Leslie’s Lovely, Vintage Los Angeles Garden

Name: Leslie
Location: Los Angeles, California

‘Tis the patio season y’all! We’re back on the garden beat with return of My Great Outdoors, and what better way to get things rolling than with Leslie’s boldly colored, vintage brick backyard.

From Leslie: Yes…I have turned into my grandmother and all I want to do is work in my garden. My husband and I spent a few months combing neighborhoods with construction and demolition happening to find the vintage brick. All the bricks we used for the patio are from old 1920’s-1940’s chimneys and we found some on Craigslist as well.

My wonderful contractor neighbor was bored last year on Labor day weekend and said “let’s build you a pergola.” So he did and we absolutely love it! We love mornings with coffee and the peace and quiet, and especially the evenings when it’s too hot in the house, we love to eat dinner outside. The cafe lights give it a magical feeling at night.

The side yard gets south facing sun so the roses, wisteria, tomatoes, bougainvillea and white oleander are in heaven. Most of our plants and succulents were either clippings from other yards or bought on the bargain table at Lowes. They were damaged or half dead, but so easily brought back to life and now are thriving in our beautiful garden.

Thanks, Leslie!

• Interested in sharing your outdoor style with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our Outdoor Space or Project Submission Form.