Secret Garden Tour Photos
Sunshine and beautiful flowers greeted guests at the 2013 Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla.
I hope you were among the happy people who experienced the Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla on Saturday. It was a glorious event – made even better by perfect weather.
The gardens were clipped, weeded, and groomed to perfection – and so beautiful that I can’t resist sharing some photos.
In addition to outdoor attractions, guests were able to walk through the houses and admire a wide variety of interior décor styles. I wasn’t the only one taking notes and pictures for future reference.
The homes on the tour ranged from traditional to contemporary and included one in the Tudor style, another designed by a beloved 1930’s La Jolla architect, and another with a glass and steel conservatory.
In keeping with Secret Garden Tour tradition, musicians performed in each garden and artists painted their favorite spot.
Artist Scottie Brown painted at house #4 on the 2013 Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla.
As much as I enjoyed the music and in-progress paintings, this year it was the tabletop designs that took my breath away. I never cease to be amazed at the talented people who live in our community. In one case, the homeowner is a designer and created the vibrant arrangements that complemented the flowers in her garden. Can you even imagine getting your house, your garden, and several spectacular centerpieces ready all at the same time? Does this woman never sleep?
This stunning arrangement of pin cushion protea, roses, lamb’s ear, orchids, dusty miller and more took my breath away.
This year none of the homes offered ocean views, but three had beautiful swimming pools and all provided innovative ideas for outdoor living. Sitting areas around fireplaces? Yep. Al fresco kitchens? You bet. Wedding lawns? One beautiful one. Indoor-outdoor rooms? One of the best examples I’ve ever seen. My husband and I spent hours Saturday night trying to figure out how we could create an indoor-outdoor space of our own. I’m also determined to find a place for a vertical garden.
So cheers to the army of volunteers who made it all possible. The Secret Garden Tour is a fundraiser for the La Jolla Historical Society and a perennial favorite of San Diegans. If you weren’t able to join us this year – mark your calendar for May 17, 2014.
Save the date: Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla, May 17, 2014.
Category: annual events, unique to La Jolla
About the Author (Author Profile)
I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer, so in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla - and the rest of San Diego - as a travel destination. And what I see sometimes drives me batty. People vacation in La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers, so I decided to start this blog and provide insider advice for out-of-towners. Hey. I figure if I can write insider tips about exotic destinations on Authentic Luxury Travel, I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door. In the process, I'm having fun revisiting my favorite places and discovering some new ones. Travel writers are naturally snoopy, and this blog is my excuse to have a good ol' sticky beak around my home town. I hope you find it helpful. If you are coming to La Jolla or another area of San Diego and would like my help in planning your trip, please read "Need Help Planning Your Trip" and then email me at ehansen298@aol.com. Elizabeth HansenSubscribe
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What an inspiring comment and pictures! That must have been an awsome day!