On public view at the curb is this giant lacewing, made from an old mailbox and various bits of scrap.The eyes are made from a tennis ball, the wings from hardware cloth, and the legs from drip tubing.Tall natural adobe walls surround the property, creating private space and echoing the region’s architectural history.Drought-loving plants outside the gates include a giant beavertail cactus, Jerusalem sage, and an assortment of native and exotic species.Embedded into the sidewalk are four lines of a poem written by Owen in homage to haiku master Basho.Entering the courtyard garden is an experience of change. Plantings turn towards the tropical and the feeling is serene and welcoming.This elegant fountain is the first thing one sees when entering the gate.The first of seven patios on the property is revealed upon looking left from the fountain.The walls and paving are made of adobe. The shutters can be opened to connect the patio with the street.The furniture is made from eastern white cedar. Plantings, while tropical in mood, are water-conserving species from many lands.Mexican weeping bamboo is a key element in the front garden. Sculpture and other art is everywhere.A discarded clay flue pipe becomes a stand for a donkey tail sedum, and hand-carved pumice stone planters hold succulents and other plants.The garage doors are made from salvaged clear redwood. The handles are crafted from the undercarriage parts of old horse-drawn farm equipment from Texas.Here’s a closeup of the door hardware. Each door is different.Outside the library at the back of the property is this patio for one, completely hidden from view and unknown to casual visitors.A large stone landing outside the library doors is reminiscent of the stones used in Japanese teahouses.Owen brought back a number of sculptures from a trip to Asia, including this lovely Thai figure behind the library.Also at the back of the property is this brick patio in the shade of an apricot tree.Comfy wooden seating is enjoyed year-round on the family patio.This columbine takes drought and blooms in shade.Art peeks from everywhere.An inner garden of mixed flowers and food-bearing plants is at the center of the property.The company office is part of the property. Woodwork is redwood that has been charred and wire-brushed for a rustic effect.Seating is everywhere. Each location is a vantage point for a different view of the garden.This intimate space is surrounded by pineapple guavas and New Zealand flax.An antique wash tub becomes a water feature, a crushed piece of farm equipment a piece of art.Winter bloom from a lovely cactus.A park-style barbecue grill and an outdoor burner are part of the patio. Many a fine meal was prepared and enjoyed here.Chincherinchee…a fancy name for a lovely, easy-care bulb.Poppies and Mexican bush sage make a striking pair.Here’s the view of the central garden space from above. The office and library are on the left.Food is everywhere on the property.This buddha, brought back from an Asian trip, watches over the potatoes and asparagus.Several varieties of edible bananas grow in the central garden. They make tons of fruit from rainwater and sunshine.Clusters of potted veggies appear here and there throughout the central garden.Up on the roof is this vegetable garden, growing in mortar mixing trays. A built-in ladder provides access.Here’s a closeup of the very productive food bins on the roof.Not strictly productive perhaps, but very lovely.Muffin and her brother Otis loved spending time in the gardens.
