DAW – AAUW 2023 Garden Tour
Garden 1:
Unbridled Meadow
Please click here for detailed description by the garden owner
The owner’s gradual conversion from lawn to exuberant natural plantings was created with Dutch designer Piet Oudolf’s famous meadows in mind. A fragrant rose garden provides a welcoming entrance through the back gate, and then segues into a Mediterranean region. This large and charming section contains a colorful and lively mix of California natives along with a variety of shrubs and perennials well suited to our Bay Area Mediterranean climate. The plant selection is especially creative and interesting. Vegetable beds adjoin the patio and a bubbling rock fountain hosts birds while providing a soothing background.
At this Location: Handmade quilt display and raffle for special scholarship.
Parking: On one side only of Glendora Circle at the home on a long curve. Additional parking on Bonanza (about 1 block north). Please observe no parking notices and do not block driveways for disabled access.
Walkability: level with some steppingstones. Wheelchair accessible.
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Garden 2:
Sanctuary for Nature and Neighborhood
Please click here for detailed description by the garden designer
The spirit of nature prevails here with the owners’ desire to share their garden with wildlife. A gradual renovation project included removing lawn and incorporating modern sustainable plantings such as Acacia “Cousin It”. Other unique grasses, shrubs and trees provide colorful delight throughout the year. The garden offers up fragrance, motion and habitat for pollinators and birds. A prominent focal point waterfall entices all of nature’s creatures to linger and enjoy. Natural paths meander among fountains for birds and plants such as the unique Michelia shrub. Ask about the “covid gate “and cozy dining nook that buoyed the neighborhood during the pandemic.
At this Location: Inspiring Basket Raffle $10/ticket available on site. Cyndi’s Homemade Treats.
Parking: Easy street parking.
Walkability: Level. Slight decline at exit gate. Wheelchair accessible.
Restroom: Available.
Garden Design: Bill Williams – Spirit Space
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Garden 3:
Family Friendly Fun
Please click here for detailed description by the garden owner
This garden and patio design is in keeping with the Victorian nature of the home and surrounding neighborhood with its lovely and intricate gingerbread gables. A special treat is the collection of numerous beautiful specimens of stalactites and stalagmites from the caves of China, artfully embedded throughout the gardens. The spacious park-like back garden is perfect to accommodate large groups, from charity events to family gatherings. The owners helped design this garden from a blank canvas over 30 years ago, which included a circular walkway for easy gardening access and events like a children Halloween parade, and a lovely gazebo, perfect for their daughter’s recent wedding.
At this Location: Refreshments on the patio.
Parking: Easy street parking.
Walkability: Level. Wheelchair accessible.
Restroom: available.
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Garden 4:
Collector’s Cottage Garden
Please click here for detailed description by the garden owner
The stunning transformation of this garden from lawn and dirt to artful and amazing, starts with an appealing dry riverbed outside the fence. Visitors entering near the garage are greeted by a white Chinese Wisteria, followed by a 50-year-old Japanese Wisteria with flowering racemes as long as three feet. The renewal design retained the best of previously existing shrubs, including the owner’s collection of rare camellia hybrids and intricate modern trellis work. Photos of winter blooming specimens will allow viewing of the collection. Terracing to the right of the optional exit gate was arranged to harness the slope and deliver generous space for modern waterwise plantings.
At this Location: A Garden Art Raffle, and Membership information for AAUW
Parking: Easy street parking up to the house, along Love Lane only. Do not turn into Love Lane continuation on the side of the home due to inadequate turnaround opportunity.
Walkability: Level except for a few steps at back garden gate exit, optional. Wheelchair not possible.
Garden Design: Bill Williams – Spirit Space
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Garden 5:
Garden of Delights
This modern Tuscan oasis situated on two and a half acres atop a high knoll presents unforgettable views of Mt. Diablo and the Valley. Each plant in this inspired design was carefully chosen to thrive and show off its neighbors. A stunning personally chosen collection of rare natural rock, positioned throughout, enhances the vibrant plant canopy. Visitors will relish the breathtaking views over the infinity pool on the back patio. An optional climb to the highest vantagepoint is worth the steps for the panorama and some unusual plantings, such as Lotus bertthelotii, flourishing there.
At this Location: Artist Sharon Cohune will be painting plein air.
Parking: Easy street parking along Golden Meadow Dr. and Golden Meadow Place. Take our shuttle to the home from the turnaround. No direct driving access.
Walkability: Level. Optional steps up a moderate hill with no handrail. Wheelchair not possible.
Garden design: Linda Reeve, Eden Landscaping, fine garden design