The Garden of Oz, Los Angeles

Garden of Oz  photo by Philip Gutt

Somewhere in Beachwood Canyon in the Hollywood Hills (beneath the Hollywood Sign) in Los Angeles, way up high, is a hidden private garden that you may have heard of, once in a lullaby.


Garden of Oz - photo by Gerard Bosch

It is a treasure trove of recycled garden art - multi-color mosaics and hand painted tiles mixed with old Matchbox cars and Hot Wheels embedded in the rockwork.

 Add to this vision a plethora of plants and flowers cascading over benches and walls.  The garden even contains a 'road' ( really a walk) paved with yellow 'bricks'.
http://blogging.la/archives/images/2006/05/IMG_3888-thumb.JPGAn iron gate and sign announces the Garden of Oz. The  mailbox outside the gate reads “Letters to Oz”.

(Perhaps a flying monkey swoops down each day to pick up the mail.)


The story goes that the wonderful Gail, the garden's owner and creator, was an adviser to the Pope (which one? I don't know). She created this multi-faith garden and gave all the children who live nearby a key to get inside the gate whenever they please.


 And it's also been said that the Dalai Lama once sent 15 of his monks to bless the garden which features menorahs, statues, and mandalas from all over the world.

 It even has a Peace Pole.


Garden of Oz - photo by Gerard Bosch


I would love to visit this mini-paradise, located at 3106 Ledgewood Drive, Hollywood, so if anyone happens to come upon a local kid with a key, let me know.   :-)
(Update: I had the chance to visit but could not get there on the right day.  I will try again soon - .)









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