
Norton Simon entry sculpture court with grove of Mexican Sycamore trees

The Norton Simon main Garden's contemporary planting plan gives an overall effect of reminiscent of a Monet painting
Plants from around the world are brought together in rich layers, and unusual juxtopositions of succulents, tropicals, evergreens, bamboo and traditional perinials

Norton Simon Garden; Above left, Cycads (ancient palm-like gymnosperms), Nandina domestica and Angels Trumpet (Brugmansia) surround a sculptural water feature. Above right, swaths of succulents including Sedum nussbaumerianum and Aloe marginata are grouped with other srubs including Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise) and Euphorbia characias.

Norton Simon Garden; Rush (juncus) and other reeds edge the pond, Kashmir Cypress and Deodar cedar trees are surrounded by a field of lavendar.

Norton Simon Garden; Giant Timber bamboo and a variety of dward bamboo are combined with Bird of Paradise, ginger and succulents. A towering grove of large Lemon-scented Gum Eucalyptus in the distance were existing on the property.

The roof garden terrace at the Art Center South Campus. A simple pallette of grasses and perinials create a meadow-like setting for the large skylight structures. (more pics

The just opened Kidspace Museum feautures a minimal paved central courtyard feauturing run-through water features, a large existing native oak tree (Quercus agrifolia) and a cluster of three sycamore trees.

Beyond the exhbition pavillion is the "Back 40" exhibit garden. The existing wisteria trellis adjacent to the pavillion was restored and now borders a paved courtyard with tricycle paths and a large transplanted oak tree.

Pathways crisscross the slope and weave through a vareity of themed gardens and interactive exhibits. A amphitheater occpies a grassy hollow at the center of the garden. While the plant pallette is wide ranging it features many native species.