South Pasadena -- Tony Niven's Garden

This half-acre garden was designed in 1979 by noted landscape architect Ruth Patricia Shellhorn to complement the classic 1930s California Monterey Colonial on the site. Shellhorn used a green and white palette with simple lines in hardscape and plantings. Features include alders, a path of decomposed granite in front of the house, and extensive brickwork. A sitting wall hides an exercise pool, while a raised bed of 'Iceberg' roses draws the eye over the sitting wall to the rear of the property. Espaliered wisteria and magnolia are another feature, while a shaded area transitioning from the front to the back gardens includes a white marble birdbath filled with ivy and bacopa, along with white azaleas and white annuals.

Persons associated with the garden include Ruth Patricia Shellhorn (landscape architect, 1979); Mrs. William Brackenridge (former owner, before 1943); Maria Antonia and William A. Brackenridge, II (former owners, 1943-1975); Maria Antonia Niven [former Mrs. Brackridge, II] (former owner, 1975-2006), and Lillian and Paul Mello (gardeners, before 2006).