Altadena Homes Will be on Theodore Payne Native Garden Tour

Two gardens from Altadena will be on this year's version of an annual tour of gardens with native landscaping that highlights homes across Los Angeles County.

The 9th Annual Theodore Payne Native Garden Tour includes 37 homes across the county, including 12 in the San Gabriel Valley, all from actual homeowners who either planted their garden or had it done by landscape designers.  The tour will take place on April 14 and 15, and tickets are $25.

The group describes the tour as a way to "celebrate the beauty of California native plants, smart landscape practices and the natural heritage of our region."  More than 1,000 people are expected to do the tour this year, according to a release from the group.

The first Altadena garden, at the Hessing/Bonfigli home, is seven-years-old, about 6,000 square feet, and is described by the group as  having a "winding path, gabion wall, and rammed-earth bench nestled below a century-old coast live oak."

The second garden, at the DelFosse/Gounley home, is described as follows:

In lieu of lawn and liquidambar tree, these homeowners opted for a low-water front garden with dry streambed, a “hidden” fountain and colorful native plants. The once-sterile landscape, first planted 2006, now offers seasonal interest and water and food for native birds (especially hummers), butterflies and lizards. Owner designed. 

Photos of both gardens can be viewed at right.

To see photos of and learn more about gardens from Altadena that were featured last year, check out the below links: