Name: Annie
Location: Echo Park/Downtown Los Angeles, California
When I first looked at the apartment, I had no idea the backyard was as big as it is! I was shocked to have found something like this in Los Angeles... for rent! The previous owners redid this little paradise, complete with two decks and tons of plants and trees. A pomegranate tree, lemon tree, bay leaf tree, fig tree, and kumquat tree are accompanied by a trumpet tree (that smells absolutely amazing in the evenings), a rosemary bush, lots of mountain lilac, ferns, bougainvillea, and even my own little garden of herbs and veggies!
Being in Los Angeles it is absolutely possible to use the backyard year round! There is a chiminea outside, and it's perfect to get all cozy in those winter months with a blanket, glass of wine, and a fire!
In the first few months there was a lot of stuff to get rid of from the previous owner. The outdoor space wasn't being utilized as much as they would have liked, so life needed life to be brought back into it! When I rented the place a lot of furniture in the back came along with it. I added some rugs, hanging plants, pillows, a few chairs, and decoration pieces to spice it up. It is definitely a bit of a japanese garden/hippy den! People come over and are in awe...unless you own a house, a yard this lush is a rare gem.
I am so much looking forward to the summer months when you can spend endless nights outside grilling and entertaining, or the daytime gardening and relaxing!
Thanks, Annie!
(Images: Annie)
• SUBMIT YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE OR PROJECT
• MY GREAT OUTDOORS ARCHIVE
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
This is gorgeous. I am very envious of the huge sheltered deck.
And the size of the Brugmania - WOW!!!! I think I will have to plant one this year although I will hate myself for it when I will have to find some space to winterize it.
Thank you for sharing.
The photo at dusk is beautiful - Such a friendly, intimate space - Enjoy your good fortune...I would put out here constantly!
thanks guys and apartment therapy! i should mention i share the backyard too with an amazing couple and their dog gary! the dogs love the yard as do we! we have lived as neighbors for a few months now!
Large backyards are rare, but not unheard of in Northeast LA. The first home I put a bid on is on a quarter acre in Highland Park (not far from Echo Park) and walking distance to all the bars and restaurants. There are also a lot of deep lots in Lincoln Heights (8,000-17.000 sq/ft), but most are weedy or packed dirt and a far cry from the picturesque oasis of your yard. You totally scored! :)
Annie, this is what I want for my backyard! What materials did you use for the roof? I'm sooo going to copy you.
Who makes the string lights you hung over top? I am looking at something similar but the only place I can find that sells them in long enough lengths are commercial lighting websites.
well, i didn't build the actual roof or porch. it was here when i rented, but i believe it is just tin roofing. or to find at home depot as :Gauge Galvanized Corrugated Roofing Panel. i love the look of it! best of luck!
and the string lights were bought at target. i am not sure what the length is, but they were a decent length, anyhow! i believe they are a seasonal product. we bought some online recently, but they were plastic and not glass. the glass looks better!
Wow. Lucky you.
It's charming. Do you bring in or cover the furniture when it rains/ fogs, or just let it go?
luckily, everything stays really dry under the decks. the tables can get a bit dusty...sometimes the rugs get a little wet. but it's ok!!!
Very nice. EnJOY this summer!!!
P.S. "Gary" is such a great name for a dog. Thinking of naming my next dog Lisa.
LA's so great since you don't have to worry about sudden rainstorms and dragging everything inside. I miss it!
LA is great! i have to admit i really really miss thunderstorms though!
LA oasis in your own backyard. Just another reason to ask myself; "Why am I still living in the Northeast?"