At 91, original Catwoman Julie Newmar is still looking fabulous, and she credits her youthful energy to her love of gardening! According to an insider speaking exclusively with Closer, this 5-foot-11 beauty keeps her heart healthy and her spirit young by spending time in her garden.
“No matter how old she gets, Julie has a vibrant life full of friends,” shares the source. “But what really keeps her at her best is gardening. She’s said it herself—working in her garden every day makes her feel alive.”
Julie describes her life as living “in capital letters, in Paradise,” and it’s clear she’s found her bliss in her lush garden in Los Angeles. She’s been tending to nearly 80 varieties of roses on her property for decades. As she shared with Better Homes & Gardens in 2023, these days, she’s “pinching pansies” in her private garden paradise.
Her love of gardening started when she was a child, spending time with her father in their yard. “That’s where I felt safest, and that’s where my love for gardens began,” she recalls.
Even during her busy career, Julie found time to nurture plants. “When I was touring, I’d always put plants on the windowsill wherever I stayed,” she remembers. “It just gave me peace, knowing something was growing and everything was in its place.”
Now retired, Julie’s garden continues to be her passion. “She doesn’t need anything else to keep her occupied,” says the source.
As a successful actress-turned-real estate mogul, Julie believes in “a small house, big garden.” She’s not into “indoor stuff,” preferring to spend her time in the four secret garden areas around her Brentwood home.
Every day, Julie finds new joy in what’s blooming. “I just stand there and pick a flower, look closer and closer. I fall into it with spiritual glee,” she says.
Though she works with landscape designers, Julie does most of the planting and weeding herself. “She loves watching things grow and doesn’t mind the dirty work,” the insider adds. “For Julie, the reward is seeing her garden flourish.”
Her plants thrive year-round, thanks to the Southern California climate. And while people often marvel at how happy and healthy Julie looks, the secret is simple: gardening. “It reduces stress, helps her concentrate, and gives her pride. Plus, it’s social—she loves showing it off!”
