green thumb awards
2022 spring
23007 Evalyn
Doug and Miriam Macmillan: Doug and Miriam Macmillan have lived in their home for 21 years. They emigrated from New Zealand with 2 children under two years of age to set up a business in Torrance. In planning their landscape, the MacMillan’s collaborated with Compass Landscape and Construction Inc. Low water tolerance was the driving criteria for choosing succulents along with waterwise perennials and shrubs. The family grows New Zealand flaxes of which there are many in Southern California to choose from. You will see several flowering trees which are favorites of Hummingbirds, and Milkweed is grown to help the Monarch butterfly maintain a healthy population. The Macmillan’s tried growing grapes and lemon trees, but they did not thrive. There are plans to add more succulents and swap out the bark for colored scoria. A gardener comes every 2 weeks to help with the maintenance and the owners do some weeding.
The family enjoys entertaining in the back yard where you will find an above-ground spa tucked into a corner for privacy, a Zen garden, a small area of grass and a barbeque. Solar powered LED’s are hung in trees and throughout the garden and there are security lights on the property. Unique about this home: “We’ve disconnected from the gas company and are fully electric. We installed a Tesla solar roof with 2 batteries and generate more power than we use, and we have not had a power outage since we first installed solar+battery in 2015. For the 6 summer months the roof makes enough to power three similar neighborhood houses.”
Doug and Miriam Macmillan: Doug and Miriam Macmillan have lived in their home for 21 years. They emigrated from New Zealand with 2 children under two years of age to set up a business in Torrance. In planning their landscape, the MacMillan’s collaborated with Compass Landscape and Construction Inc. Low water tolerance was the driving criteria for choosing succulents along with waterwise perennials and shrubs. The family grows New Zealand flaxes of which there are many in Southern California to choose from. You will see several flowering trees which are favorites of Hummingbirds, and Milkweed is grown to help the Monarch butterfly maintain a healthy population. The Macmillan’s tried growing grapes and lemon trees, but they did not thrive. There are plans to add more succulents and swap out the bark for colored scoria. A gardener comes every 2 weeks to help with the maintenance and the owners do some weeding.
The family enjoys entertaining in the back yard where you will find an above-ground spa tucked into a corner for privacy, a Zen garden, a small area of grass and a barbeque. Solar powered LED’s are hung in trees and throughout the garden and there are security lights on the property. Unique about this home: “We’ve disconnected from the gas company and are fully electric. We installed a Tesla solar roof with 2 batteries and generate more power than we use, and we have not had a power outage since we first installed solar+battery in 2015. For the 6 summer months the roof makes enough to power three similar neighborhood houses.”
22303 Charlotte Drive
Perry and Kathy Diangelo: Perry and Kathy Diangelo have lived in their home for 9 years. They are both from the South Bay, with Kathy raised in South Torrance. Their first home was in old Torrance in 1990 where they raised three children. Perry is a builder of family residences in the area and among many resources he has access to, is an outstanding landscaper. Kathy says: “You could say I had a little help in designing but I did have certain plants that I desired.” A plan was implemented to create a beautiful flow of plant material featuring seasonal perennials and California native water wise shrubs with color during different seasons. Interspersed are pots displaying seasonal color. Perry did all the hard-scape and Garden Builders did the design and installation. To maintain their landscaping, they have a weekly gardener and do some of the work themselves. Landscape lighting includes lighting on steps in front and backyard area. Their front porch gets a lot of sun early mornings, so a sunshade was installed to provide comfort. The family enjoys barbecues and birthday celebrations in the back yard. Kathy’s favorite time “is sitting on my front porch on a Saturday morning drinking my coffee watching the hummingbirds feed off the plants.” Doesn’t’ that sound idyllic?
2021 Summer
5020 Mindora Drive
Gil and Rebecca Lenhard: The owners of 5020 Mindora Drive have lived in their home for 17 years. They did all the design of the garden and most of the installation themselves.
The lot is very large and has a big backyard lawn which needs lots of maintenance and irrigation, so they decided to completely eliminate their front lawn and turn it info a water-wise environment. They kept the Robellini palm already there as a focus point and added two more to balance the space and thereby create a tropical look. They wanted year-round color and various heights of plantings and that concept is what guided their choice of plant material which they spent many hours researching. In addition, they added a flagstone walkway and a few retaining wall planters as well as a decomposed granite path with flagstone border. Low voltage lighting was installed in the yard and easement with spotlights on the palms and pathway lights.
The homeowners do all the maintenance themselves as it is a hobby of theirs and use their back yard for relaxing, entertaining and lawn games so the front yard is mainly for visual appeal. The benefit of the plant selections is a lively habitat of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Gil and Rebecca Lenhard: The owners of 5020 Mindora Drive have lived in their home for 17 years. They did all the design of the garden and most of the installation themselves.
The lot is very large and has a big backyard lawn which needs lots of maintenance and irrigation, so they decided to completely eliminate their front lawn and turn it info a water-wise environment. They kept the Robellini palm already there as a focus point and added two more to balance the space and thereby create a tropical look. They wanted year-round color and various heights of plantings and that concept is what guided their choice of plant material which they spent many hours researching. In addition, they added a flagstone walkway and a few retaining wall planters as well as a decomposed granite path with flagstone border. Low voltage lighting was installed in the yard and easement with spotlights on the palms and pathway lights.
The homeowners do all the maintenance themselves as it is a hobby of theirs and use their back yard for relaxing, entertaining and lawn games so the front yard is mainly for visual appeal. The benefit of the plant selections is a lively habitat of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
23151 Doris Way
Nick Villa has lived in the home for 30 years. The owner’s brother did the design and installation of the garden. The owner does some of the maintenance himself and has a gardener who with the help of his sister adds seasonal color.
The family uses their outdoor space for entertaining family and friends and relaxing. There is a pool in the back yard but no other water features. Both the front and back yard have nighttime lighting.
2021 Spring
We are excited to present to you two winners whose landscapes both
evolved over the years and were planned by the homeowners themselves.
4826 Milne Drive
Brian and Suzanne Anderson have lived in Seaside since 1993. The landscape was entirely overgrown grass and since then, it has received a complete overhaul. The homeowner did the entire design of the current landscape himself in stages and with various areas for activities such as lawn area for kids and pets out front, a patio in back for entertaining with gas fireplace, a koi pond, and a waterfall. All areas are surrounded by garden beds with a mixture of flowers, shrubs, and drought resistant plant material.
Solar lights are used for atmosphere and a variety of fruit trees are scattered throughout the property such as grapefruit, Fuji apple, orange, and an avocado tree. Many of us are fighting assorted critters who seem to eat a large part of our bounty and the Anderson’s are no exception but say they still get their share. They also have a veggie garden in back and many plants are started from seeds.
Brian handles all the maintenance – he says it is his therapy! He loves to move stuff around and every year he plants Iceland Poppies in honor of his mother who loved them! He says the best thing is when he notices kids stop by and he sees the fascination on their faces as they explore the property.
Brian and Suzanne Anderson have lived in Seaside since 1993. The landscape was entirely overgrown grass and since then, it has received a complete overhaul. The homeowner did the entire design of the current landscape himself in stages and with various areas for activities such as lawn area for kids and pets out front, a patio in back for entertaining with gas fireplace, a koi pond, and a waterfall. All areas are surrounded by garden beds with a mixture of flowers, shrubs, and drought resistant plant material.
Solar lights are used for atmosphere and a variety of fruit trees are scattered throughout the property such as grapefruit, Fuji apple, orange, and an avocado tree. Many of us are fighting assorted critters who seem to eat a large part of our bounty and the Anderson’s are no exception but say they still get their share. They also have a veggie garden in back and many plants are started from seeds.
Brian handles all the maintenance – he says it is his therapy! He loves to move stuff around and every year he plants Iceland Poppies in honor of his mother who loved them! He says the best thing is when he notices kids stop by and he sees the fascination on their faces as they explore the property.
5410 Carol Drive
Larry and Joan Johnson purchased their home 43 years ago. They decided that they wanted a cheery landscape that would enhance the decorations they have been putting up for every holiday since then. If you had a chance to see the front yard decorated for Easter with its many bunny statuettes, you will see a fine example of how lovely their plans worked out.
They installed large evergreens for privacy and added low voltage lighting to enhance enjoyment of the landscape at night. They also planted fruit trees and other edibles. Plans going forward include adding more wildflowers.
The Johnson’s is a large family with deep roots in Seaside and two of their children also live in the neighborhood. They enjoy entertaining and the back yard has a pool, firepit and space for large gatherings. Sadly, Larry passed away in January from COVID so Joan is tasked with keeping up with the maintenance with help from her gardener who does the main part of the work. Joan enjoys trimming, watering, and choosing plants. She recently planted a memorial garden in back for Larry that is colorful which he would have loved.
2020 summer
Congratulations to the Tootle Family, one of our Summer 2020 Award Winners!
Charlie and Kristin have owned their home since 2010 but leased it out for number of years. When the couple moved back, they started planning their landscape starting completely from scratch. What impressed the judges is that although the design called for a waterwise landscape, the impression is not at all arid as in some drought tolerant gardens. A great variety of plants plus trees and tall shrubs were used, among them lovely swaying Silver Sheen on the inside of the intimate courtyard, all providing a sense of calm and serenity. In addition, the judges appreciated the modern see-through fence as well as the spectacular pots by the front door with interesting plant specimens in them.
Charlie and Kristin have owned their home since 2010 but leased it out for number of years. When the couple moved back, they started planning their landscape starting completely from scratch. What impressed the judges is that although the design called for a waterwise landscape, the impression is not at all arid as in some drought tolerant gardens. A great variety of plants plus trees and tall shrubs were used, among them lovely swaying Silver Sheen on the inside of the intimate courtyard, all providing a sense of calm and serenity. In addition, the judges appreciated the modern see-through fence as well as the spectacular pots by the front door with interesting plant specimens in them.
Congratulations to the Cleveland Family, one of our Summer 2020 Award Winners!
Bill and Karen purchased their home back in 2000 and in 2008 they did a complete remodel changing the layout of their house to make it more open and modern. They kept the East Coast style of the original home which lends itself to the lush front landscape which includes gorgeous white standard iceberg roses. The judges were thrilled to be invited for a tour of the home and back yard which is over 12,000 sq ft. When the couple purchased their property, the exterior was a wilderness including large overgrown pine trees which had to be removed. This let the light in and today the garden is a place for peaceful respite for both family and friends. A large lawn is ringed by a wide variety of plantings including trees, roses, succulents, and a large selection of potted plants and garden art on the patio. A gazebo is located at the far end of the yard, a perfect space from which to enjoy the many birds and other habitat visiting this jewel of a garden.
Bill and Karen purchased their home back in 2000 and in 2008 they did a complete remodel changing the layout of their house to make it more open and modern. They kept the East Coast style of the original home which lends itself to the lush front landscape which includes gorgeous white standard iceberg roses. The judges were thrilled to be invited for a tour of the home and back yard which is over 12,000 sq ft. When the couple purchased their property, the exterior was a wilderness including large overgrown pine trees which had to be removed. This let the light in and today the garden is a place for peaceful respite for both family and friends. A large lawn is ringed by a wide variety of plantings including trees, roses, succulents, and a large selection of potted plants and garden art on the patio. A gazebo is located at the far end of the yard, a perfect space from which to enjoy the many birds and other habitat visiting this jewel of a garden.
2019 spring
Mark and Debbie Sannes moved to 4807 Reese Road in 1993. The home was originally built in 1950 and was the typical Seaside Rancho tiny home on a big lot so they added on and in the process, transformed the traditional house to a Spanish Hacienda style home which feels as though it’s been there forever. The home sits on a corner lot and they have 3 Chinese Elms which they decorate for Christmas each year and which is home to avian visitors all day long. In 2014, they completely changed their landscaping to waterwise plantings. Not only was that a smart move economically and maintenance wise, but the plants also match the style of the home beautifully.
If you’ve never seen this home and garden, you will want to stop by and be inspired.
Howard and Rosanne Klein at 22715 Evalyn have lived in their home since 1983. When Howard retired in 2014, he began his passion project of removing a boring lawn and transforming it into a lively habitat. The first order of business was to remove a lot of the sand and replace it with good soil. The landscape evolved naturally over time and Howard loves to grow plants from seeds and cuttings. The back yard is his ‘private nursery’ and visitors who tour the garden often drop plants by which they’ve had luck with and believe will match the rest of the landscape and do well.
Rosanne helps out by weeding and together they love to sit on the porch while surveying busy birds and bees and visiting with neighbors who stop by to chat and ask questions about how they might be able to do something similar.
Howard and Rosanne invite you to stop by so they can share their garden with you.
If you’ve never seen this home and garden, you will want to stop by and be inspired.
Howard and Rosanne Klein at 22715 Evalyn have lived in their home since 1983. When Howard retired in 2014, he began his passion project of removing a boring lawn and transforming it into a lively habitat. The first order of business was to remove a lot of the sand and replace it with good soil. The landscape evolved naturally over time and Howard loves to grow plants from seeds and cuttings. The back yard is his ‘private nursery’ and visitors who tour the garden often drop plants by which they’ve had luck with and believe will match the rest of the landscape and do well.
Rosanne helps out by weeding and together they love to sit on the porch while surveying busy birds and bees and visiting with neighbors who stop by to chat and ask questions about how they might be able to do something similar.
Howard and Rosanne invite you to stop by so they can share their garden with you.
2019 fall
We are excited to present to you two winners who are unique in how they approached their landscaping. Both gardens were planned with low water use in mind and are fine examples of how a landscape can be lush and interesting without water waste. (By far the largest amount of water in Southern California is used is for landscaping and lawns consume approximately 70% of total water use.)
Our first winners are Jim Specht and Mary Giordano of 5334 Linda Drive Jim and his late wife, Mary, put a tremendous amount of work into their gorgeous landscape. This home is located on a hillside and the front was carefully laid out with waterwise shrubs and flowers which have matured and provides color throughout the year. Jim gives Mary all the credit as this was her baby and we are pleased to honor Mary’s masterpiece. What you cannot see from the street is the huge back yard which among many clever design elements features Kurapia, a Japanese ground cover which needs very little water and no mowing at all. Kurapia takes light traffic and sports pretty white flowers at various times of the year. If you are considering changing out your thirsty and labor-intensive lawn but feel you would miss the green if you went all native or used stone/sand, this is for you. Click here to access information on Kurapia.
Our second winner is Jackie Niederstrass of 4916 Zakon Road Jackie’s garden developed over time and started with removal of all concrete in the back area and bringing in good soil to replace the existing native sand. Over the past 23 years she continually amended the soil and planted fruit trees and vegetables as well as colorful shrubs intermixed with succulents. Jackie grows too many vegetables to mention – suffice it to say that food from her garden has been plentiful enough for her to rely on exclusively for her greens.
The front yard was originally all grass however, Jackie let it die off and instead planted an exciting mix of succulents, grasses and waterwise shrubs which provide color and interest throughout the year. You will be impressed with how tall the Leucadendrons and Proteas are. They look very impressive in the landscape and even make for long lasting cut flowers.
Our first winners are Jim Specht and Mary Giordano of 5334 Linda Drive Jim and his late wife, Mary, put a tremendous amount of work into their gorgeous landscape. This home is located on a hillside and the front was carefully laid out with waterwise shrubs and flowers which have matured and provides color throughout the year. Jim gives Mary all the credit as this was her baby and we are pleased to honor Mary’s masterpiece. What you cannot see from the street is the huge back yard which among many clever design elements features Kurapia, a Japanese ground cover which needs very little water and no mowing at all. Kurapia takes light traffic and sports pretty white flowers at various times of the year. If you are considering changing out your thirsty and labor-intensive lawn but feel you would miss the green if you went all native or used stone/sand, this is for you. Click here to access information on Kurapia.
Our second winner is Jackie Niederstrass of 4916 Zakon Road Jackie’s garden developed over time and started with removal of all concrete in the back area and bringing in good soil to replace the existing native sand. Over the past 23 years she continually amended the soil and planted fruit trees and vegetables as well as colorful shrubs intermixed with succulents. Jackie grows too many vegetables to mention – suffice it to say that food from her garden has been plentiful enough for her to rely on exclusively for her greens.
The front yard was originally all grass however, Jackie let it die off and instead planted an exciting mix of succulents, grasses and waterwise shrubs which provide color and interest throughout the year. You will be impressed with how tall the Leucadendrons and Proteas are. They look very impressive in the landscape and even make for long lasting cut flowers.
