One of the highlights of my whirlwind 5 days in Los Angeles this past week was hanging out with designer/TV host Shirley Bovshow, and getting to see her own garden. Not only is it well suited to the Southern California climate, but edibles are incorporated throughout in ways that are totally beautiful. I can’t describe the plants she’s growing – they’re mostly foreign to me in Zone 7 – so I’ll let the photos do the talking. There’s also a video tour of her back yard online, and any suggestions you can give about garden videos, please weigh in with a comment on YouTube.
The amazing "before" photos are right here – don’t miss ‘em! They show that her back yard used to be plain and flat, one big open space with some crappy lawn and not much else. And here’s Shirley’s photo collection with even more before-and-after combos.
This last one is the narrow side yard, which used to be nothing but ivy and the view of a chain-link fence. Now it’s an outdoor kitchen/potting shed/veg garden, with plenty of seating along the walls of the raised beds.
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I saw her garden featured on Garden Rant, but I think your photos really capture it as a whole. What a treat…..Oh, for having endless $$ to spend & a husband willing to spend them. Thanks for the treat!
Hey Susan,
You are super generous with the double pop post on GR and SB! Thanks.
Susie, I checked out your blog and see that you are very close to me. Would love to see you join the APLD group if you are not already a member. We meet for professional enrichment and networking.
I have to say, I didn’t have endless $$ to spend on my landscape- I completed it in 4.5 years using my crew (wholesale), wholesale materials, plants, bartering, free materials etc. I completed a project and invested my earnings from my landscape business since this is now my “design studio” where I bring potential clients if they have not seen my work before. All worth it! My husband was resistant to my investing my earnings this way but now he just smiles and spends every morning before work out in the spa and again before sleeping!!
No complaints.
Susan, what a great post on a beautiful garden. I love the way elements that sometimes feel impersonal and sterile (outdoor kitchens, columns) in this garden are integrated into a warm and vibrant space overflowing with personality. And Shirley’s response above tells me her garden is so inviting not necessarily because she is a professional or invested big bucks, but because she took her time and lavished thought and attention on her project.
P.S. Nice job on the APLD recruiting, Shirley!
Thanks Susan for the nice words. APLD is a wonderful organization. I especially enjoy all the designers in Los Angeles. It is inspiring to meet with other designers and share ideas and business tips.
Shirley Bovshow
Hi Susan, thanks for this wonderful post. Great pictures you got there! Especially the before / after ones are really good. Really motivates every one of us to start planting gardens too. I guess many people let the pressures of urban living rob away the joy of having a garden of their own. Your post is truly inspirational. Hope more people take to gardening!
Great post!
Joost Hoogstrate
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