CAG’s Art of the Garden – A Tour of Enchantment

Press Release posted 4/8/13 – Garden lovers be prepared for a day of enchantment as the Creative Arts Group presents ART OF THE GARDEN, a garden tour on April 21, 2013 that will be a day to remember for all who participate and experience four truly magnificent gardens.

Nature retreat

Although this home is situated in the heart of Pasadena, it has the feel of a secluded getaway complete with a natural spring and a multitude of migratory birds. Designed by Doug Ewing, of Ewing Architects, this home with its light and airy Progressive Arts and Crafts style, fully embraces its natural surroundings.

English Arts and Crafts Styled Estate

An English Arts and Craft estate built by Henry Huntington’s grandson, Edwards Huntington Metcalf, for his young bride in 1934 was purchased by the current owners who began a much needed restoration in 1992.  Roses were a natural selection for a garden with such English roots, and this landscape boasts an astonishing selection with 170 hybrid Teas, climbers, miniature and tree roses in the front garden alone.

Strolling past the “Birdhouse Garden” on the way to the rear yard, guests are treated to a beautiful fountain beneath Bay Laurel and Cassia trees. Continuing on, an exquisite view of expansive lawn, rare varieties of plants, pool, spa, pavilion, and outdoor Barbeque areas await. Near the back porch are a variety of herbs and vegetables with easy access to the kitchen and the custom-designed mini green house, tool shed and potting bench.

Spanish Revival Estate

This 1920s Spanish Revival boasts lovely covered terraces, patios, fountains and a charming casita designed by Architect Ron Ettinger. When the present owners purchased the property, the rear yard was a steep hillside with little useable space. Landscape designer, Rick Button, solved the problem by calling for a retaining wall with deep pylons to add much needed square footage to the property. Several large Fan Palm trees were craned onto the estate. Dimmick stone, fabricated on site, is used throughout. Citrus trees and herbs abound in the outdoor kitchen garden along with Mutabilis and Joseph’s Coat climbing roses. Beautiful varieties of geraniums can be found throughout the estate in pots and in the ground.

Italianate Estate

Purchased by the current owners in 2007, the grounds of this unique home believed to be designed by Silvanus Marston have gone through a major transformation to meet the needs of the active family who lives here. The driveway and garage access was moved from the side street to the south side of the house opening up room for the park-like rear garden. The hedged front yard features a concrete and pebble circular drive. New walls and gates take cues from the formal architectural lines. In the rear garden a new covered terrace creates livable space for the upstairs bedrooms as well as a beautiful tile-floored dining and lounge space off the dining room and kitchen. The garden design made room for a grand pool and spa featuring handmade decorative Lescaux tiles. The cabana structure, anchored by Umbrella plants and Agave attenuata features a fireplace, outdoor kitchen and lounge area making poolside living a dream.

Designed by Nord Eriksson of EPT Design, the gardens were conceived to appear as though they were laid out in the 1920’s while, at the same time, reflecting the Owner’s eclectic taste and joyous spirit. A large central lawn, often the scene of impromptu soccer or football matches is surrounded by beds featuring succulents, Italian cypress, Yucca and Dracaenas, Olives, mature Coast Live Oaks, and profuse Bougainvillea.

The “Art of the Garden” Tour is held Sunday, April 21^st, from 10:30am to 4:30pm. To purchase tickets or for more information, call Creative Arts Group at 626-355-8350 or visit the office & gallery at 108 N. Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre.  Tickets are $25 in advance & $30 if purchased the day of the event. All funds are used to support CAG’s educational & community-service programs.