Pasadena -- Judith and Stephen McDonald Garden

The Judith and Stephen McDonald Garden is located on the lip of the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena, California. Established between 1937 and 1938, the half-acre property was designed by Florence Yoch and partner Lucile Council that married the classical formality of traditional European garden design with the informality and wildness of the typical Southern California garden. The current owners purchased the property in 2011, with most of the original garden in good condition.

As is typical in Southern California, the garden is organized to take advantage of the outdoor living which is possible year-round. The home is approached through an arched gate, providing a view of a brick-lined path trimmed with a low boxwood hedge, enclosing a fountain. Sally Holmes roses climb the chimney. The U-shaped home embraces a wisteria draped pergola over a brick dining and entertaining patio. Seating and dining areas are furnished with wrought iron furniture. From this vantage point, one can see across an expansive lawn to a curvaceous pool. Beyond the pool, at the northern end of the property, is another wisteria covered dining patio, which features Chippendale-style teak furniture and a wall fountain. A charming pool house, covered with Cecile Brunner roses, sits next to this pergola dining patio. A brick-lined path circles the lawn and pool, connecting the two patio areas, and is surrounded by mature trees and plantings. The garden features plantings of clivia, oak leaf hydrangea, roses, pelargonium, and gardenia. A variety of mature trees including deodar cedar, Japanese maple, orange, oak, and crape myrtle provide shade and enclosure. Ornamental features include two fountains, a birdbath, and a whimsical oversized stone mushroom.

The cottage-style home, designed by local architect William Sutherland McCay in 1937, is situated at the southern end of the property.

The cottage-style home, designed by local architect William Sutherland McCay in 1937, is situated at the southern end of the property.

Persons associated with the garden design include: Florence Yoch (landscape architect, 1937-1938), Lucile Council (partner of Florence Yoch, 1937-1938).