The Gardens at Showcase House are a spectacle

By Susan Motander
One lovely secret of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts is that visiting the gardens is absolutely free.  Park at the Rose Bowl Lot I parking (for free), take the shuttle bus (for free) and wander through the gardens (for free).  Of course, the organization will not mind at all if you stop for a little lunch in the restaurant or at the grab ‘n go pub, or if you do a little shopping in the Showcase Shops (remember 25% of what you spend is a tax deductable donation- so save those receipts).  And what lovely gardens they are this year.
The gardens at this, the 50th Showcase House in the group’s 65-year history are especially delightful for an easy stroll.  They range from a formal, balanced entry garden by Gary Fishbeck in front of the house, to a multi-level terraced garden in the rear (Karen Miller) to a quiet spring house with a stream and pond (designed by Steve Sandalis of Mystic Water Gardens). 
As is usual at the Showcase House, there is a pool.  This year the design is by Pacific Outdoor Living.  Rather than updating a badly outdated old pool, the company completely replaced it with a pool of a whole new design and the addition of a spa and a fire pit.  The fun part is the pool can be controlled from a smart phone (image being stuck in traffic on your way home and being able to start heating up your spa even before you arrive home).
If outdoor living is your preference, Jan Ledgard of Yorkshire Kitchens has added an outdoor kitchen (complete with a television set) outfitted with Al Fresco appliances.  She has even added a vegetable garden in addition to tucking a few veggies in among the annuals in the flower garden.
For those who prefer simple meditation and a calming spot there is a lily pond with goldfish (no these are not young koi) and red minnows.  The designer here, Jon Rasmussen, has two creative solutions to backyard pond problems: the pond’s filter is in the large fountain pot in the center of the pond and there is a motion sensing water spray to deter those pesky raccoons (don’ t worry it is turned off during the hours showcase is open so you won’t be soaked).
For the orchid lovers in this world there are two houses – a glass enclosed greenhouse and a breezy lath house).  Delores Kroop even solved the problems of ugly florescent lights.  She had created balsa wood and handmade paper shades that enclose the fixtures. 
For those concerned about the sustainability of the garden, FormLA’s Kirk and Cassie Aoyagi have put a bioswale to deal with water runoff.  As always their garden features drought tolerant and native plants.  And there is almost always someone on hand in their garden to answer questions.
Speaking of asking questions, there are docent lead tours of the gardens every day Showcase House is open.  These tours are given at 10:30 and 1:30 each day, and yes, they are also free.  Think of what a charming Mother’s Day outing a tour through the gardens would be, topped up with lunch or a snack at Showcase, and (if you forgot a gift for Mom) a bit of shopping in the Showcase Shops. 
Most people will never own a giant mansion or an estate of 3.5 acres, but the small ideas garnered at Showcase can be applied in any home.  This is especially true of the garden concepts.  Those light fixtures in the greenhouse look doable, and the garden markers in Jan’s vegetable garden, anyone can make (look closely, this idea alone is worth the trip to showcase).
Another great idea that most people forget is that showcase is open late three days a week and therefore a great after work spot.  Rather than crawling home in bumper to bumper traffic on Fridaynight, why not park at the Rose Bowl and take that free shuttle to the Showcase House to enjoy a little glass of wine in the pub and relax while taking in the garden.  Or stroll through the gardens to appreciate the lighting added by the designers to highlight various garden features.  The gardens take one a whole new aspect at dusk and in the early evening.  Showcase House is open until 9 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings (the last house tour is set for 7:30 p.m.). 
For more information about Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, go to the group’s wedsite: pasadenashowcase.org

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