Tour of beauty
Nichols Hills Garden and Outdoor Living showcase is June 3
NICHOLS HILLS — When Diane and Mike Liddell built their house, the mission was simple: Create a space where the grandchildren could play. Hence, the massive stretch of green grass dominates the backyard, the “Great Lawn” that can serve as an impromptu soccer field, a tumbling mat or, for Diane Liddell’s tiny puppy, Bonbon Jovi, one recent morning, a perfect place to prance and show off for guests.
The grandchildren, most of whom live in the neighborhood, are, of course, frequent guests.
“We built it, and they came,” she said with a smile.
The Liddell garden is one of six stops on the Nichols Hills Garden & Outdoor Living Tour, which is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 3. In the event of rain, it will be pushed back to June 4 with the same hours.
Tickets are $15 in advance (locations below), and $20 at the gardens on the day of the tour.
The Liddell home at 6906 Avondale Drive sits on two lots stretching from Avondale in the front to Wilshire Boulevard in back. A dog run anchors one side of the yard, shaded by a soapberry tree and a mix of climbing roses, viburnums and other plants. Steppingstones and a “rose tunnel” arbor lead past the tennis court to the pool and cabana across the yard.
At the cabana, landscape designer Joseph Coffin, of Total Environment, 16301 N Rockwell, points out bricks lining the perimeter — they’re not bricks, but part of a subtle but effective drainage system. Water drains between almost imperceptible spaces between the bricks, eliminating the need for clunky grates.
Likewise, the pool’s diving board is recessed, just part of the poolside until someone needs it.
“You just pull it out whenever you need it,” Coffin said. “It gives the pool a nice, clean look.”
The cabana is decked out with all the essentials for entertaining: a grill, a kitchen setup, bathroom and plenty of seating. Two massive circular porch swings could hold one sleeping adult or a handful of children.
“I always think I’m going to come out here and read,” Liddell said. “I do come out, but I fall asleep.”
The family spends a lot of time out there, she said, playing and relaxing together. “We’re out here a lot, for sure. We love it,” she said.
In addition to the big backyard, the Liddell home also features a courtyard with fountains as well as several secluded sitting areas, including one guarded by a pair of giant bronze bunny sculptures.
The other stops on the tour are:
Gay and Ed Kirby
6723 Avondale Drive
See how deft design can turn a small space into a cozy retreat that’s just right. Massive holly trees add privacy, and steppingstones lead from several terraces to the swimming pool and hot tub. Pots of seasonal color and clipped boxwoods lend depth to space.
Charlotte and John Richels
6910 Avondale Drive
A large oak tree overlooks this Italian-style home, which features an outdoor kitchen and large entertaining space in the backyard. The property was expanded to the west last year after a neighboring house was demolished, but the rolling carpet of patriot Bermuda grass makes it feel like the house has always stood alone at that corner.
Lisa and Greg Love
7201 Nichols Road
This Spanish Colonial-style home features stucco walls, a tile clay roof and arched openings, all designed to flow seamlessly from indoor to outdoor. Exterior stairs, balconies and terraces take advantage of the site’s dramatic changes in levels, while the meditation chapel in the backyard takes advantage of its tranquility.
Lori and Bond Payne
1301 Sherwood Lane
The grounds include magnolias and azaleas, a nod to Nashville, Tennessee, where the Paynes met, as well as Lori Payne’s personal favorite, hydrangeas. Split levels, walls and strategically placed planting help define the various outdoor rooms, with a self-cleaning splash pool in the backyard and artwork scattered throughout.
Kristine and Pat Bates
1400 Sherwood Lane
Fun is the keyword here. The cabana is packed with pinball and arcade games, all surrounded by a four-hole putting green. The property also has a firepit, a Thunder-themed basketball court and a swimming pool with a waterfall.
Proceeds will go to nonprofit Nichols Hills Parks Inc. to maintain and beautify Nichols Hills Parks.
Tickets at many locations
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Bebe’s, CK & Co. and Lush Blow-Dry Bar, all in Nichols Hills Plaza; Mockingbird Manor Antiques, 4417 N Western; Nichols Hills Drug, 7538 Berkley Ave.; No Regrets, 9219 N Pennsylvania in Casady Square; and On A Whim in Classen Curve.
Also, at Precure Nursery & Garden Centers, 8125 W Reno and 4535 NW 63; TLC Garden Centers, 105 W Memorial Road and 8208 Northwest Expressway; Trochta’s Flowers and Garden Center, 6700 Broadway Extension; and Wilshire Garden Market, 2821 W Wilshire Blvd.