Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]

A large, vertical floral and wildlife sculpture stands in the center of a multi-level, brightly lit shopping atrium. The centerpiece features a tree- tree-like structure with branches covered in clusters of pinkish-purple flowers and white spherical blossoms, accented by figurines of birds in flight and a deer. Below the branches, animal figures like squirrels are nestled among mossy surfaces alongside patches of yellow wildflowers and green ferns. The base of the installation is a large, textured brown mound surrounded by dense greenery and more yellow flowers. In the background, multiple curved balconies of the mall are visible under a blue dome ceiling, with people walking along the lower levels behind a gold-colored railing.

“Welcome to the California ‘Room’ Garden where there is no clear boundary between garden and room, no enclosed wall, no barrier – just a seamless transition that makes you feel relaxed and at ease while your field of vision fills with an intimate, meditative landscape. The composition is restrained, but never empty — every element feels intentional. This is a garden you don’t just visit – you live with. Designed by Saddleback College.”

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Kalanchoe, Idyllwild Gardens, Idyllwild, California [Photography]

A close-up, shallow depth-of-field shot focusing on an arrangement of potted succulents. On the left, a Kalanchoe tomentosa (panda plant) features thick, vertical leaves covered in soft, fuzzy, silvery-grey hairs. To its right sits a rosette-shaped succulent with smooth, fleshy, pale blue-green leaves tinged with a hint of pink at the sharp tips. Behind it, a dark reddish-purple succulent rosette provides contrast. In the softly blurred background, a weathered galvanized metal watering can and hints of outdoor garden foliage are visible.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Lake and Bridge View, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]

Bridge miller.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Dedicated in April 1981, the 1.3 acre garden was built through the generosity of Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller. Following three years of planning, in cooperation with California State University Long Beach, landscape architect Edward R. Lovell was chosen to oversee its creation. The resulting garden reflects the university’s continued interest in international education, student and community engagement, as well as the Miller’s interests in nature and wellness.  The university is delighted to share this educational, cultural, and aesthetic resource with you. – CSULB

Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]

A close-up photograph features a dense cluster of vibrant blue flowers. These small blossoms have deep indigo petals and are mixed with dark, unopened buds on thin green stems. Green foliage of various sizes and shapes surrounds the flowers. In the background, there is a blurred wall of green leaves and a vertical wooden post with a small white label. The entire scene is composed of overlapping layers of blue and green elements.

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Boho Book Nook, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]

A vertical, high-angle shot of an elaborate backyard-themed indoor display inside a shopping mall. In the foreground, a modern, woven white wicker chair sits on a patch of artificial green grass, facing away from the camera toward a cozy wooden structure. To the left of the chair is a rusted spherical metal fire pit with a lit candle inside.
The centerpiece is a dark-stained wooden shed or cabana with an open front, arranged like an outdoor living room. Inside, a cream-colored sofa is styled with several floral and textured throw pillows under a glowing, pleated pendant light. An acoustic guitar rests on a stand in front of the cabana next to a gravel path. The display is lushly landscaped with potted trees, green shrubs, and small flowers in large white textured planters, all bordered by dark mulch and a wooden frame on a tiled mall walkway.

“A boho-inspired reading retreat featuring a raised deck with a cozy daybed, angled design lines, and a sculptural moon window. Warm textures, lush greenery, tranquil water and fire features create an inviting outdoor book nook perfect for relaxing, daydreaming and finishing that favorite chapter. Designed By Urban Ecology & Studio”

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Idyllwild Gardens View, Idyllwild, California [Photography]

A vertical, eye-level shot looking down a woodchip-covered path inside an outdoor plant nursery or garden center. The path is framed by an open wooden beam structure overhead, from which several colorful, translucent glass bead rain chains and rustic metal bells hang down into the foreground. String lights are also woven across the wooden rafters.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Azaleas, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]

Azalea miller.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Dedicated in April 1981, the 1.3 acre garden was built through the generosity of Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller. Following three years of planning, in cooperation with California State University Long Beach, landscape architect Edward R. Lovell was chosen to oversee its creation. The resulting garden reflects the university’s continued interest in international education, student and community engagement, as well as the Miller’s interests in nature and wellness.  The university is delighted to share this educational, cultural, and aesthetic resource with you. – CSULB

Nurtured by Spring Floral Display, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]

An elaborate, large-scale floral and animal display is positioned in a multi-level indoor shopping mall. In the foreground, two white swans are nestled among lush green ferns, broad leaves, and various flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and orange. The display ascends with a tree-li tree-like structure containing fox figurines and a deer at the top, alongside more colorful blooms.

“Welcome to the California ‘Room’ Garden where there is no clear boundary between garden and room, no enclosed wall, no barrier – just a seamless transition that makes you feel relaxed and at ease while your field of vision fills with an intimate, meditative landscape. The composition is restrained, but never empty — every element feels intentional. This is a garden you don’t just visit – you live with. Designed by Saddleback College.”

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]

A detailed close-up shot of a rustic, dark-stained wooden shed-like structure featured in an indoor display. The structure is constructed from horizontal wooden planks and features open windows and integrated shelving units filled with decorative items.

“Welcome to the California ‘Room’ Garden where there is no clear boundary between garden and room, no enclosed wall, no barrier – just a seamless transition that makes you feel relaxed and at ease while your field of vision fills with an intimate, meditative landscape. The composition is restrained, but never empty — every element feels intentional. This is a garden you don’t just visit – you live with. Designed by Saddleback College.”

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

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