Spring has sprung in Southern California, and with it comes the vibrant burst of color and fragrance in private gardens around L.A. As the orange California poppies bloom, garden tours open the gates to hidden gems usually concealed from the public eye. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore landscapes devoted to California native plants, historic ornamental decor, and innovative outdoor living spaces designed for relaxation and enjoyment.
Gone are the days of traditional landscapes of yore, with cookie-cutter lawns and nondescript shrubs. Instead, these private gardens are works of art that blend unusual flowers, shrubs, and trees into elaborate tapestries of scent, comfort, and color. These are places that beckon visitors to wander and discover, offering a therapeutic escape for both the owners and those who are lucky enough to visit.
One such gardener, Lori Basheda, found solace and inspiration in her Long Beach cottage garden, which is a highlight on the annual Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour. Basheda’s journey into gardening began with a barren yard filled with mundane hedges, but through hard work and dedication, she transformed it into a haven of old-fashioned romantic blooms. Her garden, a tangle of sweet-smelling flowers, serves as a creative outlet and a source of joy for both herself and the community.
The Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour, along with many others, not only showcases these stunning private gardens but also supports community causes. Mary Lou Heard, the founder of the tour, dedicated her life to promoting unusual cottage garden plants and supporting women and children in crisis. Today, her legacy lives on through the tour, which raises funds for the Sheepfold, a shelter in Tustin.
As spring unfolds, a plethora of garden tours await eager visitors. From the Riverside-San Bernardino chapter of the California Native Plant Society’s Spring Native Garden Ramble to the Theodore Payne Foundation Native Plant Garden Tour, there are endless opportunities to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. Each tour offers a unique perspective on gardening, from innovative lawn-to-garden conversions to lush displays of California native plants.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, these tours are more than just a feast for the eyes—they’re a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring beauty of nature. So, grab your hat and sunscreen, and embark on a journey through some of the most beautiful private gardens in and around L.A. Who knows, you might just find a spark of inspiration to create your own garden oasis.
