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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Toluca Lake Part 1

Today I worked in an area that is not far from where I grew up so I decided to take a drive over there to see if I could get some photographs of the charming sweet homes in this area.  This part of Los Angeles is called Toluca Lake and it really does surround a lake and a very private country club.  I always admired these beautiful homes growing up because I lived on the other side of the boulevard in a little apartment with my mother.  It was always nice to know though that this area was close by.  Maybe that's what sparked my incredible love and appreciation for beautiful homes with lots of curb appeal and detail.  Of course, I have to credit my mother and grandmother too because my mother had a little vegetable garden as far back as I can remember.  If you gave her a square foot of dirt, she would plant something in it.

I wouldn't consider myself a "purple" person although I like a hint of it here and there, but this patch of purple and lavender was so eye catching, I had to snap a couple photos.  Even the ground cover peaking out is purple.
Aren't they gorgeous?  Even though they are nearing the end of the season, they are quite lovely.

This little guy above totally faked me out and then I realized the owner of this house has a similar sense of humor to myself.  This bird looked totally real to me when I first saw it.  That's a golf ball he is trying to abscond with.
How do I love thee, picket fence?  Let's say I never saw one I didn't want to take home with me.  I so wish we had a picket fence, but I would have to move half of my sprinkler system and the mister is not going to go there.  No way, no how.

I am sure the above photo is of climbing New Dawn roses on a split rail fence.  They were exquisite.  The most delicate pink you can find in nature.

Now this homeowner in the above photo was really planning ahead.  His yard is totally drought tolerant.  All those plants are succulents and native California plants.  It looks great with his unusual driveway.  Beautiful planning on his part.  I just could not live without my roses. 

In the photo below, I love the symmetry of the curvy staircases and the front windows with the potted trees.  Very nice.
Please do not forget about our Hot Fun in the Summertime link party.  The party starts at 8:00 eastern time on Thursday.  We would love for you to join us.  You can link up on any of our five blogs and your link will show up on all five.  Just grab the link button on my sidebar and join the fun.

Thanks for stopping by.  The end of summer is nearing, and the flowers are getting sparse, but I do believe California has some of the prettiest gardens in the nation and I'm happy to share a few of them with you.


I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Tutus and Tea Parties       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style         Ivy and Elephants
                                     Faded Charm Cottage       Fine Craft Guild      
Thursdays        Embracing Change     The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    Fishtail Cottage
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    At the Picket Fence     Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Decorating Insanity   Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           It's Overflowing

15 comments:

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

I have always wanted a picket fence, too. There is just something so sweet and inviting about them. You've photographed some lovely gardens!

Anonymous said...

These are lovely photos! The flowers are so pretty! Thank you for sharing these amazing and inspiring gardens. My flowers are fried due to our hot summer!

NanaDiana said...

Beautiful, beautiful homes and gardens. What a wonderful area. Love all the pictures you shared here- xo Diana

Inmaculada said...

Preciosas imágenes.
besos......

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

That first one is gorgeous, Maggie! Very much my style. If we were still in our old house I would have been doing new plantings in the front this year. The back yard was great; I had several hydrangeas and rose bushes throughout. I just loved going out there even if it was for a quick look at the plants. I was able to put three hydrangeas in here around the condo. I'm sure I could fit a rose in somewhere!

Kirby Carespodi said...

That drought-tolerant driveway? Heck yeah! Totally my style...all free-form and whatnot. (Most of my life is 'whatnot.') Our hydrangeas were very early this year because of the mild winter, so they are over and out.

Donna said...

Love those gorgeous hydrangeas! I wish I had better luck with them. I always have fun looking at people's homes, too!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I wish I were able to stroll through those gardens with you, iced tea in hand. Instead of being in this bed after ankle surgery! Thanks for bringing them to me this morning.
Brenda

Bliss said...

Who lives in Bob Hopes old Toluca Lake digs?

~Bliss~

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

You have the most beautiful hydrangeas. What a beautiful garden, loved all your photos!

Jody

chateau chic said...

Your pictures are so beautiful! Lovely gardens.
Thanks for stopping by, Mary Alice

Fishtail Cottage said...

wow - what a pretty garden...that crow cracks me up! thank you for sharing this post over at Fishtail Cottage's garden party! Hydranges are xoox, tracie

Barbara Nimmo said...

One thing I've learned from reading your blog is that sometimes the best way to save money is by finding affordable or even free ways to have a great time, just like you did exploring Toluca Lake. It's a wonderful reminder that you don't always have to spend a fortune to enjoy life and create lasting memories.
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