A few weeks ago, a friend invited me to the Paws in the Garden, Garden Tour in the charming historic city of San Juan Capistrano.  I am always up for going to a Garden Tour with friends.

SJC Garden Tour Sign

There were 4 gardens to explore and I couldn’t wait to get started.  Today, you will have a look at 2 of the stunningly unique gardens.

Let’s get started with Paws in the Garden…

House # 1

SJ Garden Tour House 1 - 5

When we first walked up the driveway we were greeted by this beautiful clay pot planted with green plants and white flowers, my favorite combination.  Don’t you love how the plants drip down the side of the pot?

SJ Garden Tour House 1 -1

This backyard reminded me of a beautiful villa in Spain, with graceful sounds of water splashing in the fountain and the pea gravel paths.

SJC Garden Tour House 1- 2

What a perfect place for quiet moments in this lush garden.

SJC Garden Tour House 1 - 3

There were a couple of arches throughout the yard with elegant climbing roses.

SJC Garden Tour House 1 -4

The homeowner was present in her back yard when we were taking our tour, and she told us the yard had been landscaped and is maintained by Rogers Gardens.  If you live in the southern California area and you haven’t been to Rogers Gardens, you must go, you are missing out.  If you don’t live locally do yourself a favor and check out their incredible website here.

House #2

SJC Garden Tour House 2 -1You know you are at the home of an artist as soon as you walk by this charming china plate mosaic mail box.

SJC Garden Tour House 2 -3

Then you are greeted by this topsy turvy clay pot arrangement.  I love how the flowers spill out of the pots on to the next one.

SJC Garden Tour House 2 - 2

How cute is this old laundry tub turned herb garden?  And the markers for the herbs, painted wooden spoons…Genius!

SJC Garden Tour House 2- 9As I walked through the white picket fence into the backyard, I felt like a child.  There was so many wondrous flowers and sculptures my eyes didn’t know where to look first.  I could have spent hours in that yard taking in all the delightfully pieces of art and flowers.

SJ Garden Tour House 2 -2

Be careful where you sit!

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Or sleep!  Talk about a bed of roses…

SJC Garden Tour House 2- 4

The house you are looking at beyond the the enchanting table is the adorable separate cottage suite.SJC Garden Tour House 2 -5

Can’t you just imagine having afternoon tea with all your dearest friends at this lovely table?

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The entire backyard, house, and both cottages {guest suite and artist studio} are all shaded by this impressive tree.  One of the volunteers said it was one of the oldest trees in the city of San Juan Capistrano.

SJC Garden Tour House 2 - 8

Everywhere you looked there was flowers gracing every item.

SJC Garden Tour House 2 - 1

This sitting area was located next to the art studio cottage.  It is a perfect place to sit with a tall ice filled glass of sweet tea or a cocktail in the early evening.

So that is the first two homes…click here for the next two!

How adorable is the name of the tour, “Paws in the Garden” put on by The Ark of San Juan.   The Ark of San Juan is a Companion Animal Rescue, if you are interested in learning more about this awesome organization please click here.

The Ark of San Juan

P.O. Box 117, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693   ~  {949} 388-0034