Spending time in the garden

Stefanie Frith

Don’t be afraid to place a bit of parsley next to your roses and

ceramic pig.

This is one thing that Judy Meyer of Fountain Valley learned Saturday

by attending the 12th annual Southern California Spring Garden Show at

South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

“It shows that you shouldn’t be afraid of mixing things,” said Meyer,

admiring a garden designed by Cathy L. Cover Landscape Design with her

mother, Dorothy Engel of Huntington Beach. “It’s just incredible what

they can do with these gardens.”

Meyer and her mother were only two of approximately 80,000 garden

enthusiasts who are expected to attend the garden show, which began

Thursday and ends today in the Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home Wing. The wing

has been transformed into a magical world of lush, green gardens on the

first floor, with plants, tools and more for sale on the second and third

levels.

In addition to the gardens and items for sale, garden experts and

authors have been hosting seminars about recent trends and tips and also

participating in book signings. There are also miniature gardens created

by more than 1,000 Orange and Los Angeles County elementary school

children.

Robert and Susan Ward of Laguna Beach-based Ward Landscape Inc. said

one item of discussion with gardens recently has been the use of

fountains.

“We are living in a busy world, and waterfalls and fountains are

beautiful to look at and they can provide a great break from the traffic

and neighbors,” said Susan Ward, adding that it took 12 hours and eight

men to install her and her husband’s garden display at South Coast Plaza.

“It’s a break from our urban clatter. It can also increase the value of

your home.”

Susan Ward also said that certain plants, like the dodonea, a purple

shrub, are making a comeback, especially with the increase in Tuscan

design in landscaping.

“Plants are like bellbottoms, they go in and out of style,” she said.

Guy and Michelle Bonas of Irvine attended the garden show Saturday as

part of their 24th wedding anniversary celebration. Michelle Bonas said

Guy surprised her, knowing how much she likes to dabble in garden work.

“I have really learned a lot today,” she said, pausing to smell some

white roses in a garden designed by Les Interieurs with Christopher

Taylor. “I think I would like to plant some gardenias so I can have some

nice fragrance in my backyard. Gardening really grows on ya. No pun

intended.”

FYI

The 12th annual Southern California Spring Garden Show will continue

today from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St.,

Costa Mesa. Free. (714) 435-2160.