Barren and blooms

 It's kind of amazing the different approaches people take to their front yards. Some are meticulous gardeners who actually not only know what they're doing, but have curated their areas to perfection. Others seem to ignore their yards completely. On one block in particular, there is the divide between having what looks like a barren wasteland, to having color and joy. While I deplore the number of people who have lawns in an area where water is scarce, having dirt and weeds isn't great either.

The other side has native blossoms...good for bees and adds color without too much work (except for pesky weeds that are hard to eradicate).

Then there are other streets where artistry is a thing, like this parkway that is being revamped.

An interesting mix for animal lovers

One of the many things I love about the surrounding neighborhood is the variety of little surprises encountered on walks. One such example are these two beautiful dogs taking their job of guarding the house seriously. Nearly hidden behind a tall hedge, if you're not paying attention (i.e. being very nosy), you would miss the elegant path to the front door where the dogs are stationed.

Another fun find was this catio someone thoughtfully built so their kitty could enjoy the outdoors without being hurt or preying on hapless birds. The cat is in the lower left corner.

Last, but not least is one of my favorites. This statue of St. Francis is outside a school we pass by from time to time. It's set in a garden the students maintain, which is a great way to teach children to have respect for nature. Just love it.

Don't have to tell me this is passé

Before you get all judgy and point out that using plates as garden bed borders is not considered artistic anymore, allow me to explain. I like FREE. As in, I found these thick plastic sturdy plates being given away free curbside. There were the ovals and the rounds. The rounds have been awesome as plant pot saucers and other garden needs. The ovals were just sitting there...and sitting there in the box waiting to be noticed and loved. Well, they are finally out of prison and being useful because the other freebies ran out. The roof tiles lovingly collected from curbside dumps didn't quite make it to create the border needed for the new plantings of fire sticks against the fence. The original wooden boxes that I built eons ago had finally rotted and the area needed an overhaul. Fine, as long as it cost NOTHING. Introducing, in all it's glory, the new plantings and the border (necessary for water maintenance):

Tiles galore and some are pure genius

People in our neighborhood have suddenly been encouraged to spruce up their properties. Landscapes are becoming more drought tolerant and fire resistant, and some homes have decided to add an artistic flair. As we all know, tiles are a particular decorative device I love. This home has added a touch that wins two thumbs up.

Yesterday, strolling down a street we hadn't walked in years, and coming upon the art from the house that certainly perked up a rather drab stretch (posted yesterday), we also came across a building that could have been as mundane as it gets, but managed to defy banal. The wall is covered in tile that is basically composed of tiny pebbles. Frankly, I'm in awe and it has given me some ideas for when the back wall of my house FINALLY gets done (don't hold your breath). Don't know quite how this was done, but it's a winner.

So many artistic finds

Nellie and I decided to walk down a street we usually avoid. Okay, Nellie wasn't too keen as it is very loud with too much traffic, but we went anyway. Admittedly, it's been a few years and my, how things have changed. New condos being built where small businesses and single family homes once stood. But hiding among the big builds and some sad old buildings are a couple of interesting places. One is a house with absolutely stunning art in the yard and driveway. 

The first thing that enchanted us was this magnificent bull.

 The front door is amazing:

Other than the statues, the artwork is actually made of glass gems. There is a fountain that runs into a little creek of sorts and goes to the driveway of the house. Even the bottom of the creek is made of glass gems.

If you follow the stream, there is an enormous statue of leaping fish, again with a wonderful glass gem base. 

Along the other side of the driveway there are astounding art pieces. Alas, not only would breaking into the locked gate be considered a big no-no, I have a code where I don't trespass, even to get amazing photos. Just take my word for it, this house is an artist's dream.

Being charmed again by garden designs

Nellie and I decided to go down a street we haven't been to in a couple of years. We certainly were not expecting anything new or fanciful. We couldn't have been more wrong. Apparently the word is out that neighbors are trying to one up each other with whimsical decorations. Case in point is this pebble retaining wall with what ceramic faces (in agony?) thrown in. Needless to say, an interesting idea. As always, to get a larger view, click on the picture.

The wall around the roses is more exuberant with more lighthearted decor.

A bit farther down the street is one of my favorite creatures - a bear. Have no idea what the Mardi Gras beads are for and why they are properly around her neck, but love the notion of feeding the bears.

Another bloom bomb

Planting succulents in an arid climate makes so much sense and they provide some surprises with their infrequent, but spectacular blossoms. Case in point:

Closeup of the blossoms:

Then there are the native and near native garden approaches to sustainability. The first example is a gorgeous array of Lantana, which survives almost everything (except me).

Then there is the strictly succulent approach to a garden:

And last, but definitely not least, the native plants approach.