Today we’re in Altadena Meadows, California, visiting Andrea Donnellan’s beautiful garden. This is a space she created with the designer Arturo Pedroza. He designed the garden and put in the initial plants. That has evolved into a gardening partnership over the years. When her son was small, they put in a lawn and then later converted it to the more water-responsible garden that is there now.
Each year, Andrea scatters wildflower seeds, and the abundant winter rains in California this year have turned the garden into a colorful superbloom.
Sheets of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica, annual) fill the garden with bright orange, complementing the purple flowers of lavender (Lavandula stoechas, Zones 7–9).
The garden’s resident dinosaur is enjoying the superbloom as well.
The poppies are absolutely stunning.
California poppies are native to the west coast of North America, but they thrive as annuals in many gardens. There are selected forms in a wide range of colors, but it is hard to beat the original bright sunny orange.
Andrea first planted African daisy (Osteospermum hybrid, Zones 10–11 or grown as an annual) in front of the house, and now it volunteers along their parkway. In the foreground are the delicate blue flowers of the California native baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii, annual).
A closer look at the African daisy flowers.
Rosea purple iceplant (Drosanthemum floribundum, Zones 10–11) was planted nearly three decades ago and is still adding beautiful color to the hillside.
This water-wise garden includes many natives while also being a really beautiful space.
Have a garden you’d like to share?
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Buffalo-Style Gardens: Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Comments
Talk about a Garden of Eden ... Absolutely stunning . Nice job!
Gorgeous!!!! The T-Rex adds so much fun and flare!!!
T-Rex overseeing his Kingdom of wildflowers and the magnificent colors of the surrounding perennials. A true pollinator's paradise and child's imagination. playground! I'm still grinning with joy. Thank you for a lovely start to my day!
Glorious!!!! Hope T-Rex doesn't trample too many blooms!
Fantastic garden - really enjoyed the chance to see your space!
Okay, magnificent flowers and a dinosaur? So amazing. So inspiring. So Jurassic. Love it!
Beautiful, and I love those California poppies!
The image of the dinosaur in the garden and territorial io become harmonious and beautiful.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in