Jon Koehler has lived at the corner of Santa Barbara Street and Santa Cruz Avenue for 23 years. A lot has changed since 1995!

As a sculpture artist, Jon wanted to design a creative, inspiring landscape without going “too far over the top.” His family is the Koehler in Koehler Kraft boat builders. As a youngster, Jon played and worked often at their location on Shelter Island.

He says, “This gave me the opportunity to learn many things about the creative world and the ability to build just about anything I could imagine.”

“I remember being down on the docks and hearing the sailboat masts and the sounds that the rigging would make as they slap against the masts… clank-clank, tink-tink, ring-ring-ring like a rhythmic song. As a music lover I was inspired to make a chime fence surrounding my property.”

The chimes are perfectly tuned to an F chord – “two years of tedious but enjoyable work.” Passersby frequently strum the chimes, which is music to his ears – literally.

The dog is not a work of art. That’s Scooby. He’s real. The green grass is not. Keeping Scooby from wandering down the street was another inspiration for the fence and the whimsical gates.

Jon is not just an artistic designer. He builds all his own creations.

Every mechanism – including hinges, handles and latches – Jon built by hand.

The results are beautiful by day…

and amazing after dark.

Jon worked with California SmartScapes to design landscaping that’s drought tolerant and water wise. There’s a garden where Jon and his girlfriend, Sharalle, enjoy harvesting tomatoes and other current plantings as well as things that surprise-sprout from seasons past.

The Point Loma Association presents “Garden Awards” to residents who beautify their property for the enjoyment of all. Jon’s space is truly unique. Past PLA Chair Patti Adams presents our first award of summer to Jon Koehler and Sharalle.

Then there’s this guy. A Heisman pose with a few missing parts. He is less Guardian of the Galaxy and more Cast Iron Castaway. Some years ago Jon replaced a bathtub and had to cut up the old fixture to get it out of the house. Most of us would look at the remnants as a pile of junk, too heavy for the dumpster. Jon is an artist. He saw possibilities. Wow. See more of Jon’s art here. Congratulations to Jon Koehler and Sharalle on being the latest recipients of a PLA Garden Award, and thank you for bringing this unique place of beauty to our Peninsula!

If you’d like to nominate someone on the Peninsula for a Point Loma Association Garden Award, please do!