Val from Los Angeles
Garden of Oz Los Angeles
Hidden Hollywood Garden
As a Location Scout, I'm always looking for adventures that bring out the best in my city: LA. I'm currently making what I call, "The Greatest Map of Hollywood" and in the process of verifying my locations on Google Maps, I spotted a place called the Garden of Oz. With a name like that, I had to investigate.
The Garden of Oz is in the Hollywoodland/Beachwood neighborhood. This is where Hollywood began. I drove up Gower Street (which has one of the best views of the famous Hollywood sign), and found another historic sign that reads "Welcome to Hollywoodland", another famous place in Hollywood History.
In this historic neighborhood, there are celebrity houses, castles, cafes and cute little shops! Drive up the road and find the Garden of Oz. It's easy to miss and a U-turn may be necessary. It's located on private property, but like most celebrities, still wishes to be seen. (It's on Google Maps).
The garden is a mosaic masterpiece of art, eclectic objects, and inspiring quotes. My favorite quotes here are "I paint so I can buy plants." Claude Monet. "Sit on your own throne" and "look with your heart and not your camera". *Pardon! I did have to take a photo for this article. It's a bright, creative place that asks one to pause and gaze in from the outside. I spent 10 minutes looking at the garden, and the rest of my time absorbing the incredible history and architecture of this neighborhood.
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