It takes real skill to envision how a plot of dry, unappealing land could become a lush garden. Michelle Slatalla's next door neighbor, Linda, has an eye for such things: she transformed the dusty rectangle of dirt around her house into a tumbling hobbit-land. Join us for a tour. 

A variety of flowers line the walk to the front door.

Potted plants, including daisies and nasturtiums, take up residence on the front stoop.

The sprinklers come on in late afternoon.

A panel of old fence has a second life as a trellis for sweet peas and other climbers.

A path beneath an oak tree leads to Linda's fern garden.

A fragrant bloom of 'Pat Austin' rose.

The shade in Linda's garden is a welcome respite from the California sun.

Linda runs a 'plant hospital' at the back of the house.

A close-up of a few patients.

Poppies and succulents co-exist.

A window box is planted with lobelias and nasturtiums.