Happy Mother's Day

Another beautiful sunny Southern California day. Here are a few of my favorite photos of our day trip to Gardens of the World, Thousand Oaks, CA.

My Mom and I share a love of horticulture, growing beautiful flowers and gardening, so what a better way than to spend Mother's Day by taking a leisurely walk through the most beautiful gardens located right here in our own backyard of Thousand Oaks, CA.

Gardens of the World, founded by Ed & Lynn Hogan, founders of Pleasant Holidays, decided to build a striking monument to commemorate the various cultures of the world.

Photo at left of the waterfall, the centerpiece of the French Garden.


The French Garden, with the Thousand Oaks Civic Center and the Santa Monica Mountain Ridge in the back ground. The sky is gray from the residual smoke from the Santa Barbara wildfires.

The English Perennial and Rose Garden.

An explosion of color greets the visitor in these gardens with their vivid floral displays.

A little girl in a red dress runs through the rose garden.

My Mom looks so pretty in her hat.
We loved the rose garden.

The California Poppy

Next...
The Italian Garden
A tranquil space for solitude and repose. A place to relax under the grape arbors, view the Italian statues, Cyprus trees, and listen to the relaxing sounds of the chain fountain inspired by historic Italian architecture.

On the way up to the Mission Courtyard.

New friends we met along the garden path. The little boy called out to me, "Hello!" and called his sister over to have their picture taken. So sweet!

The early history of the state of California and its famous Mission Trail can be experienced in the authentic Mission Courtyard. Colorful hand painted murals and a Spanish fountain grace the courtyard, surrounded by olive and citrus trees creating a cool and soothing place to reflect on days gone by.

An unexpected life size chess set greeted us in the rear courtyard.

The California Poppy grows wild all throughout California.

The Japanese Garden
One of my favorite trees.
Purple Leaf Plum.

Giant Bamboo

European Copper Beach.

Red Laceleaf Maple

Set in the midst of a Koi pond, the Japanese Garden, encircled by bamboo and bridges, the Japanese Pagoda is a wonderful place to pause and savor a tranquil moment.

The architectural detail shown here in the interior of the Pagoda is amazing.

The vibrant color is something to behold.
Japanese Maple "Bloodgood".


Who knew all of this is available free to the public?
I thank the Hogan Family for creating these magnificent gardens for the public to enjoy.
For more information and vistitor information, please visit gardensoftheworld.info