Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]

A high-angle view shows a large, multi-layered decorative floral display in the center of a brightly lit mall atrium. The centerpiece is a tall, branch-like structure covered in numerous pink and purple flowers. Integrated into the arrangement are various animal figurines, including white swans at the base, deer on a middle branch, and a blue bird in flight. The bottom of the display contains dense green plants and clusters of colorful flowers within a circular area enclosed by gold-colored railings. People walk across the tiled floor around the exhibit, with mall storefronts visible on the levels above.

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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

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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

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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.

Ikebana Display. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]

A photograph of an alcove with dark wood framing and a light-colored back wall. On the left, a floral arrangement with long, thin green leaves and dark reddish-brown flowers is in a patterned cylindrical pot resting on a small wooden base. To the right, a light-colored vertical hanging scroll is suspended from a single cord, featuring a small central image with red and black details. The floor of the alcove is covered in a light-colored, textured mat. A dark, textured wooden pillar is partially visible on the far left edge.

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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

In the garden: Hibiscus Closeup – B&W and Color [Photography]

A black and white close-up photograph of large, textured flower petals. The petals, occupying the bottom and right side of the frame, feature prominent veins and deep folds. High-contrast lighting highlights the ridges and creases across the petal surfaces. The background is dark and out of focus, containing a few small, blurred white highlights. A dark, blurry texture is visible in the lower-left corner.

A close-up photograph of bright yellow petals. The petals feature a wrinkled, highly textured surface with visible fine veins. These petals dominate the foreground on the left and right sides of the frame. The background is dark and out of focus, containing small, blurry green leaves and stems. Bright light illuminates the texture of the yellow petals, creating a high contrast with the dark background.

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

Miller garden 3.

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

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

An outdoor scene features a large, green-colored pond surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the foreground, a wide area is covered with smooth, dark, rounded stones, accompanied by a small green bush and a stone lantern on the left. Two people stand near the water's edge on the left side of the pond. To the right, a wooden deck with a railing extends over the water, shaded by several large patio umbrellas. Tall trees and dense foliage fill the background under a bright sky with light clouds.

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

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

Miller garden 1.

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

Azalea Flowers. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]

Azalea miller garden.

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