The Mountain Mermaid

Every year the LA Conservancy thanks it’s volunteers with an event at an interesting location. This year, it wasn’t in the city, it was out in Topanga Canyon. That funny, quirky canyon that connects The Valley to Malibu.It is so green this year, the mustard and lupine have started blooming. Not sure there will be any CA poppies here.

The location is the Mountain Mermaid, a home and event center. Bill, speaking to us about the home has many stories to tell about this location and all he did to save it from ruin. Many mermaids are on display.Using them as lamps seems to be a theme.Or as fountains in the garden.Other nautical elements, portholes as windows. There were a few examples around the house.There were many examples of arrested decay being used both inside and out. Anything that can be used as a fountain, is. Water in the mountains is so soothing.These deadly spikes on the banister going down to the garden. The colors and texture here are what I love.Although I live in a pretty dry part of the country, with a little help, it can be green and lush.There is a whole story about rebuilding the pool. But how can you have a home named for a mermaid without a body of water?I wonder, did this old door belong to one of the original iterations of the building or did Bill find it and bring it here?Just a little longer and the figs will be ripe.It’s not only mermaids, this garden bench has dog heads. Or is it some other mythical creature?With my re-ignited interest in mosaic, I find myself drawn to glass.20 years ago, Staghorn ferns were all the rage. This one looks ancient because of the size of the rootball which is covered with the shield fronds. The garden is not only beautiful and serene, it highlights many local plants as well as attracts butterflies.  This is the time of year that many of our plants bloom. I can’t resist them, even if they are common around here.