Tour Gardens of the Arroyo Seco in Los Angeles

By Jodie Carter

The Arroyo Seco, a region from Mount Wilson to the Los Angeles River, is home to some of Pasadena's oldest and most luxurious estates. But beyond the historic architecture and beauty of the homes, the private gardens of Arroyo are just as magnificent and elaborate. The gardens range from a small vegetable plot to a distinguished, bougainvillea-draped villa. This Sunday, April 18, a tour sponsored by the nonprofit Creative Arts Group of Sierra Madre will give the public a chance to visit five private Arroyo gardens that are normally not open to the public.

The gardens of Arroyo are large and elaborate?EUR??,,????'??+which is consistent with the architecture of Pasadena. The largest garden is a one-acre Mediterranean-style landscape full of soothing rows of lavender, rosemary and jasmine surrounded by large oak trees outside a Spanish Colonial revival home designed in 1924 by architect Joseph Kucera.

Other Arroyo gardens are distinguished by balustrade walls, stacked terraces, fountains, patios and border gardens packed with roses, herbs and colorful annuals with plant palettes devised upon the European traditions of Italy and England.

Many of the gardens have been renovated in recent years. On the Yarivs?EUR??,,????'??? estate, large olive and cypress trees were brought in with cranes. A backdrop of mature trees includes camellia, citrus, redwoods and magnolias. The street side upper garden feature classic English elements: a beautiful green lawn, boxwood edging, roses and a delicate statue/fountain by the front entrance.

The self-guided tour starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m and is available at a cost of $25 per person in advance and $30 the day of the event. For more Information, call the Creative Arts Group at (626) 355-8350.

Source: Latimes.com and u.sgvtribune.com