Steve and Shelly Lange’s garden in El Dorado Hills features waterfalls and lush flora and fauna. Village Life photos by Noel Stack
Among the many joys of spring are the delights that come with blooming flowers, budding trees and lively bushes that turn a yard into a garden. Those needing garden ideas and admirers of all things green will find particular delight in the upcoming Gardens of the Hills tour presented by the Assistance League of Sierra Foothills.
This weekend some of the area’s most gorgeous gardens are open to explore and admire. The tour includes five residential gardens and art displays plus special events at Green Acres in Folsom and at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. Participating artists are Barry Weiner (horseshoe art), Catherine Davin (glass art), Joey Cattone (mixed media), Kyle and Rita Yates (metal art), Crista Dixon (jewelry), Stone Luv Designs (custom crochet) and Dolce Mia Designs (bath/body products).
Talented artist Steve Lange, who uses wine barrels to create his pieces, is a two-for-one stop. The Lange garden is on the tour and Steve’s art is on display. Steve and Shelly Lange gave Village Life a sneak peek at their backyard oasis … we didn’t want to leave.
The well-established garden includes unique water features (re-circulating to save water), mature trees, lush ferns and ivy, creative displays and a treehouse.
The tour starts with a little reflection … a fence of mirrors.
“This is my favorite part of the yard,” Shelly said as she walked past the mirrors. They make the space appear much larger and are a great conversation starter. “I started with one and it turned into this whole wall.”
Near the mirrors one of Steve’s wine barrel swings hangs among the greenery.
One of the newest additions to the yard is an antique bathtub with a re-circulating shower. It’s an accessory Shelly always wanted and she said when they started to create the space for the tub she and Steve decided against a traditional backdrop. The serene scene is made better by the antique windows topped with old doorknobs as well as classic luggage and glass bottles that surround the space.
“I just loved how things turned out,” she said.
Shelly and Steve have completed every project at their El Dorado Hills home themselves (aside from the swimming pool) — an accomplishment both homeowners share with pride.
“I’ll say, ‘Steve, I’ve got an idea’ … and then he makes it happen. He’s so talented. He can build anything,” Shelly said.
One of Steve’s creations that will undoubtedly earn praise is the couple’s treehouse. For years Shelly said she encouraged Steve to build one and he finally got inspired thanks to the Animal Planet show “Treehouse Masters.” He could give those masters a run for their money with the 75-square-foot treehouse he built. Guests make their way across a rope bridge to reach the porch and the treehouse is cozy and bright thanks to vintage windows and comfy furniture.
Both Steve and Shelly said they love to get their hands dirty and then enjoy the fruits of their labor. That enjoyment might come on the treehouse porch, relaxing in one of the space’s many sitting areas or at the tiki bar where they serve up beverages and say hello to “Wilson,” the volleyball character from “Cast Away,” who smiles back at them as a small waterfall rushes in the background.
Last time the Lange garden was on the tour, Shelly said guests didn’t want to leave. No doubt, that will happen again.
The seventh annual Gardens of the Hills tour runs Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Purchase tickets online at sierrafoothills.assistanceleague.org or at the following locations: Green Acres, Pottery World, the California Welcome Center in El Dorado Hills Town Center, Front Yard Nursery, Caffe Santoro and Rod Works Unique Home Decor.
Assistance League of Sierra Foothills is a non-profit organization that gives back to El Dorado County in several ways, including Operation School Bell, a program that provides coats and school clothes to needy children; Sports Locker, which provides sports equipment and registration scholarships to young athletes; Bags for Belongings, which provides tote bags to displaced children; Assault Survivor Kits; as well as scholarship, literacy and senior programs.
