cover image Secret Gardens of Hollywood: And Other Private Oases in Los Angeles

Secret Gardens of Hollywood: And Other Private Oases in Los Angeles

Erica Lennard, Adele Cygelman. Universe Publishing(NY), $45 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-7893-0881-8

With Hollywood mansions nearly as fabled as their inhabitants, it's not surprising that many of the homes lay claim to some of the country's most fanciful gardens. For one, there's California's balmy climate, perfect for growing calla lilies, wisteria, cactus, jasmine, avocado trees and gardenias. Second, what better place to find someone to create a garden than a region jam-packed with people who are experts on transforming back lots into everything from snowy New England towns to tropical beaches? Lennard and Cygelman divide their book by garden theme, including Mediterranean, romantic, exotic and country. They take readers through 25 gardens, including Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson's water lily-filled yard; Judy Horton's shady front walkway; and Keith and Keri Addis's tightly clipped box hedges. If you can't have the backyard of a star, you might as well live vicariously through these lush photographs.