"Yard Art"

Shonnie’s latest blog talks about the profusion of sunflowers on Tucker Street and veggie garden sightings.

Have you also noticed the “yard art” that appears in our neighborhood front yards? Sure, patios, courtyards and fence-lines still sport sassy bougainvillea, neatly trimmed junipers and prize roses. And, more and more yards are blooming with California drought-resistant native plants and succulents.

But, ’Burg residents seem to express themselves with various pieces of “yard art,” too. Tucked between the posies and boulders, the pieces range from the traditional (concrete birdbaths), to whimsical (the occasional summer, pink flamingo), to mystical (a tree sprite on University Street). Recently, I’ve been seeing some great contemporary sculptures placed in front yards. A purple and teal metal spiral at a Fitch Street residence is a good example.

Once upon a time, just civic and public buildings (or mansions) displayed works of art. Aren’t we lucky that we can stop and smell the roses…and enjoy local art on our walks, too!