fascination and love of the Orient and a passion for pink, Kathie began working on her garden in 1952.  She carefully pruned and wired the black pines and junipers from small plants to large bonsai over decades to create a garden of peace and harmony.  There is a Chinese writing as you enter the back yard and it reads "Welcome to the Funny Canyon Home".
Very calming and beautiful areas to sit and dream the day away.








The Sanders Garden, this Sorrento Hills home underwent a complete remodel of both the front and back yards two years ago It was designed by a local landscape architect, Alison Terry.  The pool was redone using custom tiles made in Sausalito.  The backyard space is maximized for entertainment and minimized for maintenance.  The flower beds are watered underground and utilize an interesting array of drought resistant plants and trees.







This garden was very pretty, but way to sterile for me.  There was one more garden but it was to full of succulents, rocks and gravel, which we were not interested in.  We are all Cottage Garden gardeners.

Crystal had to get home to fix dinner for her family, so my friend Teryl and I went to a little Mexican restaurant that was not a fast food and had some great tacos. Yum Yum.  It's hard to find original Mexican food, made from scratch.

It was a beautiful sunny day with a little breeze, a great day to be out and about on a garden tour.


This is my very large sunflower, notice the color - I didn't plant this - the birds gave me a present.

Hope you enjoyed my tour of these unusual gardens.

We hope that you will leave a comment as we love to read them.

Mary, Waldo and Lili, my little helpers.


Dwellings ~ Amaze Me Monday
      The Dedicated House ~ Make it Pretty Monday        
    Between Naps On The Porch ~ Metamorphosis Monday
A Stroll Thru Life ~ Inspire Me Tuesday
Coastal Charm ~ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style ~ Wow Us Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants ~ What's It Wednesday
No Minimalist Here ~ Open House Party Thursdays
Between Naps on the Porch - Tablescape Thursday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson ~ Share Your Cup Thursday
Thoughts of Home on Thursdays @ At Home With Jemma
My Turn for Us ~ Freedom Fridays Blog Hop
Common Ground ~ Be Inspired Friday
The Thrifty Groove ~ Thrifty Things Friday

45 comments:

  1. Oh, my word! I can't pinpoint anything in particular that doesn't make me swoon! I've never seen a plant or flower I didn't love! I love tours and I give you credit for going on so many in the heat. And never worry about 'kicking your garden to the curb'. I've seen pictures and you have a gorgeous garden. You can see the years and hours you've put into it. I'm still plugging along at mine---too many summers at the lake to really give my front and backyard in the city the love it needs. I think, what didn't I plant a few lilacs years ago? It really is never too late.

    You have energy and drive that makes me smile! And this is a wonderful post...I think I like Nancy Spencer's garden and home the most! And I adore your picture!!!

    Love to you, Mary!

    Jane

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  2. Thanks so much for stopping by Jane. You are so sweet with your comments and I am so glad that you liked my gardens.
    Hoping that you are enjoying your spring and that you flowers are in bloom.
    It;s great hearing from you and so glad you had a terrific time in Canada.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  3. Oh wow, Mary, those gardens are amazing! How fun to be able to tour them all, and get so many great ideas! I think the first one was my favorite. I love the tiered fountain and all of the lush plantings. I would spend all of my time in that pool! I agree with you, the last garden was way too modern and not full and lush as I like. Love the pic of you in the Adirondack chair. I love Mexican food, too! We have lots of good Mexican restaurants in a town near here, not sure how authentic they are, but they are yummy! Thanks for taking us along on the tour:)

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    1. Well I entered a comment and it got lost, so here it goes again.
      Thanks so much for stopping by Donna. I really like the two gardens a lot.
      I am going on one this weekend that I really look forward to. All of the gardens are designed and worked by the home owners, no help from professionals. There are about 38 over a two day period. I picked out 8 on Saturday to attend, hope my hip holds out, I can rest after it is over.

      Love the pictures of Miss Molly and your terrific bathroom WOW.

      Have a wonderful sunny weekend.
      Hugs to you and Molly,
      Mary

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  4. This is wonderful, I love to see actual gardens and not grand palaces maintained by expensive crews. These are so pretty and you can identify with them. I must look into this for next year. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  5. Oh Mary! What a glorious area. I, too, love seeing how "real people" pull off fantastic gardens and I love the ones that are filled with all kinds of flowers and really wonderful touches! This truly shows a lot of work on the part of the gardeners -- and to you, for pulling together such a comprehensive and fun post.

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    1. Thanks Jeanie for your sweet comments. I love the garden tours. You can get so many ideas from them. Sarah's garden she had seeds for people to take. So I just filled up the little baggies and brought some home. We shall see what comes up.

      Have a great sunny weekend.
      Mary

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    2. Thanks Jeanie for your sweet comments. I love the garden tours. You can get so many ideas from them. Sarah's garden she had seeds for people to take. So I just filled up the little baggies and brought some home. We shall see what comes up.

      Have a great sunny weekend.
      Mary

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  6. Hi Mary! Oh, what a treat to go on this garden tour with you! The gardens are gorgeous as well as the patios and porches. I can almost feel the sunshine and fresh air through your snaps! You look so cute sitting in that chair. You do have fun! I love your flower gardens too. Wish you lived close to me so you could help me know what to plant! Have a great week.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. Oh Shelia, I sure wish I could come over and help you with your garden, I would love to do that. Do you have a Gardening Book on your area? It will tell you what to plant and where.

      Be careful with your knee and happy planting.

      Hugs,
      Mary

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  7. Good Morning Mary,
    I have my windows open listening to our sweet backyard birds chirp, while I am enjoying this garden tour with you! Goodness, each of these gardens was a feast for the eyes and and nourishment for the soul. You stay busy and engaged in every aspect of life and adore this quality! Come on over and share your posts with us on every Thursday. We also have a garden party that is still open and runs through Mother's Day.
    I have include the Thursday Link and garden party link if you'd like to join us.

    Happy Gardening Hugs, Mary!
    Jemma
    http://www.athomewithjemma.com/2016/04/thoughts-of-home-on-thursday-12.html#.VyIOWfkguM8

    http://www.athomewithjemma.com/2016/04/garden-party-with-friends.html#.VyIPdfkguM8

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. So glad that you like my garden tour.
      I'm not real savvy on the computer and if I can get your link to work will post.

      I'm off to another tour on Saturday and I am really looking forward to that one.
      I have 8 gardens picked out from Cerritos to Huntington Beach and the weather is going to be perfect, not to hot.

      Enjoy your weekend.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  8. Mary, thanks for taking us along on this garden tour. I love visiting gardens almost as much as home tours.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Sherry. I do love garden tours and home ones. you can come away with so many wonderful ideas.

      Have a great weekend.

      Mary

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  9. Thanks so much for stopping by Sherry. So glad that you enjoyed this garden tour. I am off to another one on Saturday, that will be more exciting as they do all the work themselves. No help from gardening experts.
    Have a great sunny weekend.

    Mary

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  10. Oh Mary, I love tours and garden tours are just the best! I've just had the best time going along with you, what a treat! Each and every one of the gardens were just beyond beautiful! Great post!
    Have a wonderful day!
    Nancy

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    1. Thanks so much Nancy for stopping by. It was a fun tour and the gardens were so pretty. Came home with so many ideas, but will probably not happen. I'm off to another garden tour on Saturday will be over the moon and can hardly wait.

      Have a great sunny weekend.

      Hugs,
      Mary

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  11. This post has been a joy strolling through the gardens in your photo essay Mary. You have captured the beautiful essence of each garden. I know your senses were heightened by the fragrance and flora, but I kept thinking gosh hope Mary's shoes were comfy! I love your unexpected planting of the sun flower - especially the happy color.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  12. Thanks so much for stopping by Vera. I loved the two gardens, the rest not so much. Not my style. Yes, I did have my Rockport shoes on. very comfortable.
    The sunflower is stunning and such a pretty color. I couldn't get over that it was coming up in the center of my giant bird of paradise. I have 10 more sunflower plants coming up, but I don't what color they are. Guess the birds were busy LOL.

    Have a wonderful sunny weekend. I am off to another garden tour on Saturday, if my hip doesn't act up.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  13. Hi Mary, I really enjoyed this post, particularly because all the gardens are on the West Coast and I live on the East Coast! It's interesting to see succulents thriving. Everything was just beautiful and I know you had a great time! Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Janet

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  14. Hi Mary, I so enjoyed going along on this fabulous garden tour. Everything is beautiful and so many inspiring garden ideas. Love your photos. i know you had a great time. Thanks for sharing. Blessings xo

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  15. Hi Mary, thank you for the garden tours! I love seeing different gardens. And don't you dare think your garden should be kicked to the curb or that you're too old to change yours if you desire! My ballet master used to say about dance what I feel could be true for gardening, "it will keep you young and make you old at the same time". :) So, let's keep on keepin' on! Ole!

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  16. Each time that I come to visit you, Mary, I am taken back to my childhood and teen years. They were happy times and each tour that you share through wonderful places in SoCal makes me smile! Thank you for sharing these beautiful gardens. Blessings, Cindy xo

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  17. Garden tours are just the best. You always come away with an idea or two. I'm off to two tours this weekend--one that includes gardens that most likely have more than a little professional care and then the one you mentioned where the garden is cared for by the home owner . It is one of my fear favorites. Did you ever visit the nursery she had in Westminster many years ago -- it was special.

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  18. Replies
    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
      Happy Sunday.
      Mary

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  19. Mary,
    I do l o v e themed Gardens, dear one!
    "Mr. Ed" has helped me work and re~work our Gardens here on the Prairie
    for nearly fourteen years. This year we're making plans for changes to our front lawn.
    Although we live on the Prairie, our ground is clay and our Summers are arid and dry.
    Thank you for sharing these from your Garden Tour!
    I gained some inspiration from each!
    Visiting from The Garden Party!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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    1. Thank you so much Pat for stopping by and leaving such sweet comments. So glad that you liked the garden tours.
      I went on one yesterday and let me tell you they were over the moon. They were drop dead gorgeous. I will be doing a post on them soon.

      Thanks again for stopping by.

      Mary

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  20. Mary- thank you for taking us on this beautiful tour.
    I especially love all of the winding paths and the vintage lawn furniture.
    Thank you for joining us at TOHOT!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Laura. So glad that you liked the garden tours. I love winding paths also.

      Happy Sunday.
      Mary

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  21. I just love garden visits too Mary!
    I always pick up plant ideas and combinations.
    Twisting pathways make it interesting!
    A lovely photo of you in blue?
    Happy May Day.
    Shane

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Shane. So glad you like the garden tour and got some ideas. I went on a tour yesterday and let me tell you they were over the moon. I am still in awe of them. I will do a post soon.

      Happy May day......

      Mary

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  22. Those are lovely gardens, I'm surprised that there's a pool in each of them!

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    1. Thanks Magali for stopping by. Yes, there are many pools in So CA. My friends all have them and they are like fish, always simmming.

      Happy May Day.

      Mary

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  23. Mary, what a fun tour! I agree, cottage garden for me as well. It's fun to see the formal gardens, but I love the randomness of a cottage garden. There were so many beautiful things in these gardens! Love your gift from the birds. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Jann. Yes, I definitely love a cottage garden also. So glad that you liked the tour.

      Have a great week.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  24. What a lovely tour! I am a bit late to the TOHOT party this week due to my college semester finals but I'm so glad that I didn't miss this. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. So glad you stopped by Laura and enjoyed the tour. I posted another one on Monday, stop by and see that one, it was terrific.

      Hope that you did well on your finals and I am sure your glad that they are over.

      Mary

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  25. Hi Mary...It's been ages since I have gone on a garden tour. I enlarged and looked at every single photo in detail. The one thing I saw that I want to do..well..more than one..but one thing is to have a flowerbed around my Crape Myrtle in the front yard. The bird feeders are there and I thought I might plant flowers there to catch the seeds. This drought has been so hard on any of us who love to garden. Cottage gardening...YES! You would laugh at my little sitting area on the front porch..I think I have finally run out of space! :) It's nice to know you are well and out and about.
    Big hugs...take good care.
    Mona

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    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comments Mona. If you think this Garden Tour was good, go to my latest post and see the Mary Lou Heard tour. it was over the moon. We only went to 6 (my friend Teryl, who you met), but over the two days there were 38 gardens.

      So many beautiful gardens and they did all the work themselves.

      Hope your garden is doing well. I am plugging along with mine, but since I hurt my hip, it's so darn hard.

      We need to get together before it gets to hot.

      Hugs and Happy Mothers Day dear Mona.

      Mary

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  26. What a fun post and such gorgeous gardens. I need to check to see if there are any local garden tours. I love looking at other people's gardens.

    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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    1. I went on another Garden Tour on Saturday, Mary Lou Heards on Saturday and Sunday. Carol the were the best I have ever seen. The owners did all the work themselves and they were really stunning. Stop by and see the post.

      Thanks for stopping by Carol. Happy Mothers Day.

      Mary

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  27. You deserve that present:)

    My Mary you have such a life! Good for you..all the gardens..outings:) A lovely life!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and seeing the beautiful gardens.

      Have a wonderful Mothers Day.


      Mary

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