Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain ~ Sneak Peak of The 2015 Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour ~ Part 1

"There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations."

~Washington Irving

Add caption(L) Michel was born in South Africa. His education completed in Italy. (R) Jo is a California girl

Once upon a time, not so long ago, in 2007, Michel and Jo Faris were  searching for their dream home when they came upon a property on the end of a cul de sac in San Juan Capistrano.

 A faux bridge of timber extends the sense of space to  their uniquely charming property

The house itself features "good bones." Designed by Brion S. Jeannette, an architect known for location- specific custom homes, he made the most of a difficult lot, one slashed by a steep ravine and heavily wooded. With the garage and main entrance to one side, the couple recognized the unique opportunity to both create their own view, while retaining their privacy.

The roses are in bud. They be in full bloom for the tour.

The garden  would take a lot of work. It was overrun with ivy. Unkempt. The plant collections in disarray. None of which phased this couple.

Perhaps his instincts for guiding the property were formed as a little boy. Michel smiles, remembering "I followed mom with a little shovel."

Side by side, in collaboration with each other, the couple worked tirelessly to release the full beauty and usefulness of the garden setting.

Eight years later, the gates of  'Le Reve', French for The Dream,  will open for the charitable event.

Isabella loves the tree swing

If you come, you will experience the fairy tale qualities to the home and garden shared by Michel, Jo and their absolutely charming daughter, Isabella .

Walking up the driveway, when it is in bloom,there is no escaping the sweet scent of jasmine. Tied to a wooden grid, its practical purpose, to mask the mismatched fencing on the property line, discretely.

Bougainvillea and grapes now entwine a simple arbor. The pots beneath brake balls  in flight before they can escape a small sports lawn.

There is a story on the ironwork above the garage... 

The symmetry of the architecture repeated in matching potted plants at the entrance.

It was repurposed from railing removed when the stoop at the main entrance was made friendlier through enlarging its footprint. 

Every window in the home is oriented towards a garden view. Jo says if one pays attention that even in the mild Southern California climate "There are four distinct seasons."

More about this wondrous garden, and the people who dreamed her into being, in my next post.

Until we meet again, Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful. 

The Faris family garden is just one of five gardens The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain is featuring in support of Plant Biology Science and Horticultural Scholarships at local universities and colleges. 

Date: Saturday, May 09, 2015

Time: 10 AM until 4 PM

To order Tickets for the self-guided tour, or for more information, please click here, or phone (949) 837- 2141.