This Venice, not the other one

Loving this image by Eric Staudenmaier from last year’s Venice Garden & Home Tour in Venice Beach. Love the actual tour, too. I’ve done it 3 times. The thing about the Venice Garden Tour is there are so many unexpected scenes. The single-day self-guided tour can feature up to 30 gardens from modern to funky to formal in this tolerant beach town that lets you paint your house apple green if you like.

“Venice of America” was born in 1905 as a sort of tourtist attraction with canals and gondolas reminiscent of Italy. In the 60s it was a rundown hippie hangout. The 70s brought the architects and artists. Today you can find a wide range of homes and landscapes that are as varied as the personalities that live in them. 

Tour time: May 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: $70 at the door