A Garden Through a Child’s Eyes: An Imaginative Pasadena Sanctuary

Beneath the canopy of mature oak trees, on a quiet, tree-lined street in Pasadena, California, a garden is seen as an invitation to explore and reconnect with the outdoors. Created by landscape designer John Sharp for a creative couple and their two young daughters, this imaginative landscape brings a sense of childhood wonder to a historic property, balancing playful discovery with spaces that are designed for relaxation and entertaining.

The residence, designed between 1909 and 1911 by architect Louis du Puget Millar, reflects the Arts and Crafts movement, with subtle British architectural influences. Set within one of Pasadena’s architecturally momentous neighbourhoods, the home sits among celebrated works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Greene & Greene, Wallace Neff, and the Heinemans.

For Sharp, the challenge was to create a garden that felt at home within this historic setting while introducing a contemporary style to it. “The garden is organised as a series of distinct outdoor enclaves and wellness areas, designed to function as a collection of open-air ‘rooms’,” Sharp explains. “Each zone offers a different experience, from more active, family-oriented spaces to quieter, more intimate areas for retreat and reflection.”

A landscape made for discovery

The garden’s story begins at the front of the property, where a naturalistic playground invites the couple’s daughters to explore their surroundings. A rock labyrinth, woven with edible plants and herbs, introduces an element of adventure while encouraging a hands-on relationship with nature.

This sense of discovery continues into the more secluded backyard, where a swimming pool takes centre stage. Inspired by the pool of the homeowner’s childhood, its terracotta-striped design brings warmth and character to the space, while creating a visual connection between the interiors and the landscape.

Surrounded by mature live oaks, the pool has the timeless appeal of a private retreat. Nearby, a custom fire pit is framed by organic stones that double as informal seating, creating a natural gathering place for family cookouts and evenings spent outdoors.

As daylight fades, ceramic pendant lights create a soft glow through the trees, while bells from the Arcosanti foundry introduce a gentle, wind-driven echo. Together, these details give the garden an almost fairytale-like feel, where the everyday feels a little more extraordinary.

A garden that grows with the family

The planting palette is as considered as the architecture. Fruiting trees, herbs and drought-tolerant species bring structure and seasonal interest, while edible elements are integrated throughout to support everyday cooking. Mature citrus and persimmon trees contribute to nature's abundance, reinforcing the garden’s connection to the rhythms of the seasons. 

Materials were chosen with the same sensitivity. Terracotta tones, organic flagstone and decomposed granite establish an earthy foundation, their warmth and absorbent nature allowing them to age naturally within the landscape.

As opposed to just relying on a rigid planting strategy, Sharp combines defined architectural elements with a more relaxed, organic approach. The pool and fire feature provide structure, while the surrounding greenery softens the edges, allowing the garden to evolve over time.

A sanctuary for everyday living

Ultimately, the garden is a reflection of the family it was created for – creative, curious, and drawn to quiet moments and lively gatherings. Its layered spaces offer room for children to play, adults to entertain and everyone to find a little solitude beneath the trees.

By looking at the landscape through a child’s eyes, Sharp has created something more meaningful than a beautifully designed outdoor space. It is a garden that invites imagination, encourages connection, and makes everyday rituals feel special – a place where the wonder of childhood and the pleasures of grown-up living coexist naturally.

Here, the garden is not simply something to admire from the house. It is a living part of the home, designed to be explored, experienced, and enjoyed in every season.

Credits

Landscape Design: Studio John Sharp, Instagram @studiojohnsharp

Photography: Joyce Kim, Instagram @jokimbo & Lawrence Fitz-Simon, Instagram @lawrencefitzsimonstudio

Production: Karine Monié, Instagram @karinemonie