Garden Tour

During the summer of 2002 our garden experienced a major renovation. The four-square herb beds stayed almost exactly as you saw them. Everything else was changed.

In California, gardens outgrow themselves on a regular basis. Pruning and trimming is an ongoing gardening chore but every few years, a complete update is required to maintain order. For example... to the left is a photo of the greenhouse in the summer of '99. The scene is viewed from the same angle, as work on a new patio got under way. The green house is still back there in the corner, but in just three short years the bamboo softens the view nicely.

The real challenge to gardening in zone 9 is keeping the look and feel of a garden that's been there forever. In my personal estimation most homes are surrounded with landscaping... not gardens! I've been told I have an English Gardener mentality in a tropical setting, and the two are not compatible. Ah well...

For several years there was a fish pond where the wheelbarrow is standing.

Even goldfish outgrow their allotted area eventually. So... rather than get new fish, we opted for a larger pond. Placing it closer to our favorite seating area to bring the sound of running water more into focus. A very nice bonus when reading or rocking on the small shaded patio.

I suppose if there was any disadvantage to moving the pond it was disturbing the toads. There was quite a bit of grumbling and complaining as they packed their small possessions and relocated to new quarters under the rocks of the larger pond.

Moving into the shade beyond the herb garden our garden guests find a couple of comfy wicker rocking chairs and a small table, usually graced by a plant in full seasonal blossom.

Early morning light washes across the garden, bathing the small patio and new plantings in gold. This photo captures a tapestry of leaf shapes and textures, sunlight and shadows. One of the most satisfying things about the way we garden is the ever changing beauty of each small patch of scenery.

A few steps beyond the rocking chairs is another paved area where we enjoy having cook outs several times a week from April through September.

It's difficult to remember when there were only weeds and a a few neglected patches of lawn under these trees... but sure enough, when we moved to the cottage in 1996 that's exactly what we faced.

Here's where I pause to give credit where credit is due. Papa moved every pebble and paver, dug the fish pond and planted most of what you're seeing. My share of the gardening comes in much smaller projects. I care for the herbs, water the containers, sweep the paths and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

There must be about four or five trucks full of top-soil, pea-gravel and pavers in this small paradise. I'm thankful for each and every inch of it, and I acknowledge every ache and pain Papa earned making it so.o.o. beautiful.