tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133391496694054532024-03-12T16:27:35.384-07:00InterLeafings Tales from a California FarmsteadLaura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-71359995657960453332020-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:002020-06-28T15:59:00.542-07:00June 2020 - We have chickens!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another piece of the farmstead has fallen into place with the arrival of our hens. We had a coop, but I was having a hard time finding chicks because of the pandemic. Being new to this I assumed that was the way I had to go. Not so! I put out a query on our community google group, and got several great suggestions (there are many, many chicken owners in La Honda). </div>
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Since we are getting a late start and had no particular attachment to the "babies under lights" phase of chicken parenthood, we were glad to be reminded that ready-for-the-coop pullets (teenage chickens) was an option. So we could actually be chicken parents by Solstice weekend!</div>
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First, we needed to get the coop ready. I leveled the area and put down a double layer of greenhouse barrier and several inches of gravel. Getting everything level, square and solid is tricky, as the whole coop structure is rather flexible, but so far this is working well. </div>
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Ready for residents! It feels solid and it looks pretty. The lavender and rosemary continue our garden theme (and are well-suited for this area). The planned chicken yard will secure it further. </div>
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Before getting our girls we visited <a href="https://peninsulafeedstore.com/" target="_blank">Peninsula Feed Store</a> in Redwood City to get a waterer, a feeder, feed and bedding. They were super nice and very knowledgeable, and helped us find exactly what we needed. </div>
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So, FINALLY we could go get the chickens! We decided to, once again, shop "hyper local" and get our pullets from <a href="https://www.twistedfields.com/" target="_blank">Twisted Fields Farm</a> in nearby San Gregorio.</div>
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Twisted Fields has been in operation since 2016, and is in the process of revitalizing a small gem of a farm, tucked in one of the coastal redwood valleys we can see from our porch. They sell organic eggs and goat-milk products to local stores, and their chicken/goat yard is enormous. It also has the most charming pair of guard dogs! </div>
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We had our pick from a large flock of youngsters; we just waded in and let chance decide who would be the lucky new residents at Uphill House. Then, after chatting with the owners and grazing on fresh strawberries, we took four chickens and a carton of wild plums back up the hill. </div>
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The girls did NOT think much of the car ride.</div>
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We got home late afternoon, just in time for a long, warm sunset. Our little flock huddled in the corner for quite some time. They had lived mostly in a barn, and I'm sure the bright, airy coop was quite a shock. I liked that they protected the smallest one, who is still in the "peeping" stage. I'm not an expert on ages, but the two largest are weeks to months older than the two youngest. I'll know more as they grow. I covered the run with some shade cloth, put our Steely Dan mix on Pandora and sat back to observe them.</div>
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Pretty soon they were doing chicken-y things, found their food dish, scratched around in the straw, drank water. Instant chickens! But still with a lot of growing to do. It's interesting to watch their personalities emerge - I'll introduce each at the end. I have friends who sit with their chickens in the evening, now I understand why.</div>
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Solstice sunset! This is as far north as the sun will go. Now we will start to swing back again. Gee, I wonder what the rest of the year will bring? So thankful to have a comforting thing like chickens to occupy part of my mind, to balance everything else. It is a nice addition to our days.</div>
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The finishing touch! After many hours pondering exactly what I wanted for a chicken yard, yesterday was the day. Seriously, the particulars have changed so many times. The basics were easy: a protected place for the hens to do what they like best; scratch around in the dirt. It did not have to be tall or have a roof, but shade and shelter would be good. </div>
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That being established, this is what I chose: a sturdy, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QCDE0K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00" target="_blank">black plastic version of classic chicken wire</a>, 3' tall, and 4' steel u-posts. And I am VERY pleased with the choice. Since I'm building this myself, I'm using the strongest AND most economical materials I can find. Total cost for 50 feet of fence was $128. I'll be building 3 simple gates, including a double one here. </div>
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Oh, and you can also dig on my no-waste PVC pipe feeder and waterer from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ranch-High-Poultry-Feeder/dp/B01N4I5PTZ/ref=sr_1_2" target="_blank">Rugged Ranch</a>. Even thought I still put some feed in their floor dish, it's nice to know they have a steady, clean supply at all times. They were kind of a pain to install, but once in they seem rock solid.</div>
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Yes, I'm obsessed with lining things up, but just look at how nice it looks when you do. And YET AGAIN the transparency theme prevails! I thought for sure the chicken fence would have a heavier vibe, but it just doesn't. </div>
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I was pleased at how quickly it came together. I had worried that the rock-hard ground would make setting the posts difficult, but a system of small starter holes filled with water worked like a dream, and I was able to set all 14 with a rubber mallet and live to tell about it. The fence posts, with their built-in hooks were great - I could assemble the whole thing before committing to a single zip-tie.<br />
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By early afternoon the perimeter was secured, one gate was in place, and I used that old stake truck panel I found to make a shelter, propping it up with cinderblocks. It was time to let the girls check it out!</div>
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If we expected an immediate stampede once the doors were open, we didn't get one...but they were definitely curious! I'm super happy with the way this turned out. I might add some sort of screening fence along the front side; the wind off the ocean can come in pretty brisk sometimes, and it would be nice to protect the yard a bit. Maybe willow? </div>
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This morning it was chilly and foggy (as it often is) but the girls were up at first light and ready to explore their new yard. And now, without further ado, meet the Uphill Flock.</div>
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This is Little Brown Betty. I have no idea what kind she is, but her feathers are already just beautiful. She's quite sweet and docile, but unfortunately is getting picked on a bit, and as a result Betty is rather a loner. She was the first to figure out the new feeder and waterer, and is probably the one who will bond with us most.</div>
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This is Pearl. She is one of the two older and larger pullets we chose. Her colors are beautiful too! She also likes her privacy, and was the first to find the coop. She might be a Blue Andalusian.</div>
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Finally, here are Lursa and Gracie, who have set themselves up as the leaders of the flock. It's hilarious. Gracie is the smallest and youngest, maybe 7 or 8 weeks old. Lursa is the largest and oldest. We both think she looks Klingon, and because we are proper Trekkies she is named for one. So far, it fits - she's fierce!<br />
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Gracie, who started as a fearful peeper is the one who is doing much of the bullying around here; the pecking order is being established. Hopefully they will work things out, now that they have more space.</div>
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I never knew dust baths were such a thing for chickens, but they are having a great time. Making space for creatures that works well for their needs is so satisfying. </div>
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That's it for now. I need to go finish the gates. As always, thanks for following along. We've accomplished much since April, time to let it all settle in. Now more than ever it is important to care for self and others, stay centered, and observe with a clear eye. While looking for just the right way add some light. </div>
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Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-85931571145430128642020-06-14T11:09:00.000-07:002020-06-15T11:45:46.331-07:00June 2020 - Seasonal Lessons<br />
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Back again for the veggie update! I think I mentioned in my first "reset" post that we will be learning some lessons this year, as we adapt from our previous sheltered gardens to a brisk coastal hillside. What I think we're learning now is how/when/if we can grow warm-season vegetables up here! </div>
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When nighttime temps moved firmly into the fifties at the end of May, we thought we were home free. Memorial Day week was a great time to plant beans, squash and cucumbers; they all germinated quickly in that warm soil! Then the weather cooled again, and now any given week can be a mix of foggy days and sunny. Living within sight of the ocean, we should expect this. So here's the situation.</div>
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"Tendergreen" green beans look just pitiful. They get yellower by the day, and this week the leaves are actually starting to look burned. Is this what beans look like when they don't stay warm? I'm not sure. </div>
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The three bags of shelling beans, planted 10 days later, have healthier looking leaves, but are looking yellow as well. And we have other variables to consider. Could the planting mix have a nutrient deficiency? It's the first soil mix I've bought in bulk (I usually buy in bags). Our well-water is very high in iron, I wonder if that could be an issue? But I keep coming back to temperature; everything in the garden seems to have paused during this June gloom.<br />
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Same situation with the squash - this is almost three weeks after germination for most of them...</div>
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And same with the cucumbers; a couple are making a valiant effort, but others are sulking. (Yes, I will be thinning them). The tomatoes are hanging in there, but they aren't growing very fast either.</div>
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On the other hand, the peas look wonderful and have just started blooming.</div>
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Parsnips are also progressing; almost time to thin again.</div>
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The carrots look lovely, and the thinnings tell me they are well-watered and sweet. We harvested the last of the spinach last week, and I planted Sugar Baby watermelon in that bag (which needs heat, so...we'll see how that goes!)</div>
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And finally, the cannabis is growing like a you-know-what, so not everyone is being fussy.</div>
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What do all these lovelies have in common? They prefer (or don't mind) cooler weather. Beans, squash, cucumbers and tomatoes DO mind. And they let you know.</div>
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So I'm guessing that the best timetable for this garden will be to shift to more cool-season varieties (like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, etc.) planted earlier in the year, and start the heat-lovers later. Our growing season goes into November/December, so we'll have time. </div>
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In other news; I found something cool buried in the grass behind the greenhouse! It looks like an old ranch gate. The wood is quite soft and fragile, but the heavy steel posts are good as new. Not sure what I'm going to do with it. [Update! My dad, who knows about such things, says this is a panel from a stake truck (possibly the tailgate). So there!]</div>
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Although, as often happens, the first place I put it after cleanup looks kind of cool. </div>
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Thanks for listening to me figure this out! </div>
Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-54706260372375070222020-06-13T12:21:00.000-07:002020-06-13T12:21:41.662-07:00June 2020 - Big Thoughts About Little Projects<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL0A__vGNXI0VG-iL3daX-r0Z8qAPTaTxmW2-YVwXdHA-En2ct3ef_jxl2UsIAzWWWmqzniolM_LA3qMzKHI2vZKQigz0Smx_y0RlIqEfv1bXgfaAKmu7svHpDxNyr9CruW6XFILTtWaV/s4032/IMG_1787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL0A__vGNXI0VG-iL3daX-r0Z8qAPTaTxmW2-YVwXdHA-En2ct3ef_jxl2UsIAzWWWmqzniolM_LA3qMzKHI2vZKQigz0Smx_y0RlIqEfv1bXgfaAKmu7svHpDxNyr9CruW6XFILTtWaV/w400-h300/IMG_1787.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>With the vegetable garden built and planted, the pace around here has slowed down a bit. I spend a lot of time thinking about what to do next, it seems. But slowly the rest of the pieces are starting to fall in place. I love getting to use one of my oldest garden skills: working with what I have on hand. For this garden that means 10 hefty railroad ties, a small heap of rocks (formerly a fire ring) and an enormous pile of gravel.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Riches indeed! The rough outline is there; now the details can be built.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuf4-5YirOlYTunRgonQbFkDMGm4oBmjVqofygJ-qkj3CZb7LIsSt80qWKEcslm6NvksE4J9895pGSwo4blhMnPQJ_FnbKSZy9kqi5I-5F2RAczDU7QuNw1Zs-o_TpmywIvomkx6IJGoG/s3309/IMG_1832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="3309" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuf4-5YirOlYTunRgonQbFkDMGm4oBmjVqofygJ-qkj3CZb7LIsSt80qWKEcslm6NvksE4J9895pGSwo4blhMnPQJ_FnbKSZy9kqi5I-5F2RAczDU7QuNw1Zs-o_TpmywIvomkx6IJGoG/w400-h315/IMG_1832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>But where do you begin, once you've thought things through? I like to start with something small. This little corner is a great example. It helped define the boundaries of the greenhouse area and gave me a new planting bed, which in turn allowed me to get some long-suffering plant purchases in the ground. </div><div><br /></div><div>Years of working with excellent builders (including my dad) have taught me the importance of "plumb" and "level" to discerning eyes. The railroad ties needed to be dug up and repositioned. Working with irregular objects and tricky slopes can be a maddening process, but when it finally locks in, you just see it. Very satisfying. The chunkiest rocks from the pile made a splendid impromptu wall.</div><div><br /></div><div>With edges in place, we added the rest of our garden soil mix to the native soil between the fence and the railroad ties and roughly leveled it with a rake. A second tie creates an instant seat wall that Haku will no doubt adore. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now I can FINALLY get to the best part - planting! The Trader Joe's rosemary will tie that whole corner together in the nicest way. Along with the borage behind it (which I hope will be happy and reseed, like borage does) and the dwarf lavender, this is a nice trio to have near the beehives. Now this "small" job has set the tone and style for this whole space forever more!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've planted the rest of the bed with two long, staggered rows of tall sunflowers. I have such fond memories of my first sunflower patch nearly 50 years ago, and the birds will be in heaven. I hope I can pull those off outside the deer fence!</div><div><br /></div><div>Heartened by this progress, I decided to build up to my big greenhouse project with a couple more small ones.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw60L7pEPp5TRWPOpBFfQvMZwBjqty4YKFlFWnuvVFyWRhKtuh4tx4dgOwgtnkmP8LlyPy8IeLDWED6L1FAqQNyWSi2FRK7iI0bIVVhAofr_DlkNZjxdYAhPWcOGSCiaqn-bOk3KbvzA_l/s4032/IMG_1912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw60L7pEPp5TRWPOpBFfQvMZwBjqty4YKFlFWnuvVFyWRhKtuh4tx4dgOwgtnkmP8LlyPy8IeLDWED6L1FAqQNyWSi2FRK7iI0bIVVhAofr_DlkNZjxdYAhPWcOGSCiaqn-bOk3KbvzA_l/w400-h300/IMG_1912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Next up: the scruffy clearing in the lantana under our lone faucet. I wanted a nice spot to store our hose and watering can. First I gathered up my tools and materials, including a likely-looking bunch of rocks from the heap. I love working with rocks. You can trust them to play nicely together and not change too much. A hand mattock and hori-hori have been my most trusted weeding and soil working hand-tools for decades. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX3R7cwGrn4aSgJSIaPtwN_YTxgXy4dE6K6RIag95GXdYYeaw-I57SdKr8DXnaolM9uOAvjVapmLgCAeCBeO52PKvY0xkPW9hyphenhyphenLRU-FLt1gUbB695OYbqMlWSLSINcaR_SWyo2K4hK95X/s4032/IMG_1914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX3R7cwGrn4aSgJSIaPtwN_YTxgXy4dE6K6RIag95GXdYYeaw-I57SdKr8DXnaolM9uOAvjVapmLgCAeCBeO52PKvY0xkPW9hyphenhyphenLRU-FLt1gUbB695OYbqMlWSLSINcaR_SWyo2K4hK95X/w400-h300/IMG_1914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>After a good session of weeding and clearing, the loose soil was scooped out and rocks arranged along the edge of the hole. I started with the largest rock at the top and worked down from the sides, finding the best rock to fit with the one before. Then I really settled them in. You never want rocks just sitting on top of the ground; they almost always look better buried up to their widest point. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like the convenient gopher hole; it will provide extra drainage! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfRvpMxzJwMrjRIrG_q9xjeXu0lltGa0NQN1fSubp0FMSH-jIvMjiTkG_k9ULWKcmqk-BHKOYIOkyrE2PedqTD6LGvnfLZlbBfB-6S6j3j2Oj-mBSP9at4mLo79Hf8d2yMEm5dOXugfPq/s3724/IMG_1915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2784" data-original-width="3724" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfRvpMxzJwMrjRIrG_q9xjeXu0lltGa0NQN1fSubp0FMSH-jIvMjiTkG_k9ULWKcmqk-BHKOYIOkyrE2PedqTD6LGvnfLZlbBfB-6S6j3j2Oj-mBSP9at4mLo79Hf8d2yMEm5dOXugfPq/w400-h299/IMG_1915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>A couple of scoops of gravel from the pile, and we're done! Sharp gravel looks tidy and compacts well; I like the color contrast with the warm-colored rocks. See what I mean about burying them? Bury your rocks!!! Also keep the level of the gravel just below the walkway so it stays contained. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFla4-W98bz5GCwdEguEl7xvT8S3m1s7sn7iOkiAI9JQUwGCNvE_WIIquzt4GuxHTnKE-0tihKM85Isr_8LG9pDFcxEoxWpj8TBGsXzotPqy2455aATCmao1YR89GlEMLVdulfUKg-wUT/s4032/IMG_1916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFla4-W98bz5GCwdEguEl7xvT8S3m1s7sn7iOkiAI9JQUwGCNvE_WIIquzt4GuxHTnKE-0tihKM85Isr_8LG9pDFcxEoxWpj8TBGsXzotPqy2455aATCmao1YR89GlEMLVdulfUKg-wUT/w400-h300/IMG_1916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Everything fits! Now, of course we need to tidy up the rest of the border, which includes...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS85FrJUX74q_OZ2MFmSWFYW9QdAfM7MYiF5Ntvs2hnKUMLzZm5BRU6-Ycgp091OoJ0M0Kir9ywqlBg10oszj_MW7-U6v2QY8OVLvtjrZIpHBbXqwnuNmn644jMDdv9Ana21DEx3QIBfZg/s3486/IMG_1970.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3486" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS85FrJUX74q_OZ2MFmSWFYW9QdAfM7MYiF5Ntvs2hnKUMLzZm5BRU6-Ycgp091OoJ0M0Kir9ywqlBg10oszj_MW7-U6v2QY8OVLvtjrZIpHBbXqwnuNmn644jMDdv9Ana21DEx3QIBfZg/w400-h348/IMG_1970.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>...a flower break! </div><div><br /></div><div>It was time to cut back the fat hedge of french lavender that was taking over the back walk. It looked spent. Not surprising, since this beast has been blooming since we moved in last fall. I am terrible about not cutting things back when I should because there are still some blooms, so I bolstered my courage with YouTube videos on the subject and had at it with hedging shears. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7Bl8qyOkD5JVied3ALnlRUu49YzsI_hpYhBRW2kGEXP76HE93gMxxqaY0lv4M1ny0BLZsq709GSlbFfIngg-BiRb2CSbDu0lpkLoAC6IqNi37W6N7G5LV03w3aKq7MdSm5KLi6XQVD-o/s4032/IMG_1963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7Bl8qyOkD5JVied3ALnlRUu49YzsI_hpYhBRW2kGEXP76HE93gMxxqaY0lv4M1ny0BLZsq709GSlbFfIngg-BiRb2CSbDu0lpkLoAC6IqNi37W6N7G5LV03w3aKq7MdSm5KLi6XQVD-o/w400-h300/IMG_1963.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>And it hardly hurt at all! Nice to be able to use the walk again too. I did leave a few fresh stems for the bees at the back; one actually landed on the desk bouquet (pictured above) while I was collecting, to reach that one last floret. Since every stem cut will send out a last two more, we'll be enjoying our lavender again soon. This task was worth it just for the aromatherapy, and now that I'm so relaxed, I need to lie down in a...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwuVBEBI2chvAbLcw5UhCu0FQPcUguk15YpHDDLd4uqgI91o-Idq64gYxbwrZqIVB_Q5vxQkmuTKioKTnD3qlacSWATJrxfDmeoWlvfFsa1EkRdGWRsdizVxqmmf1SUYyCTz1zRxX6Vsl/s4032/IMG_1980.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwuVBEBI2chvAbLcw5UhCu0FQPcUguk15YpHDDLd4uqgI91o-Idq64gYxbwrZqIVB_Q5vxQkmuTKioKTnD3qlacSWATJrxfDmeoWlvfFsa1EkRdGWRsdizVxqmmf1SUYyCTz1zRxX6Vsl/w400-h300/IMG_1980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>...hammock! I got this as a Father's Day gift for John, thinking he would really like it. This little redwood grove is literally the only natural shade we have near the house. We discovered its charms when the weather warmed and we started looking for cool spots rather than warm ones. After a bit of cleanup, it was obvious that a hammock belonged here. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll write more about this lovely area in another post, but for now can I just say, sorry John, happy late Mother's Day to me? I LOVE this thing. It is so simple, and has become my new happy place. (And there is, actually, room for two!) It's a great vantage point for quietly observing our little chunk of native California woodland, and thinking about what to do next.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIqDqU9cqPY_EnQ6ihnfwbMTaOzKiV3D_gVk3JwMTmWAmkEgJFHxQHzgxwX2E07xQJVze5iGJDtRg6g0WipDNUCmd9rr1Bi_LjqjyDn6_a6sYvNufHSwfBd2N2HPiSqytidHXosvY5SVL/s4032/IMG_1982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIqDqU9cqPY_EnQ6ihnfwbMTaOzKiV3D_gVk3JwMTmWAmkEgJFHxQHzgxwX2E07xQJVze5iGJDtRg6g0WipDNUCmd9rr1Bi_LjqjyDn6_a6sYvNufHSwfBd2N2HPiSqytidHXosvY5SVL/w400-h300/IMG_1982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Now, because the little projects have set the stage, the bigger ones can finish. This silly thing pleases me no end. I have always wanted a greenhouse. With our breezy, coastal location, it will be nice to have a warm, protected spot for plants and tools. We didn't want anything fancy, so this really fit the bill! Inexpensive, easy to assemble, a nice size (6' x 12'), well ventilated and, most importantly, something I can build around. Now I know where the rest of the railroad ties should go, which tells me the position of the chicken coop, chicken run, everything.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FVUMOGllqUJeP5Qh5E6U9ewj7OLIBK50lIMrrBQWumIE-Q1OmLTz4daqvUmilMZdoodIAFYGBJHHjeWfKbtsb87_KnZA5Y5Y-EnvGPGgDEvMdDY0cBwg55rGAWgQvCkLf9wgpoDEbWpC/s3697/IMG_1987.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2773" data-original-width="3697" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FVUMOGllqUJeP5Qh5E6U9ewj7OLIBK50lIMrrBQWumIE-Q1OmLTz4daqvUmilMZdoodIAFYGBJHHjeWfKbtsb87_KnZA5Y5Y-EnvGPGgDEvMdDY0cBwg55rGAWgQvCkLf9wgpoDEbWpC/w400-h300/IMG_1987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I think it fits right in. And yes, we'll be securing it in numerous ways so that it doesn't blow away next winter. I like that it continues the unexpected "transparency" theme that started with the deer fencing. I had been worried that I'd lose my view of the orange chair and the corona machine, but there they are. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVx6aJxjGoDyA5Ai_MbV7AAL-Id1JGcWBL8FkNR2U7wP_daa0EDiYAWv7RkKrXdJXNo-u84iLNKcV3kleoiuZP_rEiZcb3kQ4pEUPrXiyy6tQfR12ec8V4Jfyy6ELyOLValdD2AfUurZE/s4032/IMG_2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVx6aJxjGoDyA5Ai_MbV7AAL-Id1JGcWBL8FkNR2U7wP_daa0EDiYAWv7RkKrXdJXNo-u84iLNKcV3kleoiuZP_rEiZcb3kQ4pEUPrXiyy6tQfR12ec8V4Jfyy6ELyOLValdD2AfUurZE/w400-h300/IMG_2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Next-day observations from inside the greenhouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a moody, gray day today, and I am pondering our world. So much change happening; I hope that most of it is, ultimately, for the good. But for now, all I can do to feel useful is work. At my job, to help others. In the garden, to create a sanctuary for myself and my family. It's what I've always done, but it feels much more important now. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today I'm also worried about the garden; beans, cucumbers and squash not thriving. Is it the new soil? The well water? Temperature fluctuations? Wind? Who can't grow green beans? Sigh. Oh well. This is meant to be the year we figure out what works. Onward.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguguBFWYgAwDW4NO-8q_xXMZ9y-ro36olQRkYK2h7lV_RW80YWgkomzCbxe5maF7IcTZqSFX3FvOoy37vb4R-j5rGH75U2ape29CwUK5MAc5YLyALi5RXm4f9wowXJpOy0wtGnEceolQ0o/s3854/IMG_2017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="3854" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguguBFWYgAwDW4NO-8q_xXMZ9y-ro36olQRkYK2h7lV_RW80YWgkomzCbxe5maF7IcTZqSFX3FvOoy37vb4R-j5rGH75U2ape29CwUK5MAc5YLyALi5RXm4f9wowXJpOy0wtGnEceolQ0o/w400-h280/IMG_2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>I'll leave you with an early sunset to round things out. I'll share more about the vegetable garden in another post. Thanks for visiting...</div></div></div>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-37606146220913284952020-05-31T10:13:00.000-07:002020-05-31T10:28:07.162-07:00May 2020 - Taking Refuge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA99RmyERe3MLlhAL7BVjCqw-A7Eqgv0Xi8ceL5FyfDIHqRdh1AJaxNq0NjuFnb2MBT1Bo_2rx58fnWzKlDB-Ej8EXq5jKNkbPar7lwe6HjnY_BQSMp4ERFXXt0XfZ-WUhmRWP8LZiuzjY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="3990" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA99RmyERe3MLlhAL7BVjCqw-A7Eqgv0Xi8ceL5FyfDIHqRdh1AJaxNq0NjuFnb2MBT1Bo_2rx58fnWzKlDB-Ej8EXq5jKNkbPar7lwe6HjnY_BQSMp4ERFXXt0XfZ-WUhmRWP8LZiuzjY/w400-h300/RefugeMay2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I woke up this morning thinking about refuge. Witnessing the suffering in our country from the relative safety of our mountaintop is quite the privilege. Every instinct we have has been telling us to become as food and energy independent as possible, and to create a place that offers comfort and diversion in uncertain times. </div>
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This is now our whole life in one picture; the modest rented home from which we work, and the bit of land we are trying to fill with as much life as possible. It's a story of our times that feels right to tell. </div>
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So thank you for reading, and here's what we've been up to in May...</div>
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May is one of my favorite months, the perfection of spring, the welcoming of the sun while everything is still green and before the hot, dry summer begins. It certainly is my favorite garden building time. It feels good to be back in the saddle, working in such a peaceful setting on a garden that will feed our family.</div>
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We don't have a lot of flowers around the place now; but what we do have we have a lot of! This huge clump of Salvia leucantha is tucked in a deep corner between the driveway and the front walk. It just needs to be cleaned up a bit in late winter and it blooms year-round. Same with the massive banks of lavender and lantana in the back - they must all have been here for years. I tucked praying mantis egg cases in several likely places earlier this spring - hopefully my favorite insect will be making an appearance later in the season!</div>
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So here is where May began - still in that frustrating "it looks great in my head" place where everything is just a mess. First priority was to get the poor strawberry starts planted (they've been waiting more than a week for us to get the bed gopher-proofed). Half the bed is "Quinalt" ever-bearing and half is "Evie-2" day-neutral. Next tasks: set up the second raised bed and fill the grow bags for the warm season vegetables. We'll have no shortage of sun, that's for sure. </div>
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Speaking of sun, here's a sunset! It's interesting to watch its daily progress north; there's a different view every evening.<br />
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A week later and things are looking much better! I scored these beautiful chunky bamboo poles from a kind neighbor, and have been pondering what to do with them in the garden. The shortest one was used to span the gate, which was an immediate improvement! A second one will be suspended from the two tomato cages in the back, and will hold the cucumber netting. And the last four really wanted to be a bean teepee, so I said fine. </div>
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I like adding height in the middle of a garden; it keeps things interesting and makes good use of your space. The metal raised bed gives the poles nice corners to lock into, and the whole arrangement is pretty darn sturdy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg5crZAzCi3RtdG9NyPULjQZRM7msho1ZZeK2IMusdN7ePdLbY6Jwym4EIkk7VY3zrTp12ZsguDb6KW_P0UMA0WlVkmhLSWE_P6dcJy_uYiemTs6LzDqbR62Gjxvbxx_RIHbAsd_uaC1t/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg5crZAzCi3RtdG9NyPULjQZRM7msho1ZZeK2IMusdN7ePdLbY6Jwym4EIkk7VY3zrTp12ZsguDb6KW_P0UMA0WlVkmhLSWE_P6dcJy_uYiemTs6LzDqbR62Gjxvbxx_RIHbAsd_uaC1t/w400-h300/IMG_1428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was going to have all my shelling beans grow up some sort of trellis along the south-facing side of the garden, but changed my mind for a couple of reasons. First, only one of the beans was actually a climber (oops!) Second, I now have a bean teepee! So I'll grow the one climber (Hidatsa Red Indian) on it, along with some <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/bean-pole-organic-mamas-cannellini" target="_blank">heirloom Cannelini beans</a>. The bush beans are neatly lined up behind, as they should be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IzKj5QRGmvW6-lLbtk16x0DGstuXQWDNF3ZF-6J99j55CSno3hKc6PcU_WBl4oCRCFR9-qwAg8KpbcsJAoa-1slZtoyQNsDSbF26Ubuw23oKCtOTBa2My2HPAI5ETcvc_pXAEgUGu9QF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2806" data-original-width="3684" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IzKj5QRGmvW6-lLbtk16x0DGstuXQWDNF3ZF-6J99j55CSno3hKc6PcU_WBl4oCRCFR9-qwAg8KpbcsJAoa-1slZtoyQNsDSbF26Ubuw23oKCtOTBa2My2HPAI5ETcvc_pXAEgUGu9QF/w400-h305/IMG_1452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Flower break! This is the first bloom on my new Thunbergia "Rose Sensation" from <a href="https://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=5183" target="_blank">Annie's Annuals</a>. It is one of the most cheerful plants ever. I'm tucking vigorous vines in two opposite corners of the garden, hoping to enclose it a bit and provide shelter from wind. I have also popped a couple of <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/moonflower-vine" target="_blank">moonflower </a>seeds into the pot, I would love to get them growing on the fence as well. You can see little Rose peeping out in the lower left corner of the next photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2VYJNVVXSKJr_3evqCBLwjlCEwZHi2T6pepgzgAiylPwyPGX6My7O4FRuoNK8pT5C7-YpzT2QqRLLgiEcPfVEMi7lDki2lMv4Xqy0m2kdgxz_l_vT4oDqj5GUusezJXfLxvDojgnMkOL/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="3948" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2VYJNVVXSKJr_3evqCBLwjlCEwZHi2T6pepgzgAiylPwyPGX6My7O4FRuoNK8pT5C7-YpzT2QqRLLgiEcPfVEMi7lDki2lMv4Xqy0m2kdgxz_l_vT4oDqj5GUusezJXfLxvDojgnMkOL/w400-h281/IMG_1522.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I asked my generous neighbor if he had any more bamboo laying around, looking for something to do, and he did! I had been toying with the idea of reinforcing the top of the fence with bamboo, and the new pieces were perfect for that. Have I mentioned that zip-ties are the best invention ever? </div>
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It's details like this that make the garden feel settled, complete and personal, no matter what you are working with. My design/build mantra is: finish your edges, hide your wires, mind your transitions and be generous with your materials. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJK_eXeYh06BQtAVNUMVbC8OIioZgRS-vxSl1s9bmjYFrK0bANJUsr1h1TF37OMm9SEFjQcBjXyWPhRV4dNzdz98Msqw2jmY6s9vooglgPq6j2SQLSJyR1Mhj8RSnSRQqT0pI6-W0z9VK/w400-h300/IMG_1573.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Remember when I said I'd figure something out for the gates in the deer fencing? Here's one solution. Another kind neighbor gave me some smaller bamboo poles, with top-knots still attached. I slit the deer fence right up the middle of the gate opening, and then wove a pole in and out along each edge and secured with zip ties.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrpkLS04fzbgTLBvg0ILdUMhsk341ktQcot8wilSiGh3XYfMsZaXRWOe2H_JFdWrPcXMopWfwOwlQLAtPFUHyyzUtpPs6P2xtIow_lC1J3dmend4K-tiyTHcAopIR2uTvw4Du7q6ygVMV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrpkLS04fzbgTLBvg0ILdUMhsk341ktQcot8wilSiGh3XYfMsZaXRWOe2H_JFdWrPcXMopWfwOwlQLAtPFUHyyzUtpPs6P2xtIow_lC1J3dmend4K-tiyTHcAopIR2uTvw4Du7q6ygVMV/w400-h300/IMG_1574.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
At the top I trimmed the leaves to just above the edge of the fencing. Makes it look rather jaunty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ8-APGun9SDRECT8YBYUfe1_Ieq0s26z00TuT1t55IQ8Ojat2It2-x2m4GX8MGx_9-BxH6n5dTBY9aRe_G5YYY8yYHwSAMPSAvDNU00pj32cY5k_Z3-pnGx_WjUQzh8pepeSL3o1F2lN/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ8-APGun9SDRECT8YBYUfe1_Ieq0s26z00TuT1t55IQ8Ojat2It2-x2m4GX8MGx_9-BxH6n5dTBY9aRe_G5YYY8yYHwSAMPSAvDNU00pj32cY5k_Z3-pnGx_WjUQzh8pepeSL3o1F2lN/w400-h300/IMG_1575.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
At the bottom I pounded a chunky piece of PVC into the ground. The bamboo ends drop in, bringing the fencing snug to the ground, and then I just secure the two poles together with a strong clamp to close up the garden at night. I like how the two sides gracefully fall open when I unclip them in the morning; I can also fold them back completely out of the way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuNPOV54q-AZjRRFAtaEYhdX4v493Kj3QHkeJPGIuSmxc7BBBgj9WjT0CjdZJEApm74r0XsUZgCMXLde79c9B18NioQ6QdE4kj-5Lg6Gq5T5CqIv9jYBdSRybLb1xpugwZuzI-3iaK4u7/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuNPOV54q-AZjRRFAtaEYhdX4v493Kj3QHkeJPGIuSmxc7BBBgj9WjT0CjdZJEApm74r0XsUZgCMXLde79c9B18NioQ6QdE4kj-5Lg6Gq5T5CqIv9jYBdSRybLb1xpugwZuzI-3iaK4u7/w300-h400/IMG_1577.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Someday I'll have a nice gate here, but for now, this works fine. We really don't have deer nosing around this area of the property; it's off their normal browsing path, and there is SO MUCH else for them to eat that we haven't seem them expend extra effort for food. We close it up at night anyway (we've recently spotted chipmunks, rabbits and a sunflower-seed loving skunk, all of whom could cause mischief in a garden.) Time will tell what visitors we'll have, and how resourceful they will be - we really have no idea!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBS2q4yDFjzUyA9q9A8huZ1rfA_AvvPloBDfuN9IdOVjwXgSlu6mRuJQwA60_pkPbcwA-zvcPvCJKrZlbGChyphenhyphenPAOB5wfsZch19MDjsBNduaUmPWYVQJmv8o6sQ1br3U9fOUXNQ0Q99_GM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2834" data-original-width="3763" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBS2q4yDFjzUyA9q9A8huZ1rfA_AvvPloBDfuN9IdOVjwXgSlu6mRuJQwA60_pkPbcwA-zvcPvCJKrZlbGChyphenhyphenPAOB5wfsZch19MDjsBNduaUmPWYVQJmv8o6sQ1br3U9fOUXNQ0Q99_GM/s320/IMG_1587.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been flirting with this chair for ages, and decided I now have somewhere to put it. My daughter and I were talking recently about our mutual love of chairs. I think it's because I need to sit to really think and focus. When I'm planning a garden, I can sit motionless for an hour, just looking and thinking and planning and imagining. And once the garden is done, I like to sit and look at it! EVERY garden must have a chair or two, otherwise it's just a place to stand around in.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="3018" data-original-width="3923" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSzS4tq_T4V03LH_6g-j2MGdZ9RuHXoWAUwY8GfJ64CriyoWg6giv608yv15Fjfa1IW1PfJDn1ZySMqYN9nmvn_xprElxD5JbC8OGKG12moIecVLo31H-5KnnO7aSSKYPmlckI5U_lhAi/w400-h308/IMG_1539.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="400" /></div>
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And who has time to stand around anyway, because the chicken coop has arrived! Bang on time as promised from <a href="https://www.urbannorthern.com/" target="_blank">Urban Northern Coops</a> in Washington. It was beautifully made, reasonably priced and easy to put together. This is just part of our chicken housing arrangement though; with wild animals about we want to make sure the girls are safe, so we're designing a solid setting for it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o-fELmxLBanUsBu4HNcUunulRqAsctFXBg32xPo3SBkW-wNLnKpiMbh_mGJwgpLLg09CkgbfwCcgUYi5Jjp3XeN_qh5dIxlKtT3BpTkvIYgz6j0Amh7pMyZoFW6FEQemFp0LJoHi2Vy_/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o-fELmxLBanUsBu4HNcUunulRqAsctFXBg32xPo3SBkW-wNLnKpiMbh_mGJwgpLLg09CkgbfwCcgUYi5Jjp3XeN_qh5dIxlKtT3BpTkvIYgz6j0Amh7pMyZoFW6FEQemFp0LJoHi2Vy_/w400-h300/IMG_1612.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Flower break! Hector is due to mow the meadow today (it has to be done for fire safety, and to prevent us from misplacing Milo). Viewed up close it's a very sweet collection of sturdy small field flowers (the yellow dandelion is about the size of a dime, for reference). It's been interesting to watch the succession of blooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcaP-7EemnN29-ku1g6GnnTwL63ZlkCK2E5-ypgfEGBXIcRUbCIsGow3FTsIEGplfczuKuXLAbxn-Qm_KwO5DS_rl7RVon-iAwTJ1SRgbbLrFjCLmS9PvV6DDHwlRMEV8k7A_FmeOPgkk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2619" data-original-width="3451" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcaP-7EemnN29-ku1g6GnnTwL63ZlkCK2E5-ypgfEGBXIcRUbCIsGow3FTsIEGplfczuKuXLAbxn-Qm_KwO5DS_rl7RVon-iAwTJ1SRgbbLrFjCLmS9PvV6DDHwlRMEV8k7A_FmeOPgkk/w400-h304/IMG_1621.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But who has time for blooms when there is planting to be done? I will spare you the complete inventory; you'll no doubt meet the rest of the cast at some point. I will share a couple of highlights though; these exquisite <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/squash-zucchini-middleeastern-clarimore" target="_blank">pale-green zucchini</a> come from Lebanon, and are very sweet and tender. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Nj2R9RFnunMh5kIMoG2vjoYKTE_EU_ELEvqzHoaJADtNICB35QMJyn4ci28evXF6zTdsKmKXPpyje4Mqm4GULTciHgHJ2qNobIZi9LzaEpJCDO0quonOUInfESgvs2OA4K3AnuXz8k7h/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2890" data-original-width="3853" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Nj2R9RFnunMh5kIMoG2vjoYKTE_EU_ELEvqzHoaJADtNICB35QMJyn4ci28evXF6zTdsKmKXPpyje4Mqm4GULTciHgHJ2qNobIZi9LzaEpJCDO0quonOUInfESgvs2OA4K3AnuXz8k7h/w400-h300/IMG_1632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shelling beans are so cool looking! <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/soup-mix-blend" target="_blank">This mix</a> includes several varieties, including these called Jacob's Cattle. I'm doing individual pots of each variety (don't YOU sort all your seed mixes?) These are beans that you leave on the plant all season until the pods turn leathery. Then you shell all of the beans at once, dry them a bit and then store them for the winter!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEulBXbmJGhgY4GLNivagvbCidWUDmYVXGl8jmntnnJM5tFTncebkXwqOGHnyXUq1Xx5xJmrcUFss1fVHoBholuVbkfqHlIem7wCbSQhK8Cu9yOCpF7CJphak2a0sT_vRcaSLT93h5lJ5G/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2788" data-original-width="4032" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEulBXbmJGhgY4GLNivagvbCidWUDmYVXGl8jmntnnJM5tFTncebkXwqOGHnyXUq1Xx5xJmrcUFss1fVHoBholuVbkfqHlIem7wCbSQhK8Cu9yOCpF7CJphak2a0sT_vRcaSLT93h5lJ5G/w400-h276/IMG_1626.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Another benefit to grow bags? They are a nice height for working at from a chair. Remember what I said about sitting? When I was a younger woman I thought nothing of plopping right on the ground (and I scratched my head at the "garden kneelers" I'd see in the gardening catalogs). Now I understand. My trusty camp chair has been great for this; I can prep soil, plant, thin, harvest and inspect for pests. And it will hold my beverage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4ThFfrLklwQxFghLLtnww9uXELdtS8HTaa73GIcaVixt-5E6km1iz41OE5Y_AbvjTtHceYm61f-UFhgL7pM7wHlo6xeWcES5IlHPIHrO1TZG7CSVYUhiRHcVUIyADJhU1rIXP3ucjNOZ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2379" data-original-width="3866" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4ThFfrLklwQxFghLLtnww9uXELdtS8HTaa73GIcaVixt-5E6km1iz41OE5Y_AbvjTtHceYm61f-UFhgL7pM7wHlo6xeWcES5IlHPIHrO1TZG7CSVYUhiRHcVUIyADJhU1rIXP3ucjNOZ/w400-h246/IMG_1663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Carrots, beets and spinach are coming right along! We've been harvesting spinach leaves and beet greens for salads already. I don't harvest the whole spinach plant, by just removing the outer leaves you can keep it going a lot longer. This variety is called Bloomsdale and is so tender and tasty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogK9bNE3sRslDoeDaQ0Qtio-vylSXd70JBdK44OaPc4DN7-Mr4sCjmLxYeTyM9_7via0t5xke3jL_reyYRX1ky844dSb8E8UuKSopgjfW36VpKDXBsWubfIRrw-VWY9-2IxfS4kIhugGf/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2900" data-original-width="3867" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogK9bNE3sRslDoeDaQ0Qtio-vylSXd70JBdK44OaPc4DN7-Mr4sCjmLxYeTyM9_7via0t5xke3jL_reyYRX1ky844dSb8E8UuKSopgjfW36VpKDXBsWubfIRrw-VWY9-2IxfS4kIhugGf/w400-h300/IMG_1685.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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By Memorial Day weekend the sun has come out and night temperatures have topped 50 degrees, so you know what that means? We can plant all the tomato, pepper and cannabis seedlings and get our windowsills back! </div>
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John's in his happy place in the back 420!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6biWO7VT-vYYyviSgGIhYCFeTK3UWnqYsW3jf-ML4We5NXsRdMmrW2Bif2NDC8-jd8GR88PpFYoL1TVtDeYioTLjMnKbjUz3sLEzrg2bqHyJR9yz5zhEtLSHobLjqO4D3piOflOUuYgwM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3976" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6biWO7VT-vYYyviSgGIhYCFeTK3UWnqYsW3jf-ML4We5NXsRdMmrW2Bif2NDC8-jd8GR88PpFYoL1TVtDeYioTLjMnKbjUz3sLEzrg2bqHyJR9yz5zhEtLSHobLjqO4D3piOflOUuYgwM/w304-h400/IMG_1708.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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More fun with bamboo - now that the tomatoes are planted I can finish building the cucumber trellis. Kind of hard to see, isn't it? This is black vegetable netting suspended from the large bamboo pole, and anchored at the bottom with another piece of the slender bamboo. All firmly zip-tied to the tomato cages - this makes everything more stable. We have one grow-bag of <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/cucumber-pickling-endeavor" target="_blank">pickling cucumbers</a> (smaller and bumpy) and one of slicing cucumbers (smoother skin). </div>
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As May draws to a close, my heart aches for the world. The solace of familiar garden rhythms has been comforting. Everything is in the ground and something new is sprouting every day. I even found the perfect spot for my small strand of prayer flags; you'd be surprised how much their gentle fluttering adds to the peaceful feel of the place. With bees settling in and the garden planted, our next project is to get our greenhouse and chicken area figured out. </div>
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So now we're up to date, except for one more sunset! This is our view on a hot evening, with the high pressure holding all the fog down, and a knife-sharp horizon line.</div>
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Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-21068964210517940692020-05-24T11:52:00.001-07:002021-06-05T14:12:50.450-07:00April 2020 - Breaking Ground<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl9E9KVNVp_k71zlQEzl69aVzINgJOO8Kt0VCwjIOgVZI_rZotw5-2lrxzkhw9jEibLEZHEQXA8sutn_uFysnQ3t6BmsoSRYyNtML_qnBv_DTRL43JGbFUMjacJ6GeTnr4UaYh2NWK-JI/s1600/*IMG_1159.jpg"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl9E9KVNVp_k71zlQEzl69aVzINgJOO8Kt0VCwjIOgVZI_rZotw5-2lrxzkhw9jEibLEZHEQXA8sutn_uFysnQ3t6BmsoSRYyNtML_qnBv_DTRL43JGbFUMjacJ6GeTnr4UaYh2NWK-JI/s400/*IMG_1159.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Welcome back! Today we'll be diving right into our garden building, but first, I'd like to orient you. Our house is tucked into a rolling hillside, about midway between the ocean and the summit of the Santa Cruz mountains in San Mateo county. We're at 1,100 feet above sea level, and face due west. <br />
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These hills were cleared in the 1800s for cattle ranching, and this spread has been cared for by the same family for generations. There are a dozen or so homes scattered about the property; ours is the highest. It's just below the arrow in the picture (click any photo to see it larger).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWpkvRQlhDx48UgAeClzoQJVN5iiwcmjCYQMBLoqy-ozHW3wD_hxtqh6Ebd-j7K04OK5D4UXwxkGIkcLQzEe1SbHaoGgH7immcGZH3KV_ycKoCOHmHtyfVwNat5pzNhStFIEI0S808tDO/s1600/*IMG_1163.jpg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWpkvRQlhDx48UgAeClzoQJVN5iiwcmjCYQMBLoqy-ozHW3wD_hxtqh6Ebd-j7K04OK5D4UXwxkGIkcLQzEe1SbHaoGgH7immcGZH3KV_ycKoCOHmHtyfVwNat5pzNhStFIEI0S808tDO/s400/*IMG_1163.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This is the view from the same spot looking east toward Skyline Boulevard, which runs along the distant ridge. That's Langley Hill on the left. On the far side of the ridge is the Santa Clara Valley, where I grew up. These days, except for the odd horse or two, the ranch is largely populated by deer, wild turkey, owls, hawks, turkey vultures, quail, mourning doves, wood pigeons, red-winged blackbirds, finches, juncos, blue jays, swallows and hummingbirds.<br />
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It is a busy, busy place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ_TkzBfldOm1epv8B3vlhItZVuLUC1UABNK0Xta8Ffvc_Wg1WhGLbJbFBytORT025Fl00eUcMAIG1d39qmIzeLydgcAKP9lWqFVkGgXdakVg-z0q-cccnylQB3TOACcCmnOHE3G2GtFd/s1600/IMG_1034.jpg"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ_TkzBfldOm1epv8B3vlhItZVuLUC1UABNK0Xta8Ffvc_Wg1WhGLbJbFBytORT025Fl00eUcMAIG1d39qmIzeLydgcAKP9lWqFVkGgXdakVg-z0q-cccnylQB3TOACcCmnOHE3G2GtFd/s400/IMG_1034.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This is where we'll begin. When we moved in last fall our landlady referred to this area as a "blank slate." As a landscape designer, those are magic words indeed. And yet, I would never presume to put a typical "designed" landscape here. This is a ranch. Form follows function, and form is on a budget. We wanted whatever we put here to fit, and to work, and to be as affordable as possible...and of course, I want it to look beautiful and interesting too.<br />
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There will be lessons, I'm sure. This is a wild, windy hillside, not the sheltered redwood valleys I'm accustomed to. Even the most protected spots on the property are vulnerable. We want to approach structures like chicken coops and greenhouses mindfully. It's nice to be flexing my design muscles again, with a spouse who loves to build things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqqUZZpBWyo-XsIEdBt5C4Gd3yY3rZDqcpuwf7OEQ_0E5_v8WRZPIRU-o5eUVyBkZcwNP4PCa4ukPCmTmAaljCC3unkrRAQF5g_HlrzamU3NznSqP1C475i-x2gzC1Q1aCyqYpJEebd2o/s1600/IMG_1135.jpg"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqqUZZpBWyo-XsIEdBt5C4Gd3yY3rZDqcpuwf7OEQ_0E5_v8WRZPIRU-o5eUVyBkZcwNP4PCa4ukPCmTmAaljCC3unkrRAQF5g_HlrzamU3NznSqP1C475i-x2gzC1Q1aCyqYpJEebd2o/s400/IMG_1135.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
First things first. We needed to protect the garden from deer. I had used this kind of fencing on a project before, and was impressed by how unobtrusive it was. If we're going to intrude upon this bare field, at least we won't block the view!<br />
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After Hector the handyman mowed the grass very short, we staked out the area our 100' of fence would cover. We used the same kind of metal t-stakes found elsewhere on the ranch. A few are askew. I can work with that! I think it took less than an hour (using a fence post driver). They seem pretty sturdy, and I'll be reinforcing where needed as I fine-tune.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1kqcY9n2yk51ZGBQnPhyphenhyphenacpUcQ1gq9VX_iVlCw0nfpnJ-pVp4992z3pHYQ8LmBCwpaKQsE6A-K2K2bD115FaaogMTekxMVHDQyHWJsxDTUxJtMlQmsttxEqHVTX0FoTio_lZmdzq3ezg/s1600/IMG_1137.jpg"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1kqcY9n2yk51ZGBQnPhyphenhyphenacpUcQ1gq9VX_iVlCw0nfpnJ-pVp4992z3pHYQ8LmBCwpaKQsE6A-K2K2bD115FaaogMTekxMVHDQyHWJsxDTUxJtMlQmsttxEqHVTX0FoTio_lZmdzq3ezg/s400/IMG_1137.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
So, with deer fencing, there's always this deal with the gates. But who wants to mess with making a gate at this stage. Right now it's a couple of flaps, I will figure out something later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fW2WXBM6d2YcIjjscj_11me0bC5w2IVO0MFydU5OXJ3Gx4FEt9Sl0vqTM49MQ9iUtJzy_mcWzEJqGDna0vranBlFZ8YsGxabBe5is9Kqynf_kEcJOkwr3K_286r8mU2C2eMHH4Ag4XP6/s1600/IMG_1233.jpg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fW2WXBM6d2YcIjjscj_11me0bC5w2IVO0MFydU5OXJ3Gx4FEt9Sl0vqTM49MQ9iUtJzy_mcWzEJqGDna0vranBlFZ8YsGxabBe5is9Kqynf_kEcJOkwr3K_286r8mU2C2eMHH4Ag4XP6/s400/IMG_1233.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
So, for perspective (and posterity) this was happening the first week of April, 2020. It was the height of no toilet paper Covid-19 lockdown. I have continued to work from home during the pandemic, and thankfully work has been busy! But the days were getting warmer and I was anxious to get my cool season vegetables started, so I just slapped down a few pieces of cardboard, filled as many of my old grow bags as I could with the six bags of potting soil I could fit in the back of my car and we were in business.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivScweyt8Ew7fCpBlIE4QDuS8RMGLxNWGUvpb3X-vY2gI09knB0jUS3o57xmtuFafSuUMTLgFGZnH78c2K1x0ODSR57DBHazPVHzd9qCz9OFT2AQqkHYJpei1PLKwRSdCV1QFc5pL-sM1B/s1600/IMG_1234.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivScweyt8Ew7fCpBlIE4QDuS8RMGLxNWGUvpb3X-vY2gI09knB0jUS3o57xmtuFafSuUMTLgFGZnH78c2K1x0ODSR57DBHazPVHzd9qCz9OFT2AQqkHYJpei1PLKwRSdCV1QFc5pL-sM1B/s400/IMG_1234.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
This is the nicest <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vegetable-32-Open-Seed-Vault/dp/B00LE4RGOE/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0" target="_blank">seed collection</a>, and I highly recommend them. No frills, just seeds in little plastic packets, 32 open-pollinated heirloom varieties of all the basics was a relief to find because, you know what? In April 2020, seed companies are running out of seeds! In APRIL! This is unprecedented. I know this because I worked for <a href="https://www.reneesgarden.com/" target="_blank">Renee's Garden Seeds</a> for several years and remember the rhythm quite well. You don't run out of seeds until summer, that's a pretty hard rule. It was surreal. I did buy some of Renee's wonderful seeds, I'm sure you'll meet them later. But this little silver packet got everything started.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiddQ2f762zXdQWMxgCmokI5gIHcvl9t04eL6BKZAsuDztcM_Fcq-Un5BolYycIzDzPjV2J97E5ys3W_wTORR02rhGprOL9bvysMB8x7GqfI9fsKFxW79i7F4EpT2a4wSBWWI8lt6Ikhq4/s1600/IMG_1259.jpg"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiddQ2f762zXdQWMxgCmokI5gIHcvl9t04eL6BKZAsuDztcM_Fcq-Un5BolYycIzDzPjV2J97E5ys3W_wTORR02rhGprOL9bvysMB8x7GqfI9fsKFxW79i7F4EpT2a4wSBWWI8lt6Ikhq4/s400/IMG_1259.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
So on a brisk, sunny day in mid-April I planted beets, spinach, parsnips, carrots and peas. Such a comforting early spring bunch! They seem to be thriving in our cool, often foggy climate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PIrI6n9qFO9V5hXnomkrxnfnYl3i5qimXHIEqdUv_AUxYjqVlc9akNPyHfYcpl6pVxvwt16hxX-xsIAHQZQQjr4H80tfqX7EmUEYI0x6ZAC8H07H-RPDMR0FZNUHW2jECm9nurF0TPml/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PIrI6n9qFO9V5hXnomkrxnfnYl3i5qimXHIEqdUv_AUxYjqVlc9akNPyHfYcpl6pVxvwt16hxX-xsIAHQZQQjr4H80tfqX7EmUEYI0x6ZAC8H07H-RPDMR0FZNUHW2jECm9nurF0TPml/s400/IMG_1274.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
So here's what we're working with, soil-wise. Or, more accurately, trying to avoid disturbing too much. Our meadow is gopher heaven. You can sit here and hear them munching underground, and watch whole plants disappear into their holes. Most La Honda gardeners plant in sturdy, gopher-proof raised beds. Once we have gardened here a season we may build something a bit more permanent. For now I wanted quick, effective, easy to work with and affordable.<br />
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Sheet mulching is my new best friend. With good packing cardboard and grow bags you can make a robust instant garden just about anywhere. The cardboard does a good job of smothering the (mostly shallow-rooted annual) grasses. It's very pleasant to walk on too. As the cardboard melts under the grow bag a root/soil bond is established with the ground beneath, which helps bag-grown plants find deeper sources of water, as the roots can permeate the bottom of the pot. You have to be aware of this, and try not to move containers around when the plants get bigger. We're double and triple-layering the cardboard in the pathways; once everything is planted and settled we'll cover with wood chips. Since we are ordering a lot by mail these days AND pay a lot to have our garbage/recycling hauled away, this is an excellent use for all the boxes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS7IyTwm3pE1DOo1y5C0Cn0WOqyAZp_ympuay19_YQ1lqri0sYKKfuLYeoVQLvom3uOTB1wL_DTQflpLmyMROTb7kwQSRpIE1BoaX8BNpVWh93aThhCoz_8f4Kw0vQOplBpAan25BJVTe/s1600/IMG_1266.jpg"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS7IyTwm3pE1DOo1y5C0Cn0WOqyAZp_ympuay19_YQ1lqri0sYKKfuLYeoVQLvom3uOTB1wL_DTQflpLmyMROTb7kwQSRpIE1BoaX8BNpVWh93aThhCoz_8f4Kw0vQOplBpAan25BJVTe/s400/IMG_1266.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
By the way, I hope you like sunsets, because there will be sunsets. This is the view from the front porch, looking west towards San Gregorio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dqxuYk5_AH0CZREM4F9Eoj54N_hq6JOBT0VeSzusV4uzSHGg8zq5D0YONmRiQ90Q8Ta3FqrsjIIRoigY0lp-M73Ou03OVJ0B3CJPmdomFuENts2Y7bHNPH03axn2WYxqX8H_McYlTne6/s1600/IMG_1291.jpg"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dqxuYk5_AH0CZREM4F9Eoj54N_hq6JOBT0VeSzusV4uzSHGg8zq5D0YONmRiQ90Q8Ta3FqrsjIIRoigY0lp-M73Ou03OVJ0B3CJPmdomFuENts2Y7bHNPH03axn2WYxqX8H_McYlTne6/s400/IMG_1291.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
By late April it was time for bees! We had met with Ray from <a href="https://norcalbees.com/" target="_blank">NorCal Bees</a> before the quarantine, but had to wait for a swarm to be available to get a hive. Ray knows what he's doing, and had us set up in a jiffy. It was the first nice weekend in awhile and we were excited to get our bees! Ray is a great resource for San Mateo County, along with the county <a href="https://www.sanmateobeeguild.org/" target="_blank">Beekeeper's Guild</a>.<br />
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We love having the bees around, and it has been fun watching them orient themselves to their new location, mapping out their nectar sources, and training new bees to do the same. Their comforting buzz is a nice backdrop to the garden, and neither of us bothers the other (although they will bump into you if you stand in their flight path).<br />
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We have really enjoyed the opportunity to shop local as we build this garden. One disadvantage to grow-bag gardening is the investment in a HEAP of new soil the first year. Thereafter we'll recycle old soil; mixing it with new compost. We get this amazing planting mix from <a href="https://www.wheelerfarms.net/about.htm" target="_blank">Wheeler Farms</a>, up the road toward to coast in San Gregorio. A nice man named Peter brings it up and dumps it right there on the tarp for you. Beautiful. I can breathe easier, because now I have seeds, bags, dirt, and a fenced garden. Game on!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj9WLBX3rZavr4MQL2IpgHlCzImAqgnCOdzCzM4sfPlnKWvpwbMcJ-UfzImBHnaMhVEAuk-tGtImKzQSnfgJTw6CK3-QccuoEPL0q4yNOKX1-GUJrG1t6B2y6KFekeHguqUZxyZxDLIuC/s1600/IMG_1301.jpg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj9WLBX3rZavr4MQL2IpgHlCzImAqgnCOdzCzM4sfPlnKWvpwbMcJ-UfzImBHnaMhVEAuk-tGtImKzQSnfgJTw6CK3-QccuoEPL0q4yNOKX1-GUJrG1t6B2y6KFekeHguqUZxyZxDLIuC/s400/IMG_1301.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Here, have another sunset. We don't get them like this every night; the fog regularly rolls in long before sundown. You can bet, though, that if the sun is out, we're on the porch watching it! I've always been a sun-tracker - I want to know where it rises and sets at all times of the year. Our internal sundial for this bit of land is being set during this first year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqyBuOP9so5548DKdpnRNy7dUDI2AXaPpVluaVepeX6FgsXjO7Suy9j8h0d6AJV57l9LDs5TQ-ndKwrlFF3f9BmBRIgvnx8MyOAH_5tlfJR2x9Qu45b3IFnL3lm34-Nye-PQ6CKlb8PDg/s1600/IMG_1306.jpg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqyBuOP9so5548DKdpnRNy7dUDI2AXaPpVluaVepeX6FgsXjO7Suy9j8h0d6AJV57l9LDs5TQ-ndKwrlFF3f9BmBRIgvnx8MyOAH_5tlfJR2x9Qu45b3IFnL3lm34-Nye-PQ6CKlb8PDg/s400/IMG_1306.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Yay! the next bit of garden infrastructure has arrived; two <a href="https://bestchoiceproducts.com/products/6x3x1ft-outdoor-metal-raised-garden-bed-for-vegetables-flowers-herbs" target="_blank">metal raised beds</a> that will be the centerpiece. I like some things fixed in a garden, to build around. One bed will be dedicated to strawberries, the other is tentatively slated for salad greens, but that changes almost daily.<br />
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The new beds are open-bottomed, so we'll need to line them with hardware cloth before we can plant. During quarantine, hardware cloth has been surprisingly hard to find. I hope it's because other people are building gardens too.<br />
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Next up in the livestock department: part of my stimulus check has been invested in a nice chicken coop! I've wanted chickens ever since meeting these girls at garden writer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rosalind-Creasy/e/B001JS0RWI%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">Rosalind Creasy's</a> house in Los Altos, many years ago. They lived in a charming coop in her front yard and were an integral part of her garden (and her neighborhood). We can't wait to have some girls of our own. I have 10 massive railroad ties to work with, and am busy working out the best layout for coop, covered run and fenced yard, probably combined with some sort of greenhouse or hoop-house (which would fulfill a decades-old dream).<br />
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Speaking of livestock, my old readers will remember my cat Haku, who appeared regularly in my posts, and is still is our official greeter. He's now 17 and a little crotchety, but he loves the new house and garden and has adapted well. Warm railroad ties, we find, are his new favorite thing to lie on. He no longer hunts and the quail can walk right by him (if you know quail, you know how amazing that is.)<br />
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And now Haku has a friend. John's dog Milo is a wonderful addition to the family, and he and Haku get along quite well (meaning, they pretty much can't see/ignore each other, as well as enjoy each other's food). Unfortunately, Milo's favorite balls are the exact size of gopher holes. There have been many losses. It is, however, amusing when we step on one and make it squeak.<br />
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Switch up! You get a sunrise this time. Isn't this amazing? The fog traces the exact route of the road going to the ocean, which is about 8 miles away (as the crow flies!)<br />
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The beets are up!<br />
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And the peas!<br />
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And the carrots!<br />
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And the spinach! Don't spinach seedlings look joyful?<br />
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Plenty of other goodies crowd our window sills, awaiting sunnier days and nights that stay firmly in the 50s (which we will hopefully see in May!)<br />
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One last April sunset. What a month. While it is exciting to start from scratch, it's also a little frustrating. I like things settled in, to know what goes where, to have what I need to do the job properly. April was decidedly unsettled in so many ways. My "keep calm and carry on" nature has been tested as the world up-ends around us. There doesn't seem to be much good news.<br />
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And yet, we are so grateful to be in this beautiful place, gainfully employed, with outdoor projects to provide some balance to the horrors of the news cycle. We are prepared to stay home, and are quite literally digging in for the long haul.<br />
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I hope that each of you are doing well, and if you are thinking of starting a garden, follow along! Next up: May!<br />
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<br />Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-90793292570235889272020-05-17T10:29:00.000-07:002020-05-19T14:26:06.460-07:00Reset 2020 - The Return of Interleafings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings after a long absence!<br />
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It seems like several lifetimes since my last post in the fall of 2011. I was writing from a tiny apartment, after losing my beloved house (and gardens) due to the recession. To supplement my shrinking landscape design business, I was doing PR for the SF Flower & Garden Show, marketing projects for green businesses and working part time at a local garden center. Garden blogging without a garden or much time to write didn't seem to make much sense any more.<br />
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Nine years, four moves, three career changes and a whole new cast of characters later, I'm building a new garden. A different kind of garden. One that is intended to feed more than just my creativity. In one momentous month last year, everything fell into place to make this possible - new job, new relationship, new home. The stage was set for a new chapter. And this is the preface.<br />
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A blog makes sense again, because some of you might be interested in what John and are doing during quarantine, including a deer-and-gopher-proof (so far) grow-bag garden, beehives, chickens, a budget greenhouse and (in the garage) aquaponics. Our goal is a regular source of fruit, vegetables and protein, produced in sustainable ways that touch the earth lightly.<br />
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During such uncertain times it seemed natural for us to do this. The fires and power outages last year only underscored our wish to become more self-sufficient. Now as we shelter in place, we feel doubly fortunate to have landed in such a perfect spot. We have enough space to do what we want, and are finding ways to be creative with what we have. This is a wild place, and our efforts include peacefully coexisting with many local creatures, great and small.<br />
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So there you have it, I hope you'll stay tuned for some posts about what we've been up to over the last couple of months. The header image is our back forty - before. It already looks quite different, can't wait to show you. Today's picture was taken from inside the vegetable garden. That the enormous aerator looks exactly like a corona virus makes it an obvious mascot for a garden born during a pandemic. [Correction: According to my dad, who knows such things, that is not an aerator, but in fact a sheepsfoot roller, used in road construction. So there!]<br />
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Thanks for being here, and I hope you are able to find ways to engage your heart and mind during this truly historical period. Feel free to say hello and share your tales in comments!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com0La Honda, CA, USA37.3190255 -122.27422737.2685145 -122.354908 37.3695365 -122.193546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-24253571674219204862011-10-19T17:04:00.000-07:002012-07-07T12:43:57.648-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Discovering Kirby Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A recent sunset at Kirby Park, which runs along the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, CA. So simple, so gorgeous, so peaceful...<br />
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</div>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-50718615359187834822011-08-22T21:00:00.000-07:002011-08-23T08:49:50.090-07:00Garden Designers Roundtable: Lawn Alternatives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the Garden Designers Roundtable! This month's subject, "<a href="http://gdrt.wordpress.com/">Lawn Alternatives</a>" is near and dear to my heart, as my regular readers know! And a special welcome to our guests from the <a href="http://www.lawnreform.org/">Lawn Reform Coalition</a>, who are joining us today.<br />
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As usual, I'm being quite literal with this topic; drawing heavily from gardens I've designed for myself and others. What ARE the alternatives to a lawn? Got a minute? I'll toss you a few! Each example is a bit of garden that used to be (or could have been) a lawn.<br />
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Instead of a lawn, you could have a meditation garden with bamboo and a bubbling water feature. We're not against GRASSES you know!<br />
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You could have a vibrant, colorful front garden that the whole neighborhood adores. It's private without a fence, and requires only monthly maintenance to look wonderful.<br />
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How about a paved sitting area that nestles right up to the garden? I smile to think how many hours I spent in those chairs, talking into the night with friends and family. Not to mention tiptoeing out to catch the sunrise with my first cup of tea. <br />
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If your lawn is on an awkward slope, you could turn it into a terrace for dining or sitting by the fire. Surrounded by garden on all sides, this adds valuable living space, especially on a small lot. <br />
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This creekside clearing could have been a patch of lawn, but how much nicer to have a dining room with a huge plank table? No need to worry about too much shade, damage from furniture (or to it).<br />
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Instead of a front lawn you could add layers of interest with ornamental AND edible plants (yes, those are artichoke leaves!)<br />
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Or a kitchen garden in a sunny spot, with herbs, espaliered fruit trees, and flowers. Raised beds make raising healthy veggies easy when space is limited.<br />
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A healthy lawn needs sun. Without a lawn, you can turn a hot, dry corner of your garden into a shady oasis. Think about it! On a hot day I'd like to be sitting in this corner, not mowing it!<br />
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On the other hand, make use of the sunny spots you can reclaim: plant a rose garden!<br />
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Or a sea of thyme...<br />
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Or a sturdy border of hardy shrubs and grasses as a sidewalk buffer. Adding elements like a low wall and a curved fence (taking full advantage of a slight slope) breaks up larger expanses and gives structure and purpose to plantings.<br />
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The view from my old front porch. Before it was lawn down to the sidewalk. After it was a private garden centered around this water feature. I never missed the lawn for one moment.<br />
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So I guess what I'm saying is that your alternative to a lawn is...space. To garden, to live, to dream, to tuck your latest nursery treasures. You aren't limited to a 3' bed against the fence any more. Good design, thoughtfully applied, will give you so much more to work with. Where will you start? Which patch of scruffy green in your life is getting the stink-eye? What could go, right now? That's where you begin.<br />
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Thanks for visiting! But don't stop here, oh no. There is sooo much more, as the other Knights and Ladies of the Roundtable AND the Rock Stars from Lawn Reform Coalition have a few things to say as well:<br />
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<b>Lawn Reform Coalition</b><br />
<a href="http://www.gardenrant.com/my_weblog/2011/08/garden-designers-roundtable-lawn-replacements.html" target="_blank"><b>Susan Harris : Garden Rant : Takoma Park, MD</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.gardenersusan.com/2011/08/garden-designers-roundtable-trying-out-groundcovers-as-lawn-replacement/" target="_blank"><b>Susan Harris : Gardener Susan’s Blog : Takoma Park, MD</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.finegardening.com/item/20609/reimage-your-lawn" target="_blank">Billy Goodnick : Cool Green Gardens : Santa Barbara, CA</a></b><br />
<a href="http://www.lawnreform.org/2011/08/ditching-the-lawn.html" target="_blank"><b>Evelyn Hadden : Lawn Reform.Org : Saint Paul, MN</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.gardeninggonewild.com/?p=18264" target="_blank"><b>Saxon Holt : Gardening Gone Wild : Novato, CA</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://edenmakersblog.com/?p=3677" target="_blank">Shirley Bovshow : Eden Makers : Los Angeles, CA</a></b><b> </b><br />
<a href="http://fnpsblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/garden-design-round-table-sunshine.html" target="_blank"><b>Ginny Stibolt : Florida Native Plant Society : Green Cove Springs, FL</b></a><br />
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<a href="http://taradillard.blogspot.com/2011/08/garden-designers-round-table-lawns.html" target="_blank"><b></b></a><b>Garden Designers Roundtable</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blueplanetgardenblog.com/2011/08/garden-designers-roundtable-the-history-of-the-american-lawn.html">Susan Morrison : Blue Planet Garden Blog : East Bay, CA</a></b><br />
<a href="http://bhld.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/garden-designers-roundtable-lawn-alternatives/" target="_blank"><b>Scott Hokunson : Blue Heron Landscapes : Granby, CT</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.studiogblog.com/?p=13349" target="_blank"><b>Rochelle Greayer : Studio G : Boston, MA</b></a><br />
<a href="http://gossipinthegarden.com/garden-designers-roundtable-whats-lawn-doing-in-hell/" target="_blank"><b>Rebecca Sweet : Gossip In The Garden : Los Altos, CA</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=13294" target="_blank"><b>Pam Penick : Digging : Austin, TX</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.hegartywebberpartnership.com/lawn-alternatives-a-garden-designers-round-table-post/" target="_blank"><b>Lesley Hegarty & Robert Webber : Hegarty Webber : Bristol, UK</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://jocelynsgarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/garden-designers-roundtable-lawn.html" target="_blank">Jocelyn Chilvers : The Art Garden : Denver, CO</a></b><br />
<a href="http://thegerminatrix.com/2011/08/22/garden-designers-roundtable-lawn-alternatives-lawn-is-dumb-and-boring/" target="_blank"><b>Ivette Soler : The Germinatrix : Los Angeles, CA</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.northcoastgardening.com/2011/08/organic-lawn/" target="_blank"><b>Genevieve Schmidt : North Coast Gardening : Arcata, CA</b></a><br />
<a href="http://energyscapes.com/2011/08/garden-designers-roundtable-lawn-alternatives/" target="_blank"><b>Douglas Owens-Pike : Energyscapes : Minneapolis, MN</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://gardenofpossibilities.com/2011/08/23/garden-designers-roundtable-a-connecticut-yankees-guide-to-socially-acceptable-lawn-alternatives/" target="_blank">Debbie Roberts : A Garden of Possibilities : Stamford, CT</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://taradillard.blogspot.com/2011/08/garden-designers-round-table-lawns.html" target="_blank"><b>Tara Dillard : Vanishing Threshold: Garden, Life, Home : Atlanta, GA</b></a></b><b> </b>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-51128655663088700182011-08-10T15:12:00.000-07:002013-04-17T20:10:22.574-07:00In Which Havoc is Wreaked Upon My Balcony Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBTrTvsoP7Yo3_n5z0vtuX6zazt4siEG2OZix1AeGS5mdQhxQC92V6lUBbJPQbJTMGZhy5RSVgphLcJrQv52uIvXSFYIBSY4YBriQO9tU9KHbZ8D6Dy9TITacuTrsnJiKS408UGC9icak/s1600/*IMG_8847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBTrTvsoP7Yo3_n5z0vtuX6zazt4siEG2OZix1AeGS5mdQhxQC92V6lUBbJPQbJTMGZhy5RSVgphLcJrQv52uIvXSFYIBSY4YBriQO9tU9KHbZ8D6Dy9TITacuTrsnJiKS408UGC9icak/s400/*IMG_8847.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Recently I was told to be careful about describing something as "blooming," because by doing so you must also see it as something ephemeral, destined to fade, sooner than later. So, given that life is ephemeral enough, it should really cease to amaze me when I lose a garden! </div>
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Last December, during the darkest days of the year, I moved into a lovely, sunlit apartment, and built a <a href="http://interleafings.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results">charming little balcony garden</a> that was fun to write about. I love my apartment, and when I saw how bright it was during winter, I also knew how dark it would be in summer. I decided the trade was worth it. </div>
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Sun in winter is a prize beyond measure for me. Total shade in summer is another thing; great for keeping things cool, difficult for plants. Things were starting to suffer a bit, inside and out. But it was still charming, and the ivy that I had twined around the railings was really taking off. And I had recently spotted a praying mantis, so my streak could hit its...12th year? </div>
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Then the notice came that my apartment building was to be painted, and that everything would have to come off of my balcony for 2 weeks.</div>
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Yeah...</div>
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Everything. Into my dark, dark apartment. For two weeks. Coinciding with a busy, delightful visit from my daughter, who I see way too seldom, AND some new adventures. It was doomed...</div>
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To make matters worse, this came precisely at that time of year when I get bored with a garden anyway. I'd much rather think about going somewhere else and getting recharged by the change of scene.</div>
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So this garden is REALLY doomed. I'm not being melodramatic; the casualties are pretty severe. I won't even show you. Everything is sitting out there right now, wilting. The love seat is still in the living room. Only the truly stalwart will survive (I'll write about them, next time).</div>
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I've gotten pretty good at not getting attached to things or places. It's sad, but that's life. I prefer to focus on the opportunity that loss presents: to try again. Things are changing in interesting ways, please stay tuned!</div>
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Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-53052074006065056852011-07-22T21:00:00.000-07:002011-07-22T21:11:04.857-07:00Discovering The Pot Stop at Little Baja<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYFKAmkyFrvMRRfV59aFZ5YesTqccYE3lfWe7ipkWPt9HsBUkGsGsP-7YTpdjCUMCePbyRKasJAQcu5AaVBf_2icfbHNIEZQ_9LP_UD6W25aEUpK6KL_eCJV6kZ58mS1KPdOSPuDBqNc4/s1600/*IMG_8718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYFKAmkyFrvMRRfV59aFZ5YesTqccYE3lfWe7ipkWPt9HsBUkGsGsP-7YTpdjCUMCePbyRKasJAQcu5AaVBf_2icfbHNIEZQ_9LP_UD6W25aEUpK6KL_eCJV6kZ58mS1KPdOSPuDBqNc4/s400/*IMG_8718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
For as long as I can remember there has been a big pottery yard in Moss Landing (on coastal Highway 1, about halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey). It used to be called "Little Baja" and specialized in (you guessed it!) inexpensive pottery from Mexico. Current owners Bob and Polly have renamed it <a href="http://www.potstopml.com/">The Pot Stop</a>, and created something quite remarkable; <i>you will not find this particular mix of product anywhere else in the world.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcXnd5xddUTbIEcfJL3yS14JljJLUb1qQcQnZgGJpzzGAcw0qDy3xnYm62jr624YcfVRNMbSNgNf8MPA_wYWOsaAu3yWR-jexRqTH3rwQDT9wwd81f_EAx4byXRn3Mw9IJWj01nATqb-T/s1600/*IMG_8719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcXnd5xddUTbIEcfJL3yS14JljJLUb1qQcQnZgGJpzzGAcw0qDy3xnYm62jr624YcfVRNMbSNgNf8MPA_wYWOsaAu3yWR-jexRqTH3rwQDT9wwd81f_EAx4byXRn3Mw9IJWj01nATqb-T/s400/*IMG_8719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
That's not just hyperbole. Bob and Polly buy most of their pottery personally, rather than through a broker, and have many exclusive relationships that ensure you will ALWAYS find something unique here (and y'all know how much I like THAT!) I mean, just look. Water bearers, Buddhas, classical columns, a big stone shell and the promise of an endless aisle of more? Let me show you around...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JrSoHpmbGPfPp3Cbgpv5t8u0cmKkNKB5ITG8NBI3sYtSk5PhyrJKdL8yUk6lGcKziPY3lLNpFid4ZWuhGxaPsppjeb19vHRmioxZ1cWk2jOhExfBlhya76FJUceH_HgpFLPx1E7SX79Z/s1600/*IMG_8721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JrSoHpmbGPfPp3Cbgpv5t8u0cmKkNKB5ITG8NBI3sYtSk5PhyrJKdL8yUk6lGcKziPY3lLNpFid4ZWuhGxaPsppjeb19vHRmioxZ1cWk2jOhExfBlhya76FJUceH_HgpFLPx1E7SX79Z/s400/*IMG_8721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Um, so really cool or just a little bit creepy? I think it's bothering me that they are missing their brains. What would you plant in this pot? <a href="http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/453/golf-ball-kohuhu.php">Pittosporum Golfball</a> would add a nice cranium (they are about two feet tall). Perhaps a bowler hat with a green apple on top...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nJi4YJkZv_XIVZfKOXii52sT_u6LKvitAm8FB8IMZ9wXP4gXgnc8QSNj3VwcX79himbhtzYmjxAVHMq7uoaO5OcRngKWsbiZsvfjeanE9QknN_xQU_ecuscEldk7EpGoIg3XdAymNbdW/s1600/*IMG_8722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nJi4YJkZv_XIVZfKOXii52sT_u6LKvitAm8FB8IMZ9wXP4gXgnc8QSNj3VwcX79himbhtzYmjxAVHMq7uoaO5OcRngKWsbiZsvfjeanE9QknN_xQU_ecuscEldk7EpGoIg3XdAymNbdW/s400/*IMG_8722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Have you noticed how this narrow-necked urn shape isn't as common at many large pottery distributors? It's because you can't nest them, darling. If you are trying to fit as many pots as you can into a container, these things take up a lot of room. I supposed you could fill them with something else (I'll let you use your imagination here!) but suspect that most ship empty. I love these for fountains.<br />
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OK, these are new...and very interesting! Nice and architectural, love the two heights. Maybe on a Craftsman-style porch with a couple of matching Hinoki Cypress or something...<br />
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Oooh...love everything about this; click to see the detail on those center pots with the shell pattern...so pretty. <br />
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Look at those copper glazed pots. They are big. Just look at them. Near a pool? Are you with me? Planted with some choice Palm...<br />
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Those are my favorite brown bonsai-style pots in the back (the little feet make it SO much easier to install drip irrigation) and they come in some really interesting shapes. The urn in the foreground would look good all by itself in a meadow or shrubbery...<br />
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Killer water feature potential here...those ridges might do interesting things with the water as it flows down. But can we talk about the stink-eye imp from hell? It reminds me of something that <a href="http://kissmyaster.blogspot.com/">Amanda Thompsen</a> would have gladly used for gnome bowling, back in the day...<br />
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I know! I know!<br />
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So, a warning, as we reach the heart of the Pot Stop, things can start getting funky. Loved the red fountain on the green pedestal!<br />
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The Three Amigo Musketeer Mariachis?<br />
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"You can never have too many deities in the garden." I overhead this once at a nursery. You have to imagine it said in an impeccable, clipped Indian accent to get the full effect...<br />
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Even the local fauna are color coordinated (lucky shot, this was a loong zoom!)<br />
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I repeat, you can never have too many deities in the garden...<br />
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The fine folks at the Pot Stop can help you turn any of their pots into a fountain. These can be tricky, so let them help you with all the bits you need for a clean, low-maintenance installation.<br />
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The best advice I ever got about working effectively with exceptional pottery is to not be limited by <i>what I can carry to the car by myself</i>. <b><br />Go big or go home!</b> They deliver!<br />
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One last find; loved this beautiful modern interpretation of classic terra cotta. Lemon tree in that tall one, right?<br />
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This was fun! Thanks for joining me. Which are your favorites? Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-41200439831180940002011-07-11T16:00:00.000-07:002011-07-12T08:24:12.749-07:00Two Redwood Grove Landscapes, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a few yards down the private drive from the garden in my last post is a newer garden that I was seeing for the first time at nicely-grown-in-maturity. It was a spectacularly moody day in late June, and little do you know, when you see the small moose guarding the entrance, what awaits you! <b style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(click any photo to see detail)</span></i></b><br />
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OK, it's just a simple side path from the driveway to the back garden. House on one side, tall wooden fence on the other. It's all in what you do with it, right? This is a textbook-perfect example of how I like to use <i>Azara dentata.</i> With form similar to a Japanese Maple, it's a natural small evergreen tree for narrow spaces. They are zig-zagged along the path, alternating with deciduous shrubs and trees. <br />
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A few steps in, looking back to the driveway, and the first of several interesting details within this space. My clients had several lovely, contemporary granite benches that had been used elsewhere; dispersed along the path (thick, stone steps and natural mulch) they lead the eye and provide private resting/viewing spots along the way. <br />
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From the end of the path you can better see the gentle slope it travels. Another Arbutus 'Marina' stands sentinel next to the final bench. Halfway up the path there's a third bench on the left, opposite a simple basin on the right. You can see the first bench in the distance.<br />
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Yes, this garden actual does have a lawn, but much reduced in size and appropriate water-use wise to to the rest of the garden, which is in cool, damp shade next to a creek, with a high water table. This isn't a particularly low-water landscape, mainly because redwood biomes are naturally moist environments.<br />
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Just beyond the edge of the lawn is a not-very-attractive sandbag retaining wall, marking a several foot drop to the creek bed below. Not wishing to fence (as their property partially includes the creek, which runs quite low in summer) we chose a mixed border of interesting plants, sturdy enough to protect from falls, and a nice addition to the landscape.<br />
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This is a good place to mention "borrowed" views...I mean, those trees on the opposite bank are as much a part of the experience of this garden as those in it, and they are stunning. The local homeowners have taken good care of their shared views.<br />
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The creek meanders on through the redwood grove, which is a public park and quite busy, so it was important to partially screen views all around to protect privacy; being able to do so and still feel so open and natural was the trick. <br />
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That is <i>Cercis canadensis</i> "Lavender Twist" by the way...a particularly sexy specimen that Sam found. Yes, she's fabulous. Cercis do very well in this garden, as you shall see.<br />
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Here's the long few (I don't give you many of these, do I? Trying to protect privacy!)<br />
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Just look at those redwoods. And there are mature pines and cedars as well. It's a shady, acidic, water loving little corner of the world. A second Arbutus mirrors the first one; strong evergreen elements guiding you across the lawn. Deciduous understory trees and shrubs enclose the space seasonally. They (and the lawn) get lots of morning sun; the garden is dappled for the rest of the day.<br />
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The big idea for this project was (again) adding a second stairway from the existing deck. The one on the right is original, and connects to the lawn (which was the only real "garden" area there originally). My clients wished to incorporate the wilder area around the existing redwoods, which slopes gently down to the creek from the lawn, into their landscape. Since this spot is subject to flooding and the closest area to the public, it needed to be designed thoughtfully.<br />
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The second stairway connects them more directly with the new garden, improves traffic flow and ties the garden to the house. The generous planting beds along the deck overflow with hydrangea, dogwood, fuchsia and dianella. <br />
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Because of the slope, an identical stairway needed one more step to reach grade. I love how Sam used a single, large slab here (and indeed, for all the steps in this garden) instead of just adding another wooden one. This spot is very energetic; all outdoor activity moves through here (including small children) so that it looks this good is impressive.<br />
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Looking closer you can see how blue Isotoma (Blue Star Creeper) is used between the stones. In the sunnier area near the lawn, it blooms a little more profusely, and blends nicely with Sedum 'Angelina' a favorite, bright accent. If there is any succulent that appreciates some water, it's sedum.<br />
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Looking down the hill toward the creek. There was a 2'-3' grade change from the bottom of the stairs to the level area along the creek bank; this short set of stone stairs is one of my favorite parts of the design. It just does so much. And the two Cercis 'Forest Pansy' planted on either side? Quite possibly the stars of today's show...<br />
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Here it is, looking up. I love slopes, don't you? I like looking for them (not always apparent to my eye, but I'm getting better) and working them into a design.<br />
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And again, I can't stress enough how wonderful it is to build a garden like this with a skilled contractor. I started as a self-taught home gardener, and didn't much venture beyond what I could do with hand tools when building my own gardens. So to have the full resources of a contractor, in terms of tools, equipment, labor, skill, etc. is a wonderful thing, and to be allowed a guiding hand in the building is a really great opportunity to own your design.<br />
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Plans can always be improved upon, and frequently are. In fact, I get a little nervous when there are no changes during a build...certainly there must be something we can improve on, now that we can see how everything comes together! This job was full of such subtle upgrades and details.<br />
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The lower patio, as I mentioned, is nestled in the bend of a creek. And you know what that means: if the levee breaks, you got nowhere to go. Er., I mean, it's a flood risk. The existing retaining walls help control that, and we reinforced the perimeter with field stones and a chunky split-rail fence (so far, so good!) The large flagstones are set in decomposed granite for stability, with a few creepers around the edges. Water running over them won't do much damage.<br />
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We chose not to do groundcover between the stones here for a couple of reasons: first it's a frequently used living area with furniture, firepit, and lots of foot traffic. And second, this moist, shady area wouldn't be improved by irrigating the patio. I loved to see how nicely the gorgeous trio of native Redbuds (<i>Cercis occidentalis</i>) had filled in. <br />
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Don't just stand there, all tall and majestic, do something! Putting two of the redwoods to work. Originally the swing faced the opposite direction; this works better with the new patio.<br />
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See? The bed behind it is planted with hydrangeas salvaged from the original landscape. I like how the layers of trees block the view of the neighbor's house, which used to be perfectly framed by these trees.<br />
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The patio is divided into sitting and dining areas. The huge plank table found by the client was perfect in scale and style for this area. And I wish I could take credit for the simple framing element created by two posts, two redwoods, some wire and exuberant vines (click the picture to see it better) but I fully approve, so that counts for something!<br />
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The client also conceived this functional chandelier hanging over the sitting area, yet another subtle 'roofing' element that brings this soaring environment down to human scale.<br />
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The patio circles around to a smaller set of stone steps that lead back up to the deck. A simpler path to the left connects to the side yard, which was also included in our design.<br />
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A simple stone path meanders through a mulched work/dog/play area that mimics (and includes) natural redwood litter. It never looks messy!<br />
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A neat sandbox (protected by screens) comfortable adult seating and plenty of storage make this an enjoyable and productive corner for the whole family.<br />
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Back up the slope to the steps, and we've come full circle. Many thanks to Sam Whitney of <a href="http://samscaping.com/">Samscaping Inc.</a> who installed (and now maintains) this beautiful space. It is wonderful to see one's visions made real, even better to enjoy the finished product years later (the ultimate test!)<br />
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As small moose greeted us, so big moose says goodbye from her grazing spot in the garden. Thanks for visiting!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-77575228372170031312011-07-07T15:00:00.000-07:002011-07-07T15:18:05.688-07:00Two Redwood Grove Landscapes, Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best thing about a rare June rainstorm in Northern California is the opportunity to experience our summer gardens in a new light. I revisited two of my favorites last week for a weather-induced impromptu photo session. I was thinking a lot about my cohorts at the <a href="http://gdrt.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/shade/">Garden Designer's Roundtable</a> who were posting articles about designing for shade that very day, as I consider these to be some of my shadiest work!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI0tzFHL6eJjaLGpdgTDjGKqgXL-KyLl8d8ohS6B99ln7N_KX5vVSZO02d6uEdxSxy4q9pA-mdnyfv2aNu4hy7rYK-5vL726TJGHtAGUMeeMAwZrLsV3mW5lpkk9UX63XaS0BBbEjWwQQ/s1600/dillon_back2011_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI0tzFHL6eJjaLGpdgTDjGKqgXL-KyLl8d8ohS6B99ln7N_KX5vVSZO02d6uEdxSxy4q9pA-mdnyfv2aNu4hy7rYK-5vL726TJGHtAGUMeeMAwZrLsV3mW5lpkk9UX63XaS0BBbEjWwQQ/s400/dillon_back2011_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="right"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Hakonechloa macra aureola</i></td></tr>
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As I remembered these projects, I was reminded again about how great designer-contractor-client communication and synergy are so important. Some of the best ideas I've ever been a part of came during animated, focused, in-the-moment, on-site discussions. I can plan and design beautifully on paper (both of these gardens were drawn out in great detail) but the real art comes in the doing, the details, and how the space evolves over time. </div>
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Both of these landscapes were built by Sam Whitney of <a href="http://samscaping.com/">Samscaping, Inc.</a>, a truly outstanding contractor who I would recommend to anyone. (Check out their virtual tours, pretty impressive.) They were also, for the most part, a clean sweep, with only mature trees retained (so necessary when you must significantly alter the grade). We incorporated the displaced right back into the new design wherever possible. </div>
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Speaking of mature trees, I should mention that these gardens (just a couple doors from each other) are located at the edge of an historic redwood grove; the magnificent trees in and around them set the scene. Our goal was to fit right in, while making the most of this classic California biome. The owners of these gardens have done a beautiful job with maintenance as well (<a href="http://interleafings.blogspot.com/2011/06/hot-color-and-no-lawn-garden-in-los.html">see my previous post</a>). These visits were unannounced and unstaged on a Tuesday morning...</div>
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This is where it all started; my client wanted a rose garden in this narrow, south-facing strip between the house and a shared private drive. That's all. We were challenged by soil, drainage, and public utilities (a very large EMPTY power company vault is strategically hidden in the area where you see the path widen in the middle. It's a looong story.) <br />
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Here's what it looked like in 2003...a brand new fence, a tree in the wrong place and some of the many (very nice) granite pavers used around the property as stepping stones. Just not in a very interesting way. The soil was a rather nasty example of construction scrape; I don't even know how many yards of new soil and amendments were brought in to make it right. The three huge redwood trees in the front (seen in the background) were stressed from lack of water. I knew immediately that this whole landscape was a diamond in the rough. Needless to say, we made more than a rose garden that year.<br />
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This is how we made a grander path out of those granite pavers. They were about 12" x 16" x 3" thick, and we had dozens of them! Turned sideways instead of longways, bordered with matching ledger stone and them surrounded by pebbles they make a durable and striking walkway.<br />
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The story behind the gate is a classic example of the kind of 3-way synergy I mentioned before. Sam showed us a picture of this lovely wood and copper structure he had purchased at the <a href="http://www.sfgardenshow.com/">SF Flower & Garden Show</a> years before, and not yet used. Our client immediately said YES and I immediately said THERE, pointing to the spot that marks the precise transition between the shady front garden and the sunny rose garden. And there it stands; I can't imagine this space without it.<br />
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One of the best and most necessary additions to this corner (besides the gate, of course) was the beautiful specimen of Arbutus 'Marina' (my favorite small evergreen garden tree). You can see how exposed the front garden was (seen here from the front walk). Gentle berms and mossy field stone boulders were used to reshape the entire front garden, enclosing it in really subtle ways. And that tree is a striking focal point from both sides of the fence.<br />
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Here it is again, from the opposite side of the garden. Without it the large house opposite would be the view; not really the look that we were going for! <br />
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A limited palette of greens, creams, and purples dominate the plantings (including the Japanese maples, Pittosporum 'Cream de Mint' Acorus and Heuchera seen here).<br />
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Asparagus meyerii, Heuchera 'Amethyst Mist,' Helichrysum 'Limelight,' Campanula and Oxalis groundcover surround a shady boulder.<br />
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Bold variegated Holly contrasts beautifully with Sweet Woodruff <i>(Galium odoratum)</i>.<br />
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A beautiful combination of Oxalis and Campanula; both ideally suited for this shady woodland garden.</div>
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A couple of years after finishing the front garden, it was time to do the back, which consisted of a small, damp lawn sloping away from a tall, imposing terrace. We created a secondary terrace and surrounded it with gardens; this path down one side is accented by three more Arbutus 'Marina' (this time in standard form). Love those red trunks!<br />
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At the back of the garden a stone wall set a couple of feet in front of the fence provided a level space for a private patio. Trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials planted on both levels make for some interesting layers.<br />
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Sitting on the bench you can contemplate the copper-glazed fountain that burbles here all day. The pot was hand-picked at <a href="http://www.potteryplanet.com/">Pottery Planet,</a> and overflows into a generous underground basin. Mondo grass is great low-litter groundcover near water features, which need much less maintenance if the recirculating water is kept very clean.<br />
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Circling around we come to the new terrace. The old lawn started at the bottom step of the right staircase and sloped to the lower right corner of the garden, leaving it pretty unusable, and very boring. There were some nice maples at the fenceline and a planting bed against the terrace wall, that was it.<br />
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The new lower terrace, two steps up from grade, activated hundreds of square feet of unused space. Adding a second staircase from the upper terrace was a late addition to the design (and not an inexpensive one) but it made a huge difference. It created a natural corner for the outdoor kitchen and greatly improved traffic flow<br />
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We were required by the neighborhood CC&Rs to provide parking space for one car within the fenceline, so that limited how far the terrace could extend. We used more of those granite pavers, set in decomposed granite and pebbles, to mark the "parking spot." The same pavers with groundcover transition to the terrace area. The custom metal gates (here and on the right entrance to the lower terrace) keep the family dog in bounds.<br />
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It was a great relief for my client to move her outdoor dining area to the spacious lower terrace. We actually enlarged it twice; first by about two feet to make sure we could comfortably fit their new larger dining table, and a second time to pop out the fireplace section, as that side was not affected by the parking area setback. These layout changes were another example of how projects like these evolve, with everyone agreeing (thankfully) that knocking down a few cinder blocks to get it right was not something to worry about. <br />
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The beautiful travertine pavers are by <a href="http://www.olympicstoneandmarble.com/">Olympic Stone and Marble</a>, and are a marvelous product. Beautiful colors, easy to work with, nice variety of sizes. I normally specify a square grid on a 45-degree angle, but we got a really good deal on these 16x20 pavers, so we used them in a diagonal running bond pattern, which works great for a larger spaces. We also refaced the existing terrace and steps, which were plain cast concrete and screaming for an upgrade!<br />
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This is one of my favorite outdoor fireplace installations. The simple, elegant pre-cast unit is from <a href="http://www.exteriorfireplaces.com/user_pages/home_0.shtml@page=Home.shtml.htm">Designs by Garry Inc.</a> It was easy to install, and five years later still works well and looks wonderful. The top of the seat wall is a lovely green granite, which was also used for the kitchen countertop. The frame inset in the wall is an outdoor speaker. The brown bonsai-style pots were also from <a href="http://www.potteryplanet.com/">Pottery Planet </a>(love the little feet that made installing the drip irrigation a breeze!)</div>
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This garden has won <a href="http://www.clcasfba.org/content/Committees/awards.html">CLCA awards</a> at both the state and local levels. Sam and I are very proud of it, and our client's obvious pride, enjoyment and appreciation are gratifying.<br />
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Stay tuned for my next post, which explores a nearby home tucked even deeper into the redwoods. Thanks for joining me today!<br />
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<span id="goog_1755763663"><span id="goog_1522132038"></span><span id="goog_1522132039"></span></span><span id="goog_1755763664"></span>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-11915895632659451882011-06-20T20:30:00.000-07:002011-06-22T11:40:19.865-07:00A Hot Color and NO LAWN Garden in Los AltosOne of the things one has to give up as a garden designer is an attachment to the way a garden develops after the crew leaves. When the wrong gardener is chosen, whether it's a maintenance man with a hedge trimmer or a do-it-myself home gardener who doesn't do it themselves, the results can be disappointing. But with the right team in place a new landscape has a fighting chance to be fabulous!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N3qpGfVNgMb2ArSJfBPrnhA13Qt7sbRKUpruaWZ9RYAdAwj9kVuEbZgWDXw0w03CYAD05UedV76fEG2CCOyNdFcXpu_kKn2gua5XQ9lKJutVzGxkN4BbXyquqEiMIcd45rDmriBSg0sq/s1600/**IMG00480-20110531-1007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N3qpGfVNgMb2ArSJfBPrnhA13Qt7sbRKUpruaWZ9RYAdAwj9kVuEbZgWDXw0w03CYAD05UedV76fEG2CCOyNdFcXpu_kKn2gua5XQ9lKJutVzGxkN4BbXyquqEiMIcd45rDmriBSg0sq/s400/**IMG00480-20110531-1007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've written about this charming home in Los Altos <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.389505114066.165752.122665699066">before</a>; I consider it one of my best efforts at transforming a traditional lawn-centric suburban garden into something really different and interesting. Here's a report from its third spring, as seen on an unseasonably rainy day in late May.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjL7wb3stgLeX9pCvw1Zg6Nu1z4PfrXq1sQL25wH49sUy0FDaJNXLTvsTHmN4lyDPXxd99OkolVIZR7xuiwxrfI-gJ7o_k6K605P9S52Cj5tmTtghuSClCmJhni_sh-NodhhQ9zGoe-pB/s1600/2_Cook_losaltos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjL7wb3stgLeX9pCvw1Zg6Nu1z4PfrXq1sQL25wH49sUy0FDaJNXLTvsTHmN4lyDPXxd99OkolVIZR7xuiwxrfI-gJ7o_k6K605P9S52Cj5tmTtghuSClCmJhni_sh-NodhhQ9zGoe-pB/s400/2_Cook_losaltos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is where we began; the house was getting a total remodel, and the garden would too. Thick Pittosporum hedges were crammed against traditional white picket fence. An uneven flagstone path bisected a scruffy lawn, and there were some random planting beds. Dreadful as it was, the owner liked the privacy and the cottage garden feel of it, and wanted to try to get that feeling in the new design, but in a fresh, colorful, picket-less way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTD5GeWvQJyJcUqP4EEKpmWuw_CXTuOsbltIcv2ImdRDnO-SD4PtkmKIWREdtnrwb7pvhtKTRaYlxMRMv7zc1QzOCILDalzhPTQmins_uRRnkoWklhoBT7czt0VQSUZX18F8ao_54lXK/s1600/cook_losaltos_during.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTD5GeWvQJyJcUqP4EEKpmWuw_CXTuOsbltIcv2ImdRDnO-SD4PtkmKIWREdtnrwb7pvhtKTRaYlxMRMv7zc1QzOCILDalzhPTQmins_uRRnkoWklhoBT7czt0VQSUZX18F8ao_54lXK/s400/cook_losaltos_during.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's easier to see what we did in this picture taken during planting (December, 2008). The garden was divided into quadrants, with a mortared flagstone path from the street to the house, and large flagstone step stones from the driveway to the side gate. Three of the quadrants were planted with <i>Arbutus 'Marina'</i> trees that in combination, from different angles, provide most of the privacy the house needs.<br />
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Soft shrubs like <i>Dodonea purpurea, Leptospermum 'Apple Blossom'</i> and <i>Rhamnus alaternus variegata</i> form a soft curving buffer at the right of the garden. The largest arbutus was placed squarely in front of the porch window, to protect it from the strong western sun in the summer, and curious passers-by on the street! A strong edging of ledger stone separates the garden from the gravel parking strip (no sidewalks on this side of the street).<br />
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Design note; if I had "played it safe" with color and used lots of purples, blues and silvers to cool down the strong color of the house, the effect would have been rather drab, kind of like the picture above. Consider instead where we chose to go:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN3hZE2UL6TrGioWXeRK7pJjo6p2hhkIRBDVcec4ZQAUk_0pxpMEsFYTPYKjMcGl7v3hMuxIrpAeAV5V_YhNHxuGF4ePl9C_NsbgxcFLFtSErEEc06ER315QfDMA0eJx1YGwu4IOJ25uV/s1600/3_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN3hZE2UL6TrGioWXeRK7pJjo6p2hhkIRBDVcec4ZQAUk_0pxpMEsFYTPYKjMcGl7v3hMuxIrpAeAV5V_YhNHxuGF4ePl9C_NsbgxcFLFtSErEEc06ER315QfDMA0eJx1YGwu4IOJ25uV/s400/3_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Gold, purple and coral? Oh yes, let's.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bB4vLB3OzCmUX-NJtcjAv1biNBVd06HB8H31HXDCakxGzxooRfOyskxtPFl1ayhHb-2YZhHMUPMXwndffKEyf8br6u7UWZOtZs-T3ePpB89DJt5R6bdus0dP6oy_pEYQDRtyXxDv3HuW/s1600/4_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bB4vLB3OzCmUX-NJtcjAv1biNBVd06HB8H31HXDCakxGzxooRfOyskxtPFl1ayhHb-2YZhHMUPMXwndffKEyf8br6u7UWZOtZs-T3ePpB89DJt5R6bdus0dP6oy_pEYQDRtyXxDv3HuW/s400/4_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Cooling touches of blue? Of course! But we love this purple sage even more for its wonderful two-tone leaves. These have lasted longer than typical, and will probably need to be replaced next spring. No problem; they achieve mature size the first season!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7Iw3FBnn0spZdMf8QQ-Zev_W7JympcU6Yf3D_Rvd01LeuDk88cAPKYWojB2T10yG1J4QUsljsFgxXulvXn9JFxJ7Js7wA5nxcc4J-EH9BlyCdfzVnM76BYIxQD6VY3nKty83ekfzIbfg/s1600/5_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7Iw3FBnn0spZdMf8QQ-Zev_W7JympcU6Yf3D_Rvd01LeuDk88cAPKYWojB2T10yG1J4QUsljsFgxXulvXn9JFxJ7Js7wA5nxcc4J-EH9BlyCdfzVnM76BYIxQD6VY3nKty83ekfzIbfg/s400/5_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Let's all just have a moment of silence at the sheer loveliness of this combination. From the top: <i>Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' Loropetalum 'Plum Delight' Pittosporum 'Creme de Mint' Heuchera 'Marmalade'</i> and <i>Pinus 'Mugo</i>.' The Loropetalum and Pine will slowly get taller over time; we're shaping them as we go. The Pittosporum and Heuchera will stay low, the Coleonema will stay broad and softly spreading. This is a zoomed shot, so there is actually room for all this to happen. I like the light touch of Blue Fescue at the top...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkFP8293QakQPcjY0WwK9VefoPhzIi8NWPPSwKyCPdQT3bvH1fBbpLxZAMT7HAWLkvwhthx1luSJTZu6FVFtLWFkS74vhXOfEfnBibgmI_dOE4KKICArZkDupzjd9ZPR8UXKc6DUlCGgq/s1600/6_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkFP8293QakQPcjY0WwK9VefoPhzIi8NWPPSwKyCPdQT3bvH1fBbpLxZAMT7HAWLkvwhthx1luSJTZu6FVFtLWFkS74vhXOfEfnBibgmI_dOE4KKICArZkDupzjd9ZPR8UXKc6DUlCGgq/s400/6_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm a sucker for a palette that takes the same colors and shuffles them around in different textures and combinations. Here the Coleonema and Pittosporum are joined by <i>Phormium 'Gold Wave.'</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvd9bQYwF9zUmkYEXhhCwhG6RKnPwO_QpddKy3oxdToiTcVHS70-d5ou3fIpHEkrwCY1AH05ze9d5s5ga7ELDXazal5vOmD43Rn-ohzB0OpCB9_wjSg827kTnLQFXloEwGJ39hh63bwOG/s1600/7_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvd9bQYwF9zUmkYEXhhCwhG6RKnPwO_QpddKy3oxdToiTcVHS70-d5ou3fIpHEkrwCY1AH05ze9d5s5ga7ELDXazal5vOmD43Rn-ohzB0OpCB9_wjSg827kTnLQFXloEwGJ39hh63bwOG/s400/7_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The backdrop for this shot of Pine and Heuchera is <i>Lonicera 'Lemon Swirl'</i> a delicious, arching delight with tiny variegated leaves along every stem. It captures the light and makes a perfect filler/spreader in this kind of planting, where the other players are more or less stationary. Avoid too many of this type in a landscape; they tend to dominate the conversation!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaaz0bTPFMQyZRpyFG4PVDw9hvXs9pw41BlSV8dmcn8I_N9m92U6JsQOYIAuYzncH8j3hrd2tIxM2_4GDLD902A8ON2s9jUMKMI2DzDA-YTy4HibHTtWnEUexgD-cELDiJrR0-8kJpgRC/s1600/8_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaaz0bTPFMQyZRpyFG4PVDw9hvXs9pw41BlSV8dmcn8I_N9m92U6JsQOYIAuYzncH8j3hrd2tIxM2_4GDLD902A8ON2s9jUMKMI2DzDA-YTy4HibHTtWnEUexgD-cELDiJrR0-8kJpgRC/s400/8_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One plant that I knew I must put in this landscape is <i>Coprosma 'Evening Glow'</i> whose shiny, evergreen leaves were the same colors as the house, and go great with the Pittosporum and the coral carpet roses.<br />
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<i>[Insert mini rant here]</i> Too often I see this shrub looking dreadful...awkward and sprawling. This is not the plant's fault; it's just lack of early training. So designers, listen up and help your clients give their Coprosma the tough love they require, or be prepared to do it yourself! <br />
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<b>On the care and training of Coprosma: </b><br />
This is a plant that you need to be firm with during its youth. It wants to send up exuberant, luxurious plumes of gorgeous leaves in random directions; and these MUST be cut back hard to help you form the basis of a neater mature shrub. Once or twice a year should do it (and I'm talking about being a MAN and taking your clippers and cutting it back to a nice pair of shoots or buds at your desired shrub-level. I'm NOT talking about shearing; don't be lazy!) Use them in a flower arrangement, if that makes you feel better!<br />
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As the side shoots start growing, pinch their tips. The more pinching, the denser the shrub. The one above gets pruned/pinched a few times a year, so it's rather free form. If you think that sounds like too much maintenance, would you rather mow/edge/weed a lawn or give your fingernails a little workout?<br />
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Be brave. I know, it's hard. I'm much more daring with my client's plants than with my own, I KNOW the "it's still got one flower on it" syndrome. Get over it. Sometimes good horticultural practice is to prune; for balance and to stimulate growth where you want it. It's an art. Think of it that way; plants as the medium, shaped by your touch. Good plantsmanship is one of the best skills a designer can bring to the table.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRNcRE6mC0bijA_2MAZ1mAu7RJPBiDLE_lcUymsei35mVees6DE1q6H8Hup8e_SXkpkhhzhMdzlkLYpZ9qN4tUmspOePoL2nXE6nypalCsrKuas1ycBn8uPotASII7QfniyX8q91yvdN0/s1600/9_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRNcRE6mC0bijA_2MAZ1mAu7RJPBiDLE_lcUymsei35mVees6DE1q6H8Hup8e_SXkpkhhzhMdzlkLYpZ9qN4tUmspOePoL2nXE6nypalCsrKuas1ycBn8uPotASII7QfniyX8q91yvdN0/s400/9_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="327" /></a></div>In the photo album I linked to above, I explore the choices I had for pottery. I loved the way this particular combination turned out: rustic Mexican pots planted with an unusual gold-tipped variety of <i>Crassula ovata</i> flank the front window, and get by with occasional hand watering. Notice the classic Craftsman pattern I chose for the porch stonework. The same stone in natural form was used for the front walkway as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA9MBzGeBR8Vd01UX70bhGrX0Mmpgp_ijw7KEAsFB_71IfE6gMNHlSuui_rZJEV6K0q9gHlrNDJ1RKUWDkaWPBLl48KPtL9oB6thlUi8QQjnouNaYN9_VrSO49Hi-JiRrCFf3WfaFgTjK/s1600/10_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA9MBzGeBR8Vd01UX70bhGrX0Mmpgp_ijw7KEAsFB_71IfE6gMNHlSuui_rZJEV6K0q9gHlrNDJ1RKUWDkaWPBLl48KPtL9oB6thlUi8QQjnouNaYN9_VrSO49Hi-JiRrCFf3WfaFgTjK/s400/10_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Bold color continues in the back, with this stunning <i>Cercis 'Forest Pansy'</i> as the main focal point between the two patios. One of my top ten favorite trees...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz2pVvR6khDaxZqm6xLKSQHzYcIGRYhh_E7O3iRmpfDRKWl-rKLkVvk7HizntdoN7N22-xoOz_5G_aEXxfWjW9Q1hTkSxoWRsqqmsxiegpMyfH8V3ZRE9HGNwne0pznSbNhziMnffbio9/s1600/11_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz2pVvR6khDaxZqm6xLKSQHzYcIGRYhh_E7O3iRmpfDRKWl-rKLkVvk7HizntdoN7N22-xoOz_5G_aEXxfWjW9Q1hTkSxoWRsqqmsxiegpMyfH8V3ZRE9HGNwne0pznSbNhziMnffbio9/s400/11_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The back is shadier, and has some lovely combinations like <i>Polystichum polyblepharum</i> and <i>Begonia richmondiensis.</i> This fern looks best if you trim away all of the previous year's fronds before the new ones start to unfurl in spring; this keeps it looking fresh and tidy all summer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMXPa0VUXJaRCq6SuRXSvgLhwIgbUbgX35kADfCKb52TjgYwYK_OlYNEaB8XjzmEKLg-Slel_xYiDxkZN_Wym2D7F4u_NLrhGm3DZQUngI-CbSLjnFzLO6xv96woH-v_ccizfeJfdG2Ge/s1600/12_Cook_losaltos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMXPa0VUXJaRCq6SuRXSvgLhwIgbUbgX35kADfCKb52TjgYwYK_OlYNEaB8XjzmEKLg-Slel_xYiDxkZN_Wym2D7F4u_NLrhGm3DZQUngI-CbSLjnFzLO6xv96woH-v_ccizfeJfdG2Ge/s400/12_Cook_losaltos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another interesting tone-on-tone color combination; <i>Nandina filamentosa</i> has the same tints as the Coprosma next to it, but with any airy, delicate texture. It is a slow grower, but I appreciate that in a plant; it's good when plants work well in the place they are given AND play nicely together.<br />
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Part of the reason this garden looks so good is because I personally visit it several times a year (at the owner's request) to clean up; shape, train and evaluate. We include his arborist and landscape contractor in our discussions to take care of the heavier tasks. It doesn't take long, and it's nice when the client joins me to clean up the daylilies and give everything else a once-over. <br />
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Even after three years there are still many plants in this garden that I've never had to touch. That, to me, is a landscape that's working, and my client agrees. As I left that day, he said "You done good."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-66424799428410182362011-06-01T10:10:00.000-07:002011-06-01T10:45:53.063-07:00Late Spring on the Los Gatos Creek Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3EOLmxhomVFehKrKXFPIn2357SVWjSR8y53XyxcY6rwoagzh0Aq2eFW0KiKJgk3z6wQjq4hVrtNsL6Q21wCNQHvGElIl-Rx_o3LgxqrdvclBHjl-aB3Pup7gJhxmnyv2MNCqdlknC7iB/s1600/**IMG_7570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3EOLmxhomVFehKrKXFPIn2357SVWjSR8y53XyxcY6rwoagzh0Aq2eFW0KiKJgk3z6wQjq4hVrtNsL6Q21wCNQHvGElIl-Rx_o3LgxqrdvclBHjl-aB3Pup7gJhxmnyv2MNCqdlknC7iB/s400/**IMG_7570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A couple of months ago I posted about what it was like on the <a href="http://interleafings.blogspot.com/2011/03/unfurling-spring-on-los-gatos-creek.html">Los Gatos Creek Trail</a> in early spring. Time for a followup! I took advantage of a dramatic clouds-and-blue-sky day to capture some mid-spring loveliness. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF9KAtS93ueG9M1joIZoel0DnSpLtZcRWu3nOOzQ-nWcj1zcfJ71Z3djQ-ZiUdFpy0kkvF9lhD1mLEb7qbXIXdht2JjWFh0k6ntw3YvOOHAo7Kd1GgQCMkcq1L_QEpFOB3hCJoSTUgURh/s1600/**IMG_7577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF9KAtS93ueG9M1joIZoel0DnSpLtZcRWu3nOOzQ-nWcj1zcfJ71Z3djQ-ZiUdFpy0kkvF9lhD1mLEb7qbXIXdht2JjWFh0k6ntw3YvOOHAo7Kd1GgQCMkcq1L_QEpFOB3hCJoSTUgURh/s400/**IMG_7577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Buckeyes <i>(Aesculus californica)</i> have quickly gone from tufts of leaves to large, fragrant racemes of flowers on long, leafy stems. So beautiful planted next to Redbud <i>(Cercis occidentalis). </i>In another two months they will start to fade into dormancy...so enjoy them now, darlings!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZkWaURQNGaYOs3RH2mMQr-j33-Ykqq0ZdDwH5Lz-rLO_ITCdBD4efBDoo43ZkCxZDRjhagZ97niNzDj5CxjgQDf9CPf2yWre1jNjZ15mmgtqoXy8dZGUaAar2450EC_gjP2oWSx6AH6F/s1600/*IMG_7554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZkWaURQNGaYOs3RH2mMQr-j33-Ykqq0ZdDwH5Lz-rLO_ITCdBD4efBDoo43ZkCxZDRjhagZ97niNzDj5CxjgQDf9CPf2yWre1jNjZ15mmgtqoXy8dZGUaAar2450EC_gjP2oWSx6AH6F/s400/*IMG_7554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Fennel <i>(Foenicululm vulgare)</i> is moving right along, and moves so gracefully with the surrounding grasses. I was surprised to see that the annual grasses had already gone to seed; I figured with the cool spring we're having that they might still be showing green. But this is a classic California palette, wouldn't you agree?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcaZMrTwNwxqm9ufK0D1xjTXhc8r5NLKI1lVJPbRlA11c-9151oVmy2ls1rtnUWz4w8kRdMdY8IKk_LzBab6TWgxfMtVKZsa6pk3LWJXtxVMBz9RaL26QmxWBvJHxtZfAhgz1zxJu97Un/s1600/*IMG_7586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcaZMrTwNwxqm9ufK0D1xjTXhc8r5NLKI1lVJPbRlA11c-9151oVmy2ls1rtnUWz4w8kRdMdY8IKk_LzBab6TWgxfMtVKZsa6pk3LWJXtxVMBz9RaL26QmxWBvJHxtZfAhgz1zxJu97Un/s400/*IMG_7586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> The glossy, red seedpods on the Redbuds are particularly striking now...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMQzNHP2OQQC7EKDWueBCJawo8slR6BoHNiDRyu153fHsR-2vFWQTrZsEI1mqpnO0zgNDTdd4WwzArgA0A9W9ZWr1nH-RdqVvR1VdM2atkFaFWTR_JsQbqv78goQOjvIWoXiZEfYQXAbu/s1600/*IMG_7593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMQzNHP2OQQC7EKDWueBCJawo8slR6BoHNiDRyu153fHsR-2vFWQTrZsEI1mqpnO0zgNDTdd4WwzArgA0A9W9ZWr1nH-RdqVvR1VdM2atkFaFWTR_JsQbqv78goQOjvIWoXiZEfYQXAbu/s400/*IMG_7593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Not a weed here...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8_rk8td9xC2qf377E4sFV9bvKvsuX093cJT8LNYSdSh-8b2sGZ8ibmFs3ug8SrRohYIBZhG1ace8BhILk50YlIEuAtE6HRFXEc5pg048zUDMCaldGRbYSkbPxH1WwZ325Q2oI9gFUrEK/s1600/*IMG_7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8_rk8td9xC2qf377E4sFV9bvKvsuX093cJT8LNYSdSh-8b2sGZ8ibmFs3ug8SrRohYIBZhG1ace8BhILk50YlIEuAtE6HRFXEc5pg048zUDMCaldGRbYSkbPxH1WwZ325Q2oI9gFUrEK/s400/*IMG_7611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Oak buds...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sGPOHbGkOtgiHKbpdXkp6pN30ptAahTRr8YdjNp23G1NymwzP1d4zhTujEHyIgkUU6cMUyTcEmWALlXF6iU1hux8GkQt6HE7cRGkDGb3YvwqzNTeRr08zaV4f804lO4yO7MNedtVbiIw/s1600/*IMG_7623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sGPOHbGkOtgiHKbpdXkp6pN30ptAahTRr8YdjNp23G1NymwzP1d4zhTujEHyIgkUU6cMUyTcEmWALlXF6iU1hux8GkQt6HE7cRGkDGb3YvwqzNTeRr08zaV4f804lO4yO7MNedtVbiIw/s400/*IMG_7623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> An unexpected little meadow of statice...I wonder who planted it?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivADsQU4MSGmFsXnK24ugIQ-yWgYT4TESbq_ommrleQvzdKaiu7uqm8et5fcRvmxav4Fcm0Oj_VicK437Q2QKsx1ivhNPYubQfTwQMqct3xuUdmowEh8L9mQ1Fu88I5x7ldt6w7zKZt_Tc/s1600/*IMG_7628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivADsQU4MSGmFsXnK24ugIQ-yWgYT4TESbq_ommrleQvzdKaiu7uqm8et5fcRvmxav4Fcm0Oj_VicK437Q2QKsx1ivhNPYubQfTwQMqct3xuUdmowEh8L9mQ1Fu88I5x7ldt6w7zKZt_Tc/s400/*IMG_7628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Sycamore leaves are well on their way to enormity...beautiful texture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvSTfIFwY_R1qERuuHvLKkSdzCCJF_cYGriu8xuzgOkfdA_fhUT5JoCfLF50vZZfc1OwmGipD1CQqj2348Z91FXPVRpNaSNLyjrHUTxOo0wULtZQEodCZrzAZDzFwie7wdrcyHn9WGP54/s1600/*IMG_7638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvSTfIFwY_R1qERuuHvLKkSdzCCJF_cYGriu8xuzgOkfdA_fhUT5JoCfLF50vZZfc1OwmGipD1CQqj2348Z91FXPVRpNaSNLyjrHUTxOo0wULtZQEodCZrzAZDzFwie7wdrcyHn9WGP54/s400/*IMG_7638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Oak ball!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH_lo4O2MvPk-gi4g0EAgFS18Y_HE3l8JqOz8hpvJIYzvdUM44-CAcFl-c1ZCX9zWl9qofvvPCBOEyhG1qrJgvxo9B-_Gm83qSyl-kjggcHi6OGAVUwgWy1SFXjnEpiV4Xcxuc-pXhU3C/s1600/*IMG_7640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH_lo4O2MvPk-gi4g0EAgFS18Y_HE3l8JqOz8hpvJIYzvdUM44-CAcFl-c1ZCX9zWl9qofvvPCBOEyhG1qrJgvxo9B-_Gm83qSyl-kjggcHi6OGAVUwgWy1SFXjnEpiV4Xcxuc-pXhU3C/s400/*IMG_7640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Yellow daisies...Helianthums?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uLkC1hbyjw5cTuv7SyZ-h-DjyBi28k2YQ3vOIHSYgEAF1prl6BH41XdySyndmbPD992L2ZvI-ex-ba_X-rZFRXYMvRCTTUqVTXM_RTnPdQ6EoSD8PTDKP-LOTcVNNojUabr5WbaDp4IZ/s1600/*IMG_7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uLkC1hbyjw5cTuv7SyZ-h-DjyBi28k2YQ3vOIHSYgEAF1prl6BH41XdySyndmbPD992L2ZvI-ex-ba_X-rZFRXYMvRCTTUqVTXM_RTnPdQ6EoSD8PTDKP-LOTcVNNojUabr5WbaDp4IZ/s400/*IMG_7652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another dainty little thing...maybe an Eriogonum?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAvJUDcO4EW31KFbxCT1sm9gz5piK2W-7ay0MzxtPIoPI52Oro8PXW7enrUU9ic5rBeS4H7p3Bx0hQHVqw2l-rpFsJkv8TdpgBa3GdZAkImvJ4mdk0ZZysoE971ZWsadD6xtShECS8jU7/s1600/*IMG_7668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAvJUDcO4EW31KFbxCT1sm9gz5piK2W-7ay0MzxtPIoPI52Oro8PXW7enrUU9ic5rBeS4H7p3Bx0hQHVqw2l-rpFsJkv8TdpgBa3GdZAkImvJ4mdk0ZZysoE971ZWsadD6xtShECS8jU7/s400/*IMG_7668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Back into familiar territory...did you ever wonder how Western Cottonwood (<i>Populus fremontii</i>) got its name? Wonder no more...this is one hot mess this time of year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick3mW5LJXYheiow1mq7E-gbx5mumW4_E5Y49GVk1fgaDlLuJ6h17hKIVREzsqYTMmtg1PkYDR16BRqzM6twIaOf9MrA3YOsHlV07qmDQdXy8hx0v65d3zz_HN3XfuK3a2TprpD3rkAC2G/s1600/*IMG_7670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick3mW5LJXYheiow1mq7E-gbx5mumW4_E5Y49GVk1fgaDlLuJ6h17hKIVREzsqYTMmtg1PkYDR16BRqzM6twIaOf9MrA3YOsHlV07qmDQdXy8hx0v65d3zz_HN3XfuK3a2TprpD3rkAC2G/s400/*IMG_7670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I mean, wow...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVSNBjp1Uk4x8y8bJIdfKrbMZFLGYsOQzw2i9NWzUTaFZqFJzqTqKMF0jXuZikg0X2hLUi7DzAy67vGiLttkiT5rdPd_cKkaHszTbLKuCgqEVFi-fR1Ym_3LmbF2RfxUA6TZasQ8n-1yc/s1600/*IMG_7679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVSNBjp1Uk4x8y8bJIdfKrbMZFLGYsOQzw2i9NWzUTaFZqFJzqTqKMF0jXuZikg0X2hLUi7DzAy67vGiLttkiT5rdPd_cKkaHszTbLKuCgqEVFi-fR1Ym_3LmbF2RfxUA6TZasQ8n-1yc/s400/*IMG_7679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Not included last time was this gorgeous native, Sugar Bush <i>(Rhus ovata)</i> that my Facebook friends helped me identify. According to Cheryl Renshaw <i>"</i><span data-jsid="text"><i>The fruit is covered with a tart goop that you can suck on and then drink some water to sort of kind of have lemonade (hence the common name of the closely related Rhus integrifolia or Lemonade Berry). </i>Cool!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjsKhTLdb4goCA0Oxu1dd2M5JqgfMQdlACBRoqB4-0zUNcqnM78CuK0_BIYBcmAOwk6me8WumhvhI16fkXURZlkvy7kex8brOrNbcXCWB77S6DrMF4Ltj_yIvy_khMOAfjl6XZ7qn0mDp/s1600/*IMG_7733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjsKhTLdb4goCA0Oxu1dd2M5JqgfMQdlACBRoqB4-0zUNcqnM78CuK0_BIYBcmAOwk6me8WumhvhI16fkXURZlkvy7kex8brOrNbcXCWB77S6DrMF4Ltj_yIvy_khMOAfjl6XZ7qn0mDp/s400/*IMG_7733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another view of Cottonwood...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-04KYrPpJ-YrRe9BxQ5QNEEQIk9z1ecUtyfbuviSuitdE0eorW0jnuqIX_n4XW5FVzXte4TyudMMC0A0UryMYysKgPVpFy7muUGSPSrpFX8hkEYlyhC85r3arAAcKzQwArL5EAodXXfWW/s1600/*IMG_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-04KYrPpJ-YrRe9BxQ5QNEEQIk9z1ecUtyfbuviSuitdE0eorW0jnuqIX_n4XW5FVzXte4TyudMMC0A0UryMYysKgPVpFy7muUGSPSrpFX8hkEYlyhC85r3arAAcKzQwArL5EAodXXfWW/s400/*IMG_7763.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hawthorn flowers are so dainty compared to the dramatic and rather severe aspect of their bright red berries in winter. Love that leaf shape...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBu_7fvTJVEeepuMnLzRCQ4sp1dyFpp2kUMMc7hwLa0MM9FEpsPn6DI7ok8wi_iLNjaqAeX_pQ3z0VQlKScavvQnEbi-ZDKozdVMKPxMt0hoZWpV0wD4xnYbyRSQ8ibcauyXfC8zMA4pH/s1600/*IMG_7780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBu_7fvTJVEeepuMnLzRCQ4sp1dyFpp2kUMMc7hwLa0MM9FEpsPn6DI7ok8wi_iLNjaqAeX_pQ3z0VQlKScavvQnEbi-ZDKozdVMKPxMt0hoZWpV0wD4xnYbyRSQ8ibcauyXfC8zMA4pH/s400/*IMG_7780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Eucalyptus flowers; this whole tree is aromatic.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cJa21duBQJaerbdJIgOsl6_ZQkxc7Il1Uf-20k9d2jHs6HwRs60JhBQeKmsv1V6TYIx9rKeAWyqdF24egFdFIpGas_CIUif9qeVoRIWf8Fgu0yYLKn5md1qOoDghAlV73bZzTA3x9u5n/s1600/*IMG_7794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cJa21duBQJaerbdJIgOsl6_ZQkxc7Il1Uf-20k9d2jHs6HwRs60JhBQeKmsv1V6TYIx9rKeAWyqdF24egFdFIpGas_CIUif9qeVoRIWf8Fgu0yYLKn5md1qOoDghAlV73bZzTA3x9u5n/s400/*IMG_7794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Remember Squirrel Nutkin? (Totally dating myself, aren't I!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjpQsDBB3SvDN9FsostdAcplRBV2NHZHMzLJCdnQZgpFVWVbGAknrwn5OCfH6NSbEhtfWDIcWWQ2IAUDoVWCGdM2NED3JPEMdCXlwWw1xMWJkxNS4K32T7PPNHeRhs12Ya7z8xHgN_Rxc/s1600/*IMG_7804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjpQsDBB3SvDN9FsostdAcplRBV2NHZHMzLJCdnQZgpFVWVbGAknrwn5OCfH6NSbEhtfWDIcWWQ2IAUDoVWCGdM2NED3JPEMdCXlwWw1xMWJkxNS4K32T7PPNHeRhs12Ya7z8xHgN_Rxc/s400/*IMG_7804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One, last luminous Cistus blossom along the path leading home...thanks for joining me! Things will look quite different soon...Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-40330308882392360612011-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-26T09:05:06.367-07:00Garden Designers Roundtable: Top Landscape PlantsWelcome to this month's <a href="http://gdrt.wordpress.com/">Garden Designers Roundtable</a>, where we are talking about the plants that we turn to again and again in our designs. My working palette is pretty vast, but these are the ones special enough to be used in my personal gardens as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLvSY3IkIG9XoDWrVXHN525vVjGRfh9znReJvRiNOh5p5Cf0lDVWdFmcS_-o5_YPJX53drA8ZTCSjYidzEA1TA7d6iXL0aKygVR2uCD0gCWZqt2qDslaXF6veCZ0oLHezwig4FkKJQESq/s1600/arbutus_marina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLvSY3IkIG9XoDWrVXHN525vVjGRfh9znReJvRiNOh5p5Cf0lDVWdFmcS_-o5_YPJX53drA8ZTCSjYidzEA1TA7d6iXL0aKygVR2uCD0gCWZqt2qDslaXF6veCZ0oLHezwig4FkKJQESq/s400/arbutus_marina.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Easily the most-used small tree in my repertoire is <i>Arbutus 'Marina'</i> a hybrid of our native Madrones. This was the first thing I planted in my last garden, and in four years that small shrub became this shapely specimen, with peeling red trunks, clean evergreen foliage and a long season of bloom. I also use it extensively in the standard form, and would love to see it used more as a street tree.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P1ozS0mG0yw9ebgEkGBqEQhWLE_S64xhBTn4WxK1iXUJHyImgWnPNHQB-tapdNxhkhu6OJ2WYSctOQJZTTjq7iQYnFE-KYOwwOhEhJh9GP1SUgj44TzL6RSfWZ65oCQFvgCNdf6GjnoI/s1600/blue_fescue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P1ozS0mG0yw9ebgEkGBqEQhWLE_S64xhBTn4WxK1iXUJHyImgWnPNHQB-tapdNxhkhu6OJ2WYSctOQJZTTjq7iQYnFE-KYOwwOhEhJh9GP1SUgj44TzL6RSfWZ65oCQFvgCNdf6GjnoI/s640/blue_fescue.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>One of my favorite groundcovers under Arbutus is Elijah Blue Fescue <i>(Festuca glauca)</i>. It appreciates a little shade and water to look its best; and makes a wonderful 18" mound of blue that is tough, soft, and looks great year round.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W5Iskzx9EBm582tL2gH7PBJ8DNQ7hsWbKT7sIaTxlcpTECO7252Hgf1lsICeW6Vc9xwZOTVq0LIR6SICpMamSq8s1-MIqySk5K_RRkW7ZJ-viUpvaMsKLZBLDEKUFajMlSpwFOqAu6mz/s1600/carex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W5Iskzx9EBm582tL2gH7PBJ8DNQ7hsWbKT7sIaTxlcpTECO7252Hgf1lsICeW6Vc9xwZOTVq0LIR6SICpMamSq8s1-MIqySk5K_RRkW7ZJ-viUpvaMsKLZBLDEKUFajMlSpwFOqAu6mz/s400/carex.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A good companion to blue fescue in a grassy landscape is the lovely <i>Carex testacea.</i> Its blades shift from olive green to coppery orange and back again throughout the year. This one will reseed freely if you don't keep its long flowing seed stems trimmed; you've been warned!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8dcITqEEhCQ6Nm_ahzXFxRDC8r3Q_W_slOEZA6GeM3SF8pRPmUDguD2uQNOkXtQpFSxIOSrDXPZqt-BMU83iVENSEN_Jxk1TkKq9a-L77PRPJm1-fVfT5RYdDe7d4j0lYjH0IUfmX8az/s1600/coleonema.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8dcITqEEhCQ6Nm_ahzXFxRDC8r3Q_W_slOEZA6GeM3SF8pRPmUDguD2uQNOkXtQpFSxIOSrDXPZqt-BMU83iVENSEN_Jxk1TkKq9a-L77PRPJm1-fVfT5RYdDe7d4j0lYjH0IUfmX8az/s400/coleonema.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Soft, friendly Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' looks great planted near orange sedge; its golden plumes (and in the spring, small pink flowers) are a bright spot in any garden; it needs sun for best color.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksyeYxtqshA5IvyKdcE46ymSzxxR1HbspbY-FmTQ9_GwTqqqduufSpndUj9ci3IIJ4igC8jhWorDq1rRLdNL54IIirMFUynyhWeCmiWMtIZMPDTwf6ZuZmrEWm2qCeXaQP5k74gfLwKzb/s1600/dianella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksyeYxtqshA5IvyKdcE46ymSzxxR1HbspbY-FmTQ9_GwTqqqduufSpndUj9ci3IIJ4igC8jhWorDq1rRLdNL54IIirMFUynyhWeCmiWMtIZMPDTwf6ZuZmrEWm2qCeXaQP5k74gfLwKzb/s400/dianella.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A relatively new addition to my palette is Dianella; I use several varieties, like this <i>Dianella caerulea </i>(Blue Flax Lily). It's wonderful in a pot and happy in those spots that aren't quite sun and not full shade. The little blue flowers on airy stems are charming.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtI7xcwZWO3f84Cd09AotNPlNE2HkNahAw-KfgzQgi6ERY5DPZXQUEYCP93pG8K8JQVL08pSmBTIMze0etOBVSfWHTSHSwbGT8r7i8zRxp9t5e49mg6bjm_tF8F5xT6HROVvvM4ONSOGz/s1600/dodonea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtI7xcwZWO3f84Cd09AotNPlNE2HkNahAw-KfgzQgi6ERY5DPZXQUEYCP93pG8K8JQVL08pSmBTIMze0etOBVSfWHTSHSwbGT8r7i8zRxp9t5e49mg6bjm_tF8F5xT6HROVvvM4ONSOGz/s400/dodonea.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Somewhere in the background of my gardens you might find <i>Dodonea purpurea</i> (Purple Hopseed Bush). I adore the deep burgundy of the leaves in winter, and the graceful shape of the leaves and stems. They tend to be a little shallow-rooted and can tip over in wet/windy weather; firmly staking them until they are past their youth will keep them safe. In time makes an interesting small tree.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZLCIgalyJUudYtSc1OR98KU7sl63-Aa31MbuAAgcWtNsPgH5RVyaTiTP4PRB0c9MU1WH-n64TyzERBirZVIBbDOYAxT_u6hemDF8RlnU-Mvc3Oe9mZ5VFbVuvGXP50zYpDBCTN3ETBAV/s1600/euphorbia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZLCIgalyJUudYtSc1OR98KU7sl63-Aa31MbuAAgcWtNsPgH5RVyaTiTP4PRB0c9MU1WH-n64TyzERBirZVIBbDOYAxT_u6hemDF8RlnU-Mvc3Oe9mZ5VFbVuvGXP50zYpDBCTN3ETBAV/s400/euphorbia.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really appreciate plants that look great in winter and early spring, when the rest of the garden is resting. Euphorbias, like this "Helena's Blush" fill the bill nicely. I would use them even more if they didn't smell, well, stinky. Ah well, nobody's perfect!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg9SXorfKdYgMqakYfyEtCDGSV_QZ2KJ_ZdQZ9MeMS3GvETO3wrco6hC5wFpY4VYl_FQzNOutuIVYbti1ZvhMbCsCRRAuiN3QgRMx0KdVD6UqBPDShyphenhyphenu6Ar4ejrgIsD5P1AojIWiOVSk-/s1600/nandina_firepower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg9SXorfKdYgMqakYfyEtCDGSV_QZ2KJ_ZdQZ9MeMS3GvETO3wrco6hC5wFpY4VYl_FQzNOutuIVYbti1ZvhMbCsCRRAuiN3QgRMx0KdVD6UqBPDShyphenhyphenu6Ar4ejrgIsD5P1AojIWiOVSk-/s400/nandina_firepower.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Except, just maybe, Nandina 'Firepower' a short, large-leafed variety that is simply gorgeous all year round. Happiest in part shade, with just enough sun to bring out the peach, red and copper tones in the leaves. Doesn't need much water, stays compact, with no pests to speak of.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSOkgxjIkgbeZdRh_1Hl7cfR-ED1cdA0pkiMLXWWVUM7QSqz1nFgSPvb-0x4IZSDL8FdJTo18bGgvgSk2q5QKWEFth4ansWHIdqGnSIHquTPF1TQ2KfSmgYlcdgpX7K-gBNNAYXZ3BF1j/s1600/pittosporum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSOkgxjIkgbeZdRh_1Hl7cfR-ED1cdA0pkiMLXWWVUM7QSqz1nFgSPvb-0x4IZSDL8FdJTo18bGgvgSk2q5QKWEFth4ansWHIdqGnSIHquTPF1TQ2KfSmgYlcdgpX7K-gBNNAYXZ3BF1j/s400/pittosporum.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another contender for little Mr. Perfect is this variety of <i>Pittosporum tenuifolium</i> called "Golf Ball." Naturally neat and compact, looks shiny perfect all year round with little or no pruning. Those black stems and soft green leaves are killer, and if I were to make a small hedge, THIS is what I would use...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBSAl6C4-KAnhZixAuSsKRAycZrp5wdqjsl6ImujVLO0rWDn_wFVVc0puepyXmPJNSRnapaLfEVJmcW5QOTdAqs3pQvVjVS4UmxXX_IbRo6RE-4hhHjKsA9QX-FH3OQl-N1cAmrtFx4Ws/s1600/variegated_buxus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBSAl6C4-KAnhZixAuSsKRAycZrp5wdqjsl6ImujVLO0rWDn_wFVVc0puepyXmPJNSRnapaLfEVJmcW5QOTdAqs3pQvVjVS4UmxXX_IbRo6RE-4hhHjKsA9QX-FH3OQl-N1cAmrtFx4Ws/s400/variegated_buxus.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...not this. I am not a fan of boxwood usually, but this is my bright, shining exception. I like to dot variegated English Boxwood around a landscape (often zig-zagging along a path at wide intervals). Their leaves have a particularly luminous quality that just lights up the place, especially in shade. It is slow growing, tough, and needs only an occasional pinch (never sheared, thank you) to look great.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTUEguriWQrolgd7c6M11PvcpeoSSPUDErPWIebhPK1BLEDAwzbK3mivoZRzlJ58lxjdN75DBOqi6Ti5akVdPYSA4aR0CbWTFD5jiAViObOBAcLVmQBQehTMsQbfPdHfbhHPlxsxDq2oZ/s1600/succulents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTUEguriWQrolgd7c6M11PvcpeoSSPUDErPWIebhPK1BLEDAwzbK3mivoZRzlJ58lxjdN75DBOqi6Ti5akVdPYSA4aR0CbWTFD5jiAViObOBAcLVmQBQehTMsQbfPdHfbhHPlxsxDq2oZ/s400/succulents.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And of course, Succulents are like sprinkles for the landscape...bright, colorful, sculptural, undemanding and now available in SO many varieties that the possibilities are endless. They are often that perfect missing color or texture, especially in dry corners.<br />
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So now you know my short list...but don't stop here! My fellow Garden Roundtablers are spilling their secrets too, including guest blogger Nan Ondra; such an honor to have her here today. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://hayefield.com/2011/04/25/garden-designers-roundtable-top-landscape-plants/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Nan Ondra : Hayefield : Bucks County, PA</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.gardensmackdown.com/garden-designers-roundtable/2011/garden-designers-roundtable-top-landscape-plants/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Andrew Keys : Garden Smackdown : Boston, MA</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://personalgardencoach.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/garden-designers-roundtable-top-10-go-to-landscape-plants/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Christina Salwitz : Personal Garden Coach : Renton, WA</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.northcoastgardening.com/2011/04/top-landscape-plants/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Genevieve Schmidt : North Coast Gardening : Arcata, CA</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://thegerminatrix.com/2011/04/26/garden-designers-roundtable-top-landscape-plants-kill-me-why-dont-you/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Ivette Soler : The Germinatrix : Los Angeles, CA</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://jocelynsgarden.blogspot.com/2011/04/garden-designers-roundtable-go-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Jocelyn Chilvers : The Art Garden : Denver, CO</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.hegartywebberpartnership.com/garden-designers-round-table-post-top-landscape-plants/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Lesley Hegarty & Robert Webber : Hegarty Webber Partnership : Bristol, UK</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://gossipinthegarden.com/garden-designers-roundtable-favorite-landscape-plants/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Rebecca Sweet : Gossip In the Garden : Los Altos, CA</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.studiogblog.com/plants-natives/plants/garden-designers-round-table-studio-gs-top-5-plants/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Rochelle Greayer : Studio G : Boston, MA</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blueplanetgardenblog.com/2011/04/garden-designers-roundtable-top-landscape-plants.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Susan Morrison : Blue Planet Garden Blog : East Bay, CA</b></span></a>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-64348575738479592062011-04-14T22:00:00.000-07:002011-04-14T22:20:28.856-07:00An EnSeven Kind of Spring...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Bzsr6OanNJLlsmBdlsTXCeIEemH4mxlVTU8aw969O4XCHfRJJxHkiMpfQMobpaXhPIhQB0VGk8UNQ5jq_iJ4p_-4WFhmgJc2EHFvMyiLlp0y3znr6SIjnvDX68TiYeUCMzA0VuZX8Vx/s1600/*IMG_7234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Bzsr6OanNJLlsmBdlsTXCeIEemH4mxlVTU8aw969O4XCHfRJJxHkiMpfQMobpaXhPIhQB0VGk8UNQ5jq_iJ4p_-4WFhmgJc2EHFvMyiLlp0y3znr6SIjnvDX68TiYeUCMzA0VuZX8Vx/s400/*IMG_7234.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>YES, it's spring! The leaves on "my" Liquidambar tree are unfurling at a rapid pace. I recently played tree-hugger to make sure the company doing tree maintenance at my complex didn't remove these graceful branches that are the only thing between me and a blank stucco wall. The foreman was sympathetic, so no particular heroics were required... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ6zshTW0amnXHxxDKFscxo4m8gjg9IJub6v3Img7WtwCVqUpCj_TCLYeC8nJkD7jGGDqIw6oTzQQcvEgxRTBqECwQtZM48eP_8ZEcyyBnEDo0KWC9Cz_rHizXWpfCSmKNvuW05gloG9U/s1600/*IMG_7242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ6zshTW0amnXHxxDKFscxo4m8gjg9IJub6v3Img7WtwCVqUpCj_TCLYeC8nJkD7jGGDqIw6oTzQQcvEgxRTBqECwQtZM48eP_8ZEcyyBnEDo0KWC9Cz_rHizXWpfCSmKNvuW05gloG9U/s400/*IMG_7242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another sign of the season: Western Mourning Doves on the lookout for precarious and/or ridiculous places to make their nests. I love these birds; their plaintive call is part of the soundtrack of my life. But they haven't quite grasped the whole "location location location" idea yet...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGuKxjQ1Ls3h0vwKU641qFbQtliCMI4eYJmN9VoPECxhPx_1k43UXdZ6yJvFzy5ytji-R96f1c-AoqEa4UezzCp4ziQPNkixaWWs2BA1qHz1MsCSRC9dUvUGVCMUN5XC9eTD2PgVP_RxK/s1600/*IMG_7106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGuKxjQ1Ls3h0vwKU641qFbQtliCMI4eYJmN9VoPECxhPx_1k43UXdZ6yJvFzy5ytji-R96f1c-AoqEa4UezzCp4ziQPNkixaWWs2BA1qHz1MsCSRC9dUvUGVCMUN5XC9eTD2PgVP_RxK/s400/*IMG_7106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Moving on down the food chain, I was delighted to see the Praying Mantis egg case that I brought from my house spring to life a couple of weeks ago. The infants kind of pour out the front enclosed in a protective shell, which they quickly wriggle out of. As the first-born get their bearings they can be seen hanging around waiting to make a snack out of their younger siblings! I dispersed a few around the balcony and will be interested to see if any of them hang around; they are very territorial and if happy will spend a whole lifetime in a single bush. Stay tuned...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05ytRZd3E19T7DQRsoz6p3Nc31Ko3UxumTHGHm452YJwpuQX4QkNOodZXaD651PbMNU4NtEfOpsy0XLBJhI2O_MeFlEjI7_Mw8ZviMowRlNKVq4_i3RKQXiNo9Sv3aVOdOs-9qDw8pOoT/s1600/*IMG_7094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05ytRZd3E19T7DQRsoz6p3Nc31Ko3UxumTHGHm452YJwpuQX4QkNOodZXaD651PbMNU4NtEfOpsy0XLBJhI2O_MeFlEjI7_Mw8ZviMowRlNKVq4_i3RKQXiNo9Sv3aVOdOs-9qDw8pOoT/s400/*IMG_7094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was the first spring in almost 25 years that I haven't had a garden to wake up and get ready for the season. It seems very strange. No piles of weeds to the compost pile, no prunings piled in the street, no mulch to buy, no heirloom tomatoes to covet. My big tasks were switching to a lighter throw for the love-seat and vacuuming the sisal rug. I didn't even need to get dressed for that, let alone put on sunscreen, gloves and hat. Strange, I tell you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitWhxoN1oyy-C5Tzv2sZCdKggL90fAi5n-2Xw7emUn23nO3JOcM3q_drmHwu7SdaxR39h8-EHw7ykcSoXBu5gvxWxUPFvlLqkKG9tyW-f9pdTZ1xuNuRKQ3jPFvnVKUc26w25teTYZOlC/s1600/*IMG_7096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitWhxoN1oyy-C5Tzv2sZCdKggL90fAi5n-2Xw7emUn23nO3JOcM3q_drmHwu7SdaxR39h8-EHw7ykcSoXBu5gvxWxUPFvlLqkKG9tyW-f9pdTZ1xuNuRKQ3jPFvnVKUc26w25teTYZOlC/s400/*IMG_7096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But still, there are delights. I love how this cutting of Corylus avellana 'Rote Zeller' (European Red-Leaf Filbert) from my friend Alice Joyce's garden is coming along; those pleated purple leaves! In the garden it would be a massive shrub; I will enjoy it on a smaller scale.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-hi1Gxej8vRiFpTDv8wzw6HDiKEckPMMqeA_FsIl_3OG9UHImrSmGX3_TGLm2AlnR0WSbZsMtB8w4JyswzJMHnQci7tTtuQj3w4MUR0G_ZaJqwH4Bu7E8-_bmY2EXhsUeaUITh1mpiH1/s1600/*IMG_7103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-hi1Gxej8vRiFpTDv8wzw6HDiKEckPMMqeA_FsIl_3OG9UHImrSmGX3_TGLm2AlnR0WSbZsMtB8w4JyswzJMHnQci7tTtuQj3w4MUR0G_ZaJqwH4Bu7E8-_bmY2EXhsUeaUITh1mpiH1/s400/*IMG_7103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Talk about a great container plant for a shady garden; this Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax Lily) is evergreen, low-maintenance, and is just getting ready to bust out in luxurious bloom. It is a good choice for my balcony because it can take full shade to full sun; depending on the time of year (or the time of day) it can be either.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KDH_HLfkefmopvJW4MMK3q_aqJvpMZs9skygTVmiodMvY_A6mNwsI9j9ERW2N8UDHsVMj6EZKSkGhTes5eHOQXWKu2KMsnvDTW2RzKiIWslRBrMZuFSPRRxncLkla8ETC6rmb6MksHNF/s1600/*IMG_7128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KDH_HLfkefmopvJW4MMK3q_aqJvpMZs9skygTVmiodMvY_A6mNwsI9j9ERW2N8UDHsVMj6EZKSkGhTes5eHOQXWKu2KMsnvDTW2RzKiIWslRBrMZuFSPRRxncLkla8ETC6rmb6MksHNF/s400/*IMG_7128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And of course, there are the succulents, like my favorite Aeonium 'Sunburst.' These are another kind of plant that does surprisingly well in part sun or shade; they will be looser and lankier with less sun, but no less pretty. I find their leaves stay fresher and they grow slower...both good attributes for a small-space garden. And in a low-light situation they need even less water.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8mLMZtbPg1YTz-WZ9C7a9LrbOwknfgbJy4cWmXduGrp-ockrC-78qZu8RRRZkbp-6WgHj89tH79Yaq11KvTqR0qT-sKgK6Nz_9mH7baIEYM08hiIWSXmQPk7nHWci0BMPBvHyBSd00y5/s1600/*IMG_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8mLMZtbPg1YTz-WZ9C7a9LrbOwknfgbJy4cWmXduGrp-ockrC-78qZu8RRRZkbp-6WgHj89tH79Yaq11KvTqR0qT-sKgK6Nz_9mH7baIEYM08hiIWSXmQPk7nHWci0BMPBvHyBSd00y5/s400/*IMG_7147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This plump fellow has been growing in shade for several years with just an occasional sip of water. My kind of plant!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kvEWdbjM26RwBs3dfM70Qa2QoQ16j7eLh35_gx5Mim04OGwqX2e2tY_9GwcOMjzn8qx_LwpkWAqj3WYwSAvm-fw52x3szX7qCHYKd1WsxRF1Lyih_uYk8cenJd0ke1BQbOwEfoaACAps/s1600/*IMG_7148.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kvEWdbjM26RwBs3dfM70Qa2QoQ16j7eLh35_gx5Mim04OGwqX2e2tY_9GwcOMjzn8qx_LwpkWAqj3WYwSAvm-fw52x3szX7qCHYKd1WsxRF1Lyih_uYk8cenJd0ke1BQbOwEfoaACAps/s400/*IMG_7148.JPG" width="381" /></a></div>Dwarf jade plant (Crassula argentea 'Hobbit') is another sun to shade winner: growing about an inch a year it may reach an eventual height of 2 feet, maybe! As the sun gets higher my balcony will get shadier...it will be interesting to see what thrives this season. I don't really miss all the work of a big garden, really I don't. And it's nice to be able to concentrate on the small details of a more intimate space. Thanks for joining me...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-60149095789263265602011-04-03T14:27:00.000-07:002011-04-03T14:27:48.986-07:00Wild Spring in Copperopolis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dj1hZK3Uvi_VBurrNyc7nR_vdLzPf3X9W5kLcFPkey4bCW0DAE8nkPrgThrW4irmf0Nije5MKx1zJJSftKoAtGk4jyGKhyRaGgam3zsD-JWragMkED4-i0HKfCOcImKpR8U7FUFDkYMM/s1600/*IMG_6887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dj1hZK3Uvi_VBurrNyc7nR_vdLzPf3X9W5kLcFPkey4bCW0DAE8nkPrgThrW4irmf0Nije5MKx1zJJSftKoAtGk4jyGKhyRaGgam3zsD-JWragMkED4-i0HKfCOcImKpR8U7FUFDkYMM/s400/*IMG_6887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After a wonderful week working at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sfgardenshow">SF Flower & Garden Show</a>, I went for a little R&R in a less accustomed direction (like, AWAY from the ocean). I needed a simpler, wilder landscape to rest my mind in for a bit, and I found it in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperopolis,_California">Copperopolis</a>. <span style="color: #0c343d;"> </span><i style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(click any photo to enlarge)</b></span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknMJCbbiXI6Kaf9oKkgKWX69C4LB0JnJCm3_5pHle85QNVWdMiIRcA00bPKzSNVFBRa_PbNZO88_lt9XPcwFl8GFx4AIapwT59u_zQwVnHgq1T3iPyCck0236ZrdSPofLxO-A9PrKTETi/s1600/*IMG_6889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknMJCbbiXI6Kaf9oKkgKWX69C4LB0JnJCm3_5pHle85QNVWdMiIRcA00bPKzSNVFBRa_PbNZO88_lt9XPcwFl8GFx4AIapwT59u_zQwVnHgq1T3iPyCck0236ZrdSPofLxO-A9PrKTETi/s400/*IMG_6889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Cool name, huh? The locals call it Copper. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that this little corner of Gold Country was actually known for its thriving copper mines. Copperopolis was founded in 1860 and produced copper from the Civil War to World War II (the town boomed during wartimes due to the demand for munitions).<br />
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The mines closed in 1946, and this sleepy community tucked into gently curving oak woodlands two hours east of San Francisco is now largely a vacation/resort town for nearby Lake Tulloch; bustling in the summer, somewhat deserted in winter. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITJUCigtsOzrjxhWWEOc33A4qopcpLv6kkcIgGgyj1n7CiPuQpxEBpioNww8gV8CNFAS21Rwvq_jCWKNFNji3cG6qWtq_D78zwCjW43VVljFzPYYytuuibcQHUCOmTEz0JEGANM-D8hfl/s1600/*IMG_6897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITJUCigtsOzrjxhWWEOc33A4qopcpLv6kkcIgGgyj1n7CiPuQpxEBpioNww8gV8CNFAS21Rwvq_jCWKNFNji3cG6qWtq_D78zwCjW43VVljFzPYYytuuibcQHUCOmTEz0JEGANM-D8hfl/s400/*IMG_6897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is a fleeting season in the Sierra foothills, before the fresh greens of early spring turn to the dry golds of a hot summer. It is my favorite time, with all the promise of the season to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWl5PElA3rZ8QaXg_EZLbk0px5sqNmPDQYDMhGE3eFCjy2aHKhDzatawRlEV9_bz9jSg-w0BuyMTie8JG9dnrr3wh8k3ttShG8-_zwk2H7LZQypNkPqMzsd6GTosozCyerxdkSw1axVlG/s1600/*IMG_6900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWl5PElA3rZ8QaXg_EZLbk0px5sqNmPDQYDMhGE3eFCjy2aHKhDzatawRlEV9_bz9jSg-w0BuyMTie8JG9dnrr3wh8k3ttShG8-_zwk2H7LZQypNkPqMzsd6GTosozCyerxdkSw1axVlG/s400/*IMG_6900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDcuLAgphtdt5nyxvwnsb42mOcB4d_pHHojSJ1R5RtbPGGLS648kyjTsSvw3CtkubTFLH9o1M60bWhkkhjF32LPWyPN21Mt5gjuFoZ55LU8hg69KMXW0TXIjYJZCW4TpfrrHu9HBL3z_0/s1600/*IMG_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDcuLAgphtdt5nyxvwnsb42mOcB4d_pHHojSJ1R5RtbPGGLS648kyjTsSvw3CtkubTFLH9o1M60bWhkkhjF32LPWyPN21Mt5gjuFoZ55LU8hg69KMXW0TXIjYJZCW4TpfrrHu9HBL3z_0/s400/*IMG_6945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f0lDYXTXuIeILoU6BkcdMH67BsxV0ur-N60QQhn-h52kKfseqtEL2snbWCV-ej569hivnWqDPnl44voXZ8kaTRdG7hl7du1NEox_lLvBqG8Ricqua96T3aL9HlvKNw-65YkmqC1qulUC/s1600/*IMG_6946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f0lDYXTXuIeILoU6BkcdMH67BsxV0ur-N60QQhn-h52kKfseqtEL2snbWCV-ej569hivnWqDPnl44voXZ8kaTRdG7hl7du1NEox_lLvBqG8Ricqua96T3aL9HlvKNw-65YkmqC1qulUC/s400/*IMG_6946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Two of my favorite things about this area are the fantastic rocks and the wonderful trees. Here fantastic meets wonderful in an interesting (if slightly disturbing) way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSEjW0cCYLrczysg5wmr6CuLWNGQR_wEDqwCTc17tlRk6AJQh0epESDxiC0jVzUN5NIWDNMw3kHhAR5BrdIV4choiTZo389pJVvD6YRC29j3qQ3P8Z-6VkJlaXxiSS8b5cbfI9Plqm4wl/s1600/*IMG_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSEjW0cCYLrczysg5wmr6CuLWNGQR_wEDqwCTc17tlRk6AJQh0epESDxiC0jVzUN5NIWDNMw3kHhAR5BrdIV4choiTZo389pJVvD6YRC29j3qQ3P8Z-6VkJlaXxiSS8b5cbfI9Plqm4wl/s400/*IMG_6951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Just your plain old everyday outcropping next to the driveway...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehw5cbNktUSpxjQlD_cakFCFNGxoNJjH0jd2umMOHZUfY5QoUwqN98zwO-ejixrSUuNU6TSl3pJPIa4TAE_YHYy5SQKzFIGRSeHleVVDockA8Q7vDQzsfAHrJ8-pkzjXH2zs0nioIU-pN/s1600/*IMG_6952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehw5cbNktUSpxjQlD_cakFCFNGxoNJjH0jd2umMOHZUfY5QoUwqN98zwO-ejixrSUuNU6TSl3pJPIa4TAE_YHYy5SQKzFIGRSeHleVVDockA8Q7vDQzsfAHrJ8-pkzjXH2zs0nioIU-pN/s400/*IMG_6952.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Well, hello little fella!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtmTBQ5OWP68sbfYv9Kn90ACErGREBXhJN78h0sllOsGm_GXQuAvXizDUoCjMR5uABTGCClbLnEuc4RsMRaCcpl50q-7bXsGUSpofwd7PdT0br21O5bcUZY5_fenpga6JqscfAcrVzIvR/s1600/*IMG_6963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtmTBQ5OWP68sbfYv9Kn90ACErGREBXhJN78h0sllOsGm_GXQuAvXizDUoCjMR5uABTGCClbLnEuc4RsMRaCcpl50q-7bXsGUSpofwd7PdT0br21O5bcUZY5_fenpga6JqscfAcrVzIvR/s400/*IMG_6963.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The view from the deck. Now, before you snort, that's NOT an overwatered fairway below. It's actually the aeration ponds and spray dispersal system used by the Copper Cove Water Treatment Plant (there are fairways nearby, though). As nice as any lake view, I think!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD301WzDkHokJqNnMwVW4lU2MsXyPqkoFhIlcIzin5kl1kpCN1UxUhXa3grRJlMiaxhkW98iOnpHGZ3-y83OzedLgdllb60bqBeHMpjxe_nX3MEqUC70eQs_4TwZVXlI9260xyxP6KxvX/s1600/*IMG_6966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD301WzDkHokJqNnMwVW4lU2MsXyPqkoFhIlcIzin5kl1kpCN1UxUhXa3grRJlMiaxhkW98iOnpHGZ3-y83OzedLgdllb60bqBeHMpjxe_nX3MEqUC70eQs_4TwZVXlI9260xyxP6KxvX/s400/*IMG_6966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It was glorious to soak up the sun under broad, blue skies after a long, rainy winter. It felt just how this oak tree looks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLv5nz0sqdbIHOzC9h9xJTjPea9jthJFAeArdZt0iPrMdmgcWX4qbKhb80nbSawr5vhIbkr5n_g0-QxJ2XSPkq9gS8KO1gIkOS0u77S9jabEwcA4ba7ASVs0PQPr-t09uqVTywxTuhTzp/s1600/*IMG_6977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLv5nz0sqdbIHOzC9h9xJTjPea9jthJFAeArdZt0iPrMdmgcWX4qbKhb80nbSawr5vhIbkr5n_g0-QxJ2XSPkq9gS8KO1gIkOS0u77S9jabEwcA4ba7ASVs0PQPr-t09uqVTywxTuhTzp/s400/*IMG_6977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>All lit up from inside.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5udenIXfeZ9NshmTjbTB6yhZ3mYYC0dGdw4eqL5SOZWD0PRjQVXIjivC2_51wvQDXaX4_Nih88vpQCgUcq4mc8pG1gEYHnQlhObqCKtjhDP3vOZNbfMG0UZppbJ2ZEl-LOR1d_g6uETQ/s1600/*IMG_6980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5udenIXfeZ9NshmTjbTB6yhZ3mYYC0dGdw4eqL5SOZWD0PRjQVXIjivC2_51wvQDXaX4_Nih88vpQCgUcq4mc8pG1gEYHnQlhObqCKtjhDP3vOZNbfMG0UZppbJ2ZEl-LOR1d_g6uETQ/s400/*IMG_6980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sun's going down...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrtHngfl70I2QZ8C-ha8mGBV2eUNaWuNUXYfoaBCjkQC3vzpqyFr2M0o-DnaIFcQPHfZFvPWoOOPzapw7VxvVFz7MvJYr81bEtcVPwTVbX_rQrLyku3SKHqzT4w5UQspJarm9vVz9vsUh/s1600/*IMG_6986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrtHngfl70I2QZ8C-ha8mGBV2eUNaWuNUXYfoaBCjkQC3vzpqyFr2M0o-DnaIFcQPHfZFvPWoOOPzapw7VxvVFz7MvJYr81bEtcVPwTVbX_rQrLyku3SKHqzT4w5UQspJarm9vVz9vsUh/s400/*IMG_6986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>More tomorrow!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELqMBdz3DDuLzgF2Ay0eGEM5JA5CdB2l_WNdPWKJF4sX7lRqTDAmTb_OdtLlZ5KSfqR0kwm894gf_e8slWWAOz67xqkwIaNCHWUeLg_oxM5X0gEnFa0XOILdXQKsMc-BfoYfCxHCiqpFb/s1600/*IMG_7012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELqMBdz3DDuLzgF2Ay0eGEM5JA5CdB2l_WNdPWKJF4sX7lRqTDAmTb_OdtLlZ5KSfqR0kwm894gf_e8slWWAOz67xqkwIaNCHWUeLg_oxM5X0gEnFa0XOILdXQKsMc-BfoYfCxHCiqpFb/s400/*IMG_7012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Out for a morning walk to the lake; nice view of the distant Sierras near Yosemite National Park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaKcTaapnj0qPSVH9SlQqQd4LuCI6Whpr_pzsbePhBsgcGVqXFokWdO_ELIBkFAEJKPa0ziElFFH4FsYPrhe0wRGLRuurSatWb2JWC2MJ38IUVG8-r4WTIv9hSRS7URpzi_VcyK89eEKk/s1600/*IMG_7020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaKcTaapnj0qPSVH9SlQqQd4LuCI6Whpr_pzsbePhBsgcGVqXFokWdO_ELIBkFAEJKPa0ziElFFH4FsYPrhe0wRGLRuurSatWb2JWC2MJ38IUVG8-r4WTIv9hSRS7URpzi_VcyK89eEKk/s400/*IMG_7020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I heart rocks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HVK6JhiRYKt69qSMCqh9XBiVSdhCo-tu9eh4Nqq-wT7jgP7dHpzKJUdRREvu-tldk5zQ9aZS_1OFeEK-pFBD91XAa9OMcWn_3XvBDEHE8e88ErzCNQ2qf_1tRwW4e2yJtJy8VjTw2Tq1/s1600/*IMG_7021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HVK6JhiRYKt69qSMCqh9XBiVSdhCo-tu9eh4Nqq-wT7jgP7dHpzKJUdRREvu-tldk5zQ9aZS_1OFeEK-pFBD91XAa9OMcWn_3XvBDEHE8e88ErzCNQ2qf_1tRwW4e2yJtJy8VjTw2Tq1/s400/*IMG_7021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Two undeveloped lots west of Lake Tulloch. Guess someone's been hitting the Round-Up pretty hard... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_maCtO5x6v-WqVpy9MWeaPJageGf6zDAz8wpa4e6tg0QZnmyyv_F4Z1o1NB7_FMf3Nip2A_7UGaXoFF91sL840igzaTY86GtYOFoR56uf1tt4k3xH9P2RP4ewfu5rqikl2bmVB4EPzHYH/s1600/*IMG_7028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_maCtO5x6v-WqVpy9MWeaPJageGf6zDAz8wpa4e6tg0QZnmyyv_F4Z1o1NB7_FMf3Nip2A_7UGaXoFF91sL840igzaTY86GtYOFoR56uf1tt4k3xH9P2RP4ewfu5rqikl2bmVB4EPzHYH/s400/*IMG_7028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Well, hello deer!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxsIDBt42tsE119QVgD2G3CuRSXWPPiBlvIRYEwZGFdClAHW5J_jzT2Wdv9qSaG2fmX4zNLMj0A3n9lh7boKSsH_a2zP5CLcGcSXWPqGrPWZbJSElhGxKx44SMW6_IqOucqSnyc_HGHPO/s1600/*IMG_7030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxsIDBt42tsE119QVgD2G3CuRSXWPPiBlvIRYEwZGFdClAHW5J_jzT2Wdv9qSaG2fmX4zNLMj0A3n9lh7boKSsH_a2zP5CLcGcSXWPqGrPWZbJSElhGxKx44SMW6_IqOucqSnyc_HGHPO/s400/*IMG_7030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Oak blossom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtJHUvJF3i5P1BHIUfj-OcmL2cCfLePCF1h-4CoeBOkS7_F3BeTD0EDzVF_5jFHxjm4VXs2owD82laQp-b25MFhLZAiNPB5jzUEffRsp0kbUf9oA20Pc4_57UPlQlwTMGdfNIYgwrI1UR/s1600/*IMG_7036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtJHUvJF3i5P1BHIUfj-OcmL2cCfLePCF1h-4CoeBOkS7_F3BeTD0EDzVF_5jFHxjm4VXs2owD82laQp-b25MFhLZAiNPB5jzUEffRsp0kbUf9oA20Pc4_57UPlQlwTMGdfNIYgwrI1UR/s400/*IMG_7036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Around the lake, the view is everything. And with many houses tucked together on narrow, sloping lots you need to get creative with space. I liked how this homeowner has turned a spot at the end of the driveway into an airy retreat for outdoor cooking and watching the boats go by...the fan and curtains are a nice touch!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hWSTqsYbc5ZA4ovvdEcoQYgrcvfpIWUSwJoxzPQjCnJcEjxoQA4Vd6Kg12Sl7TH3D8_cenrI61P8mlWUvjE4D5lpDN94VMqv7LOxeDBXFyQjjYjqAS30oUSq8qRLcak5Ei9LXZ0dQnty/s1600/*IMG_7047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hWSTqsYbc5ZA4ovvdEcoQYgrcvfpIWUSwJoxzPQjCnJcEjxoQA4Vd6Kg12Sl7TH3D8_cenrI61P8mlWUvjE4D5lpDN94VMqv7LOxeDBXFyQjjYjqAS30oUSq8qRLcak5Ei9LXZ0dQnty/s400/*IMG_7047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> The colors of a California spring...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokPpbqNGjB7lRQBflEmaRpboaPLV6olH4TC-OrckhTnR58NTst2uWQQF8niPw4NXZ1Qc75_vdH27Em7PdAfIu7PqClmp85izffFwG9jbRyln4U5zsoqBo7efzUjsEtMxemcbypZ3rtyYL/s1600/*IMG_7054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokPpbqNGjB7lRQBflEmaRpboaPLV6olH4TC-OrckhTnR58NTst2uWQQF8niPw4NXZ1Qc75_vdH27Em7PdAfIu7PqClmp85izffFwG9jbRyln4U5zsoqBo7efzUjsEtMxemcbypZ3rtyYL/s400/*IMG_7054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Back at the house I was reminded how much wild creatures enjoy a really good brush pile, like this cute yellow-rumped Warbler.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9AlIjbSAdcaEVfwdDS9K7KUkeNhK-nSPeDByx7VG-G-iR3iGFeGrQMS7D9BTV_q2ap_U754HfFuJ3Tu7ylxs9UgNOoAyKrkEVAXgHt8s5EWv-wLMn6gJsL2ivFzZwrN9HdEzy6-G0NiO/s1600/*IMG_7071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9AlIjbSAdcaEVfwdDS9K7KUkeNhK-nSPeDByx7VG-G-iR3iGFeGrQMS7D9BTV_q2ap_U754HfFuJ3Tu7ylxs9UgNOoAyKrkEVAXgHt8s5EWv-wLMn6gJsL2ivFzZwrN9HdEzy6-G0NiO/s400/*IMG_7071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And this Western Bluebird.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FFOQtVo_C4az6qsVItV8rAIimnLhDFNRpOUKe-AzVbNnS_0L2cOp9FnWdYTtm0h6qCdcy-iSjlVfmz1ugWUOeVfWPXsBFn4zGTHfMy3FGiQ5_La5Uqcmjr2A63eh1Wt_Hre_8_0gm9CZ/s1600/*IMG_7074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FFOQtVo_C4az6qsVItV8rAIimnLhDFNRpOUKe-AzVbNnS_0L2cOp9FnWdYTtm0h6qCdcy-iSjlVfmz1ugWUOeVfWPXsBFn4zGTHfMy3FGiQ5_La5Uqcmjr2A63eh1Wt_Hre_8_0gm9CZ/s400/*IMG_7074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And, another sunset means my short vacation is over. Time to go home. Thanks for joining me on another California adventure!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-12112032460132347772011-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:002011-03-20T23:21:03.320-07:00Garden Up! Vertical Gardening Cyber Book Party<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;"><i>UPDATE! The Winner of the Wally One from Woolly Pocket is Paige Puckett from Raleigh, North Carolina who just happens to write a blog called <a href="http://www.pocketsmiles.com/">"Pocket Smiles"</a> isn't that perfect? Congratulations, Paige!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">And thanks to everyone who participated in our cyber book party...let's do it again!</span></i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FIXO3iB51krrRJl_1gblOZrVE8BYsLBbw8yBB1VsGn9wvvNs2gRKAGvdMhI-RNAAW10nptTZZRaXPsb07hQI7q__BfqVxsfcX7zckUtIe2bUSmlbdZvb_Upxn03t1ZBrV6s4w61zS74R/s1600/final-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FIXO3iB51krrRJl_1gblOZrVE8BYsLBbw8yBB1VsGn9wvvNs2gRKAGvdMhI-RNAAW10nptTZZRaXPsb07hQI7q__BfqVxsfcX7zckUtIe2bUSmlbdZvb_Upxn03t1ZBrV6s4w61zS74R/s200/final-cover.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>One of my favorite things about the crowd I hang with is watching the growth of projects from "wow, we have a contract" to "wow, we have a BOOK!"<br />
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I am so excited about the book that my friends Susan Morrison and Rebecca Sweet are launching today: <b><i>Garden Up!: Smart Vertical Gardening for Small and Large Spaces</i></b>.<br />
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The best part? How so many were able to contribute to the project, making this book a very personal snapshot of a time when this particular group of bloggers, designers, gardeners & photographers were having a conversation.<br />
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So please help me celebrate Garden Up! via this cyber book party, which is complete with door prizes AND party favors (as all the best parties are). I am honored to have been asked to be a co-host; watching Susan and Rebecca create this book has been a privilege, and that my garden is immortalized within its pages is beyond cool. <br />
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<b>About The Book</b><br />
Filled with design tips, plant ideas and over 200 photos, Garden Up! offers inspiration and how-to information for enhancing any outdoor space with vertical elements. They cover everything from living wall projects simple enough for a home gardener to creative design solutions for blank walls and narrow planting beds.<br />
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For a peek inside the book, information on upcoming media and speaking events or to learn more about the authors, be sure to visit <a href="http://morrison-sweet.com/">Susan and Rebecca's website.</a> The book is available from Amazon and <a href="http://gardenbookstore.net/">Gardenbookstore.net</a> as well as select bookstores.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmZ9nyCwDf6aT6XBX38G5olrW6Th2goW67ZCZhOVe5hwbdZqPSLnedmDdtbdEITGJTF2yWuFGBv8j8Rxfd6MLlbvxffkAZ6CuBYG-Qe2zK1a08PQnEVntRJ66o_Xt6u1m7Pq1Y7AAI2sU/s1600/*IMG_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmZ9nyCwDf6aT6XBX38G5olrW6Th2goW67ZCZhOVe5hwbdZqPSLnedmDdtbdEITGJTF2yWuFGBv8j8Rxfd6MLlbvxffkAZ6CuBYG-Qe2zK1a08PQnEVntRJ66o_Xt6u1m7Pq1Y7AAI2sU/s400/*IMG_0702.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It was my pleasure to host the Garden Up! duo and their entourage in my garden last spring. They were particularly interested in the plant choices in my small back garden, and what varieties work well to add layers of height and screening without using up valuable garden bed space. Since this is no longer my garden, it's especially nice to have it preserved in this book. It will always look this lovely, without me lifting another finger. I like that! <br />
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<b>The Good Stuff: Door Prizes!</b><br />
Every blog is offering something different, and all you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment. Winners will be chosen randomly. The contest runs for a week, so check back on March 21 to see if you're one of the lucky ones. The more blogs you visit, the more chances you have to win.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzExB3UuQwCELlNztdhN_uNyw4WzQs8ggCJbgLcvhPgeRgYVzGoZ5v9EI4eWL84u32FIsR3RXvjqsp9CbClnzEvn24hP6g3uRvg6E3KcI7olqa6C2HzUfab4lFC4CF-WbWmUJgruO7fIg/s1600/wallyone_blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzExB3UuQwCELlNztdhN_uNyw4WzQs8ggCJbgLcvhPgeRgYVzGoZ5v9EI4eWL84u32FIsR3RXvjqsp9CbClnzEvn24hP6g3uRvg6E3KcI7olqa6C2HzUfab4lFC4CF-WbWmUJgruO7fIg/s400/wallyone_blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>InterLeafings is pleased to be giving away one of the hot-hot-hot wall planting products today; the Wally One from <a href="http://www.woollypocket.com/">Woolly Pocket</a>. Available in a variety of colors, you just fill with soil add your favorite plants and hang on the wall...anywhere! For a chance to win a Wally One, just leave a comment below.<br />
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And if Woolly Pockets aren't your thing, no worries! With seven co-hosts, this book party has something for everyone.<br />
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An <a href="http://www.hpotter.com/">H. Potter</a> Wrought Iron Trellis from Susan Morrison at <a href="http://www.blueplanetgardenblog.com/2011/03/garden-up-vertical-gardening-cyb%20er-book-party.html">Blue Planet Garden Blog</a> <br />
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A Bundle of <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Yard-and-Garden">Fiskars</a> Tools from Rebecca Sweet at <a href="http://gossipinthegarden.com/vertical-gardening-cyber-book-party/">Gossip in the Garden</a> <br />
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A $50 <a href="http://www.anniesannuals.com/">Annie's Annuals</a> Gift Certificate from Jim Martin at <a href="http://compostinmyshoe.blogspot.com/%20">Compost in my Shoe. </a><br />
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A $25 <a href="http://www.groworganic.com/">Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply</a> Gift Certificate from Angela Davis at <a href="http://myrubberboots.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/gardenup/" target="_blank">My Rubber Boots </a><br />
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A <a href="http://www.sgplants.com/">Succulent Gardens</a> Living Wall Kit from Pam Pennick at <a href="http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=11025">Digging </a><br />
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A $75 <a href="http://www.highcountrygardens.com/">High Country Gardens</a> Gift Certificate from Jenny Peterson at <a href="http://www.jpetersongardendesign.com/2011/03/garden-up-cyber-blog-party/%20">J Peterson Garden Design</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">~~~</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xOGvEaqoVolSXTHCf47YpJfSUIK0b-0aWd9oSlYLvDSEcMvCPD6pcMysi2ePHJhHdX7xYrm_3CgK7fgALe_BYjS-qqVzaQ9mSMx833Kr4uuBtvbJwf6kojttilAPaOc1w8Uyhe1IXAfE/s1600/bookplate-for-blog-posts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xOGvEaqoVolSXTHCf47YpJfSUIK0b-0aWd9oSlYLvDSEcMvCPD6pcMysi2ePHJhHdX7xYrm_3CgK7fgALe_BYjS-qqVzaQ9mSMx833Kr4uuBtvbJwf6kojttilAPaOc1w8Uyhe1IXAfE/s320/bookplate-for-blog-posts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours will be signed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And finally, as a thank-you to the first 100 people who order online, Rebecca and Susan are offering a hand-illustrated (by Susan!) signed bookplate. They're working on the honor system so no need to prove you made a purchase. Just send an email with a mailing address and the recipient's name to: susan@morrison-sweet.com.<br />
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Garden Up! makes a great birthday or Mother's Day gift, so if you're buying more than one copy, be sure to let them know and they'll include an extra bookplate. <br />
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So what are you waiting for...game on!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com77tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-27371245011999835892011-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:002011-03-01T09:01:58.060-08:00Unfurling Spring on the Los Gatos Creek Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-tlUFSP3bJJhGDHlwQiv2KfmcO6npXvx_HIPv9rhTP2wFppndCvmJi1mVKCQSThx4m46EDnwwMjoMX3IZu7Gsf6eIX52isM4CZ9g-5fdRKwyV3VA0mGK-JS9AZ31Zls0KbgUEMu_Xx2I/s1600/**IMG_6561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-tlUFSP3bJJhGDHlwQiv2KfmcO6npXvx_HIPv9rhTP2wFppndCvmJi1mVKCQSThx4m46EDnwwMjoMX3IZu7Gsf6eIX52isM4CZ9g-5fdRKwyV3VA0mGK-JS9AZ31Zls0KbgUEMu_Xx2I/s400/**IMG_6561.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another reason to appreciate my new place: it's a short walk to this spot, one of the Campbell entrances to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which follows (surprise!) Los Gatos Creek from Lexington Reservoir to San Jose. Wide paths along both banks in this section make a great 2-mile loop for just about anyone on feet, paws or wheels. <i style="color: #783f04;">~click any photo to enlarge~</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUha7E-rHX_eSZWZb8R3GGBU1fjLNsUxO4yrWyA6-NLbIp_1GeqY8KqwotEtMJmSdFFYowVDIH0BUAddk4DuihDoeJLOhJvNmLad3XRDgSNB6QPxO3fhUpW32OBOpJCocFVuXVHySKiX_/s1600/*IMG_6492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUha7E-rHX_eSZWZb8R3GGBU1fjLNsUxO4yrWyA6-NLbIp_1GeqY8KqwotEtMJmSdFFYowVDIH0BUAddk4DuihDoeJLOhJvNmLad3XRDgSNB6QPxO3fhUpW32OBOpJCocFVuXVHySKiX_/s400/*IMG_6492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Today it really felt like spring on the trail, after a rainy and chilly week. Loved the remains of these wild almond blossoms...the petals were white, these are just the stamens!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2vnn9_W97Us5vdSAsl_8ZrCDLRMUcb77t8SZHGafUW00bE_xJOcINIlFzA3kLv8rFljjV1QPpD0zdD1JvRmsG-qs-49r6gjBC5m3dHlN-vBF7KzyaaRWkJrYv6hpH2uTHzBAPrfDN02K/s1600/*IMG_6495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2vnn9_W97Us5vdSAsl_8ZrCDLRMUcb77t8SZHGafUW00bE_xJOcINIlFzA3kLv8rFljjV1QPpD0zdD1JvRmsG-qs-49r6gjBC5m3dHlN-vBF7KzyaaRWkJrYv6hpH2uTHzBAPrfDN02K/s400/*IMG_6495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Still my favorite red berries, Toyon <i>(Heteromeles arbutifolia)</i> has been looking great since December.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBFmteyGIYYpyH6T0KQnlLZO7FYCzBa35FK3ymwueeHrI9xCRkrzJ_PYg9thSIpPo2Ek15AjKKyHIukoJj4oUbMfD18AuHxRbmywP-Gr92EPrBEkzjHZ0GGky9svOGdkFL5WCIfuLahLm/s1600/*IMG_6501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBFmteyGIYYpyH6T0KQnlLZO7FYCzBa35FK3ymwueeHrI9xCRkrzJ_PYg9thSIpPo2Ek15AjKKyHIukoJj4oUbMfD18AuHxRbmywP-Gr92EPrBEkzjHZ0GGky9svOGdkFL5WCIfuLahLm/s400/*IMG_6501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>More almond blossoms...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfKpMLxPRTh3DEd-3KKOttjClsLsJMLZZKbUY-xNnlN0EKefCip3rBVwcpf1gxbKS8UTan2z339B66gondaF-QChvkmSNBRMiE8Y2fbeSWnlOvIaYlaSqp_-2PwQPOwBJOAYAFcjEWMR/s1600/*IMG_6502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfKpMLxPRTh3DEd-3KKOttjClsLsJMLZZKbUY-xNnlN0EKefCip3rBVwcpf1gxbKS8UTan2z339B66gondaF-QChvkmSNBRMiE8Y2fbeSWnlOvIaYlaSqp_-2PwQPOwBJOAYAFcjEWMR/s400/*IMG_6502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Doesn't this just shriek spring?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92TVYs0-ddXlNZORzgOdrJioMsGwRMP0p9nWC9ui7sD4Jlp8lgDS3ZjOzZOY1NBthWYY-fYpxEPl3n859ucSHX5pavcNl2mQjPS2y0JqCPsPT8ok8yt8yfPC45X5H-Fg7CJQqdp0luge3/s1600/*IMG_6504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92TVYs0-ddXlNZORzgOdrJioMsGwRMP0p9nWC9ui7sD4Jlp8lgDS3ZjOzZOY1NBthWYY-fYpxEPl3n859ucSHX5pavcNl2mQjPS2y0JqCPsPT8ok8yt8yfPC45X5H-Fg7CJQqdp0luge3/s400/*IMG_6504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Huge native Sycamores <i>(Platanus racemosa)</i> on the banks are just starting to put out their leaves, which will be the size of dinner plates by summer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55grzGMu4LdhYQDHII6YfXqIj8gfbDMleyEGqXlO_bhjUowQSH5dNBoglJXo9rdAfJMBjej957MtXEv-uZ1EKv5pxQqHXaZ4-5Q73fYquDl-Rl4ykjmfozsuJFOkpTb-4dPObID7gfwBC/s1600/*IMG_6516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55grzGMu4LdhYQDHII6YfXqIj8gfbDMleyEGqXlO_bhjUowQSH5dNBoglJXo9rdAfJMBjej957MtXEv-uZ1EKv5pxQqHXaZ4-5Q73fYquDl-Rl4ykjmfozsuJFOkpTb-4dPObID7gfwBC/s400/*IMG_6516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Thick stands of Fennel <i>(Foenicululm vulgare)</i> are sprouting amongst last year's stalks, and will soon be waving their licorice-scented fronds high overhead.<b><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPETE1oG8BG3CsOpe0ruaMBDXLKWGzG38r7Ois6DqbZA3PT_efC8CDrqvkMQgVfa9yupslC9LS2K62-EsQyy5-hIZjEg2IFlEN2BluWCsdqyViBzLrC8NRXMAfYhvatLX7EcouHGBV6Q1S/s1600/*IMG_6522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPETE1oG8BG3CsOpe0ruaMBDXLKWGzG38r7Ois6DqbZA3PT_efC8CDrqvkMQgVfa9yupslC9LS2K62-EsQyy5-hIZjEg2IFlEN2BluWCsdqyViBzLrC8NRXMAfYhvatLX7EcouHGBV6Q1S/s400/*IMG_6522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>More Sycamore leaves...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VAZWM00-J-16bWbRq6umM7bLHE_4nUzCDd5Lq0D9ZykM_SYV6P-QnsgmXpuQ3bcMrTwzdaywFdeU5wAcWrXFIds7g3UudeQVINczoFm5FBMuaBw1fofy1HkmAP1Lh2LOX57qUZQJmYBu/s1600/*IMG_6530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VAZWM00-J-16bWbRq6umM7bLHE_4nUzCDd5Lq0D9ZykM_SYV6P-QnsgmXpuQ3bcMrTwzdaywFdeU5wAcWrXFIds7g3UudeQVINczoFm5FBMuaBw1fofy1HkmAP1Lh2LOX57qUZQJmYBu/s400/*IMG_6530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sycamore leaves and fruit...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUytCRRmvb5GQFD4HV1nO4e8WpVTAiIEiVnOo48h0D_hUV-AqWAawJnkG35RHaNl1SMnHakrYmppdcmXYwNjjt1EZ6l3omCOJLGq8JMHIG_GhdCCcRA8EGE3JRpxGruG52WKwnADEXjRoO/s1600/*IMG_6534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUytCRRmvb5GQFD4HV1nO4e8WpVTAiIEiVnOo48h0D_hUV-AqWAawJnkG35RHaNl1SMnHakrYmppdcmXYwNjjt1EZ6l3omCOJLGq8JMHIG_GhdCCcRA8EGE3JRpxGruG52WKwnADEXjRoO/s400/*IMG_6534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Willow catkins!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGZC4DR69zaGovs3oELdbSZc8Fi8bjj5yxL4zeu6SzCOElQOpVvQsx8bW9uQCkBGWaroiJBmq3dty34oJglJ1kB8VSO8kctoCe9Hg1e4rzxZN7M3BTg4FTezd1l594scPXSZabZGR5vsD/s1600/*IMG_6535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGZC4DR69zaGovs3oELdbSZc8Fi8bjj5yxL4zeu6SzCOElQOpVvQsx8bW9uQCkBGWaroiJBmq3dty34oJglJ1kB8VSO8kctoCe9Hg1e4rzxZN7M3BTg4FTezd1l594scPXSZabZGR5vsD/s400/*IMG_6535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A lone cattail, about to implode...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDPuUib699z_QnA1Z-H6JEWYyWIguCYe42Z6eNhT1ySFxU0YeqawMOTsUrWNYW-aRs_J2iPw5EQfzhJUhHfqENVnk1g-kNuyowXhi4mfhpwUzd-cEnOOId5-RQXd_AQPXy1KdfRQOiwQ8/s1600/*IMG_6536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDPuUib699z_QnA1Z-H6JEWYyWIguCYe42Z6eNhT1ySFxU0YeqawMOTsUrWNYW-aRs_J2iPw5EQfzhJUhHfqENVnk1g-kNuyowXhi4mfhpwUzd-cEnOOId5-RQXd_AQPXy1KdfRQOiwQ8/s400/*IMG_6536.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Fresh new leaves on the Willows...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFPahyphenhyphenDA-O_QVo_aTmU3HC4VXE0DTQSu8-hBLCQ8M8f5hXHKzQ3ZfVix5nM5J01-TzjmcLEIsMNePtxfUJh8ROFXJfiEjrqY5gu-n_RT2aF6-JA_BDa-eoY3YIjqqOSCDH9EAg7kKXJ6h/s1600/*IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFPahyphenhyphenDA-O_QVo_aTmU3HC4VXE0DTQSu8-hBLCQ8M8f5hXHKzQ3ZfVix5nM5J01-TzjmcLEIsMNePtxfUJh8ROFXJfiEjrqY5gu-n_RT2aF6-JA_BDa-eoY3YIjqqOSCDH9EAg7kKXJ6h/s400/*IMG_6546.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I love this stage of Redbud <i>(Cercis occidentalis)</i> bloom, when the tiny heart-shaped leaves start to emerge as well...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjAqx__YcZ2MrbxTHOkbuCEmLLXU_6sWdtJoEwr02r8pz2mamovzM-AS2tfsvetMsrwweBTmK88ZUev4pCQx_G_noKPGzGkzZk1Q_qerIP42HEIcsyGRYfgtTPLWRdluyShEXwGDNnJ5O/s1600/*IMG_6549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjAqx__YcZ2MrbxTHOkbuCEmLLXU_6sWdtJoEwr02r8pz2mamovzM-AS2tfsvetMsrwweBTmK88ZUev4pCQx_G_noKPGzGkzZk1Q_qerIP42HEIcsyGRYfgtTPLWRdluyShEXwGDNnJ5O/s400/*IMG_6549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Some of the bushes (perhaps the really happy ones?) have flowers along every twig.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_llqfyWBfOAvHwQmVHnULgWA1OuofgRbetSHwokxoJI10RhpXzIVjFCgsWFLIcqCwMNV5bzt8m8uW58GnfhNCp7yOH6ibnjLT4sUg3z4Y9vdU8p2p5iZaje5lfl9noQG5mfMnqJTwKadT/s1600/*IMG_6553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_llqfyWBfOAvHwQmVHnULgWA1OuofgRbetSHwokxoJI10RhpXzIVjFCgsWFLIcqCwMNV5bzt8m8uW58GnfhNCp7yOH6ibnjLT4sUg3z4Y9vdU8p2p5iZaje5lfl9noQG5mfMnqJTwKadT/s400/*IMG_6553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Vigorous tufts of pleated leaves launch this year's Buckeyes <i>(Aesculus californica)</i>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy8vgiSSiHcCaD7XT4joT4RPZgbYONEHCjpXAcCNgA_tIx2BSEWYMMpdROeHqM1a28-zDTFCT8Q2ZfrYJDXjEntD02Ly3vcYYlPvaekAM1OgdA5QX056n4L8RvL2fyIzenH-uAeQltEBz/s1600/*IMG_6554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy8vgiSSiHcCaD7XT4joT4RPZgbYONEHCjpXAcCNgA_tIx2BSEWYMMpdROeHqM1a28-zDTFCT8Q2ZfrYJDXjEntD02Ly3vcYYlPvaekAM1OgdA5QX056n4L8RvL2fyIzenH-uAeQltEBz/s400/*IMG_6554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The new growth on the live oaks looks like flowers. See how these things can grow several feet in a season?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQa7bdnvCNMGrzqMGJXI9eSmxoedvpzluOPWjUChJduDlG7ZqQl8UGC0oE1450FSI7QPrl2l7wqI5lRgtDdA4Hg4vh8u72ldRkCM4Nc8fzAiPXAJmRm41R9UjDJuQbPFJyXdNw5YUVOJd/s1600/*IMG_6556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQa7bdnvCNMGrzqMGJXI9eSmxoedvpzluOPWjUChJduDlG7ZqQl8UGC0oE1450FSI7QPrl2l7wqI5lRgtDdA4Hg4vh8u72ldRkCM4Nc8fzAiPXAJmRm41R9UjDJuQbPFJyXdNw5YUVOJd/s400/*IMG_6556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lots of water in the creek, and our loop is complete! I think this will serve as a good surrogate garden for me. (Next month...poppies!)Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-2881592901043037222011-02-16T13:45:00.000-08:002011-02-16T13:45:01.327-08:00EnSeven Update: In Which We Try "Plant Nannies"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I love that moment in late winter when you realize that the days really ARE getting longer, and our (admittedly brief) dormant season is ending. My little south-facing balcony has been very cozy; it collects falling leaves but is protected from rain and frost alike. Being able to doze in the sun on my love seat is still a little miracle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWpuW-PWWlKPLhIWVan6nzQdnhQS5TAzZtv5UiNGNHEPrM6FqgtlhDCS7bdx8UVwXhUE6RXKj-hrKEzszS_uYuQQThaJGNmUZJmr6CPsyK_CvjaGqB_lFd0m8tq_jla4Q0Enw_kKT_HN_/s1600/*IMG_6403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWpuW-PWWlKPLhIWVan6nzQdnhQS5TAzZtv5UiNGNHEPrM6FqgtlhDCS7bdx8UVwXhUE6RXKj-hrKEzszS_uYuQQThaJGNmUZJmr6CPsyK_CvjaGqB_lFd0m8tq_jla4Q0Enw_kKT_HN_/s400/*IMG_6403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Think I can extend my Praying Mantis streak to 12 years on a tiny balcony? I brought this egg case (found in the Marjoram) from my old house. We'll see; I'm keeping a close eye. Would be wonderful to have at least one hang around!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHiLpF23AMAA2E3A-keremTJqYDICo0cpLWGbp-62fo4P0L7gNFcAAfkZfVciz7Qorjs2-ubk7MAdNABbLad7ljGlo2s4YpYDFj4ZewYPz5tCNSEsIKdbcJmuNNpodP3ZnZU-wREA147o/s1600/*IMG_6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHiLpF23AMAA2E3A-keremTJqYDICo0cpLWGbp-62fo4P0L7gNFcAAfkZfVciz7Qorjs2-ubk7MAdNABbLad7ljGlo2s4YpYDFj4ZewYPz5tCNSEsIKdbcJmuNNpodP3ZnZU-wREA147o/s400/*IMG_6407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've made a couple of changes. The Asparagus Fern that so gracefully framed the fountain also liked to drop many soft little needles into the water, clogging the pump. It has been tucked safely away, and my Aeonium 'Sunburst' will take center stage. The Nandina just keeps looking beautiful, and the ivy is getting the idea.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYTpKWK-iH-yQ92Wz27AAUAuN0MxAO4bC7FqKg7DD-NcJk-QtWDomeEXYt7tEC606Q_iyPUJWw91UhV_u4SsRKo-4ERHgKsUiKOC26YuX5oMGo9T7ELEW8hyVdC0qzIR4RZv_Ydw_EmQG/s1600/*IMG_6409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYTpKWK-iH-yQ92Wz27AAUAuN0MxAO4bC7FqKg7DD-NcJk-QtWDomeEXYt7tEC606Q_iyPUJWw91UhV_u4SsRKo-4ERHgKsUiKOC26YuX5oMGo9T7ELEW8hyVdC0qzIR4RZv_Ydw_EmQG/s400/*IMG_6409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was glad to see these first shoots on the Japanese Maple. He suffered a bit last season from lack of feeding, and as the star of the whole design, he must be happy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66xRaGtm4GBG1vTpUttqE0n13JLJFbeDV6ibZhstGl7Bg9yNRMIrm2ZyFwU9Z8CGlkwc_YwgUgv7NXQJWNbSAsBFqFUryHcATBxAc1YsSZnZOf62-ib3cK-A4gyuuRGwq5T0F3U_MRoCr/s1600/*IMG_6434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66xRaGtm4GBG1vTpUttqE0n13JLJFbeDV6ibZhstGl7Bg9yNRMIrm2ZyFwU9Z8CGlkwc_YwgUgv7NXQJWNbSAsBFqFUryHcATBxAc1YsSZnZOf62-ib3cK-A4gyuuRGwq5T0F3U_MRoCr/s400/*IMG_6434.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I wrote a while back about my concern over keeping my little oasis properly watered. I was quite spoiled by an automatic drip system, and I tend to get lazy with hand watering toward the end of the season. So I'm giving a product called <a href="http://www.plantnannycompany.com/">Plant Nannies</a> a try; a simple arrangement of a spout that attaches to a standard plastic soda bottle and slips into a terra-cotta funnel inserted into the soil. Water dispenses slowly as the roots need it. So far, so good! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiNpzHV6c0CH-CVI_JX3Kss81JHQWAG9_WFrvolzyDNbk38tZzxFYQ8IsSKg3kGW7OCyDiQzuA9UfjBOnXI09XNl9RBrDr0uois9XUIUEq7KkNljNfZxIvpH70nEA4DzpieYrmHJzky5b/s1600/*IMG_6436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiNpzHV6c0CH-CVI_JX3Kss81JHQWAG9_WFrvolzyDNbk38tZzxFYQ8IsSKg3kGW7OCyDiQzuA9UfjBOnXI09XNl9RBrDr0uois9XUIUEq7KkNljNfZxIvpH70nEA4DzpieYrmHJzky5b/s400/*IMG_6436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here's how the arrangement works in the Fatsia pot. On my balcony the plastic bottles are hidden behind foliage or furniture, but they also make Plant Nannies for wine bottles, or ones with decorative globes. As long as I can keep the big boys happy, the rest should be fine. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4l6Y6oH5aW0CZE7Jay6rFqf4CBMJPieyC2Aiu1I3UShhFT90pqO6dt1SjLpNh3b6qusWE3TNDxp9Lw_Y3s2GSUIzHoejB71QZACxxOlZZF-viSVMIjVspAS_2tcBq2L_0k0nqZS5gSboS/s1600/*IMG_6438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4l6Y6oH5aW0CZE7Jay6rFqf4CBMJPieyC2Aiu1I3UShhFT90pqO6dt1SjLpNh3b6qusWE3TNDxp9Lw_Y3s2GSUIzHoejB71QZACxxOlZZF-viSVMIjVspAS_2tcBq2L_0k0nqZS5gSboS/s400/*IMG_6438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Have enjoyed how this purple plum tree is bursting into bloom in the courtyard; since I moved in December I particularly appreciated this indication that spring is just around the corner. Thanks for visiting! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-66660761045758694292011-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:002011-01-31T10:02:12.781-08:00Discovering DIG Gardens in Santa Cruz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkAdfmsh3Cw6m0oMzJpBJmYjnP4yo_4zvWvvPjK2oY_b9Ojg8d74xGeLaYAbSe57q7kEQpg4_IcvOLkJfGQrtTnRBaJ7B2mi749srwvCzl8CBUK-IvB0tQoJGVijOuPAUmligJkqm8XCp/s1600/**IMG_6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkAdfmsh3Cw6m0oMzJpBJmYjnP4yo_4zvWvvPjK2oY_b9Ojg8d74xGeLaYAbSe57q7kEQpg4_IcvOLkJfGQrtTnRBaJ7B2mi749srwvCzl8CBUK-IvB0tQoJGVijOuPAUmligJkqm8XCp/s400/**IMG_6347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Recently my friend Rebecca Sweet wrote a <a href="http://gossipinthegarden.com/2011/01/08/dig-garden-nursery-a-santa-cruz-treasure/">great post</a> about <a href="http://www.diggardensnursery.com/">DIG Gardens</a> in Santa Cruz, so I just had to see it for myself! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC1FG5Ar-rH6g-nhgAngIyuwGKsz7C9t5EUeYXmFjp4O8-suAF4iOxEuDy9OfrccnT96mbaYbzkA5vydlWQabks2iofiqEMixSt3mTf6yGZVsEL3DENyXzGOqX9k0SfvelqoBN8cL7pue/s1600/*IMG_6317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC1FG5Ar-rH6g-nhgAngIyuwGKsz7C9t5EUeYXmFjp4O8-suAF4iOxEuDy9OfrccnT96mbaYbzkA5vydlWQabks2iofiqEMixSt3mTf6yGZVsEL3DENyXzGOqX9k0SfvelqoBN8cL7pue/s400/*IMG_6317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This former patio furniture store has been lovingly and skillfully reworked, making full use of the high ceilings, abundant light, and ample wall space. I'll be seeing more of this classroom area in the future, as DIG has a wonderful lineup of <a href="https://diggardensnursery.com/events/">Talks and Workshops</a> this spring, with timely topics like Chicks in the City, Backyard Bee Keeping and Jam Making (Meyer Lemon Marmalade, anyone?)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHMqECktKEdLIMYiHVliN8uRx_JF6KD8v7xgVbdbgcxJ_rC1qCyEslGCaTgYVXPlV37gd943tqagMiXYOi3g_fhZNFHFHCRRERkGpJdtvA1Q8GjBPhThOarPGB_3O8qOpVczsUilz1QZB/s1600/*IMG_6318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHMqECktKEdLIMYiHVliN8uRx_JF6KD8v7xgVbdbgcxJ_rC1qCyEslGCaTgYVXPlV37gd943tqagMiXYOi3g_fhZNFHFHCRRERkGpJdtvA1Q8GjBPhThOarPGB_3O8qOpVczsUilz1QZB/s400/*IMG_6318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The chicken corner! Organic supplies for the home henhouse, pretty cool. Don't think my apartment complex includes chickens in its "pet friendly" policy...dang.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tsZ0GrQZ5c6_kDck5VEWH-C21mNRm5RfauFr5muJEMqoDjPXH9lC60PrsV_f8uKhaNJF8RMJXpKOd9_6Fp3Je9qYD9UerssTpvpOd9h0XvgPW49odF0JTiWdjIVyeO2KxZfX0lrANZ1c/s1600/*IMG_6319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tsZ0GrQZ5c6_kDck5VEWH-C21mNRm5RfauFr5muJEMqoDjPXH9lC60PrsV_f8uKhaNJF8RMJXpKOd9_6Fp3Je9qYD9UerssTpvpOd9h0XvgPW49odF0JTiWdjIVyeO2KxZfX0lrANZ1c/s400/*IMG_6319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Every corner is a delight...all that's missing is the coffee...and I believe they are working on taking care of that (a coffee shop next door? Brilliant!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBV_mauUD6F92eMNoIkbVahmmzm8MVBYmA5w6d5IHVi2RmT5DyWO4axvlouJOcolqzAQj5-Kl_SsIVHe9cYmGnqU5GQXVQhgU4ADGT410Zw-PrVsol5Uw8PjuyMMbCLgjEMwuy5VLgNrY/s1600/*IMG_6324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBV_mauUD6F92eMNoIkbVahmmzm8MVBYmA5w6d5IHVi2RmT5DyWO4axvlouJOcolqzAQj5-Kl_SsIVHe9cYmGnqU5GQXVQhgU4ADGT410Zw-PrVsol5Uw8PjuyMMbCLgjEMwuy5VLgNrY/s400/*IMG_6324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I especially liked their interesting wall pieces, some including live mosses or Tillandsias; just lovely. Displaying houseplants this way really helps customers visualize the possibilities for their own spaces.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpFNoH5T1WryCALvvUahPAeGsQrhN3gF2cE4e9juOzD-B92792AhMw_2diu7XM8G1aYtpqrOwqtLficnVeXnIEyk6wYIzmYIMT2XQvd1VcBR2dOAZkTZoS2a99bEAQRYkQjTKAYnJxZT5/s1600/*IMG_6325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpFNoH5T1WryCALvvUahPAeGsQrhN3gF2cE4e9juOzD-B92792AhMw_2diu7XM8G1aYtpqrOwqtLficnVeXnIEyk6wYIzmYIMT2XQvd1VcBR2dOAZkTZoS2a99bEAQRYkQjTKAYnJxZT5/s400/*IMG_6325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Rebecca spoke so highly of the beautiful succulent-infused art and furniture built by <a href="http://www.fivefeetfromthemoon.com/">5 Feet From The Moon</a>; they've evidently been very popular; I think this was the only piece left!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoy1SejKMwWWkbowPRGPWquraLEN4TLqbl9F0HW74JXhxQiUvcYo-2FgjQzUPQ-ZHkq_eYbybc0x_-eVI0Uyb96n2eLeF0Nid_a6ETtDh8KOJ9LWp17eKk7N0kb66l78-Jpp8gheTWqnk/s1600/*IMG_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoy1SejKMwWWkbowPRGPWquraLEN4TLqbl9F0HW74JXhxQiUvcYo-2FgjQzUPQ-ZHkq_eYbybc0x_-eVI0Uyb96n2eLeF0Nid_a6ETtDh8KOJ9LWp17eKk7N0kb66l78-Jpp8gheTWqnk/s400/*IMG_6327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hey, look! Books by our friends <a href="http://www.jgsdesigns.com/Site/BOOK.html">Jeffrey Gordon Smith</a> (who is busy creating a spectacular garden for the <a href="http://www.sfgardenshow.com/">SF Flower & Garden Show</a>) and Debra Lee Baldwin (who will be speaking at the show AND at DIG, on Saturday, March 26th) Since they keep selling out of Debra's new book <a href="http://www.debraleebaldwin.com/SucculentBooks.htm">(Succulent Container Gardens) </a>that should be a popular event!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGMQp5-XwWHnXC4uOzU3E9JwilT-7udZJx7bvGbhqC4BCXlzXlTTGyooUmgUM9FonWdM1i-dilWMZKZXI6Tn9kjuYEt2V_zruTE33Jxwf9W7dgjTlKHwAubDIL31PAJsNn0xIih-Dtg5R/s1600/*IMG_6329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGMQp5-XwWHnXC4uOzU3E9JwilT-7udZJx7bvGbhqC4BCXlzXlTTGyooUmgUM9FonWdM1i-dilWMZKZXI6Tn9kjuYEt2V_zruTE33Jxwf9W7dgjTlKHwAubDIL31PAJsNn0xIih-Dtg5R/s400/*IMG_6329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've been hearing a lot about terrariums lately, and since DIG seems to be right on target with other new trends, I wasn't surprised to see terraria of many kinds in the shop. And, of course, there will be a <a href="https://diggardensnursery.com/events/">Terrarium Workshop</a> this coming weekend (February 5th) that will teach you how to do cool things like this! Here's something an apartment dweller could get very interested in... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaw6ngyksTy7arSiYlOLcWQ98KQ0ZUvETKcVgIDpOo-0dkUFuP1qxHYs5Ot7Ix9r1FCVv9h20ElumlfyOwCnTaC18oFucIJdSLlJ_AcBewvO6q2e99DriL0hgSuLE68p6nYQaMDVnE-Or/s1600/*IMG_6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaw6ngyksTy7arSiYlOLcWQ98KQ0ZUvETKcVgIDpOo-0dkUFuP1qxHYs5Ot7Ix9r1FCVv9h20ElumlfyOwCnTaC18oFucIJdSLlJ_AcBewvO6q2e99DriL0hgSuLE68p6nYQaMDVnE-Or/s400/*IMG_6331.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.woollypocket.com/">Woolly Pocket</a> is another product I keep seeing everywhere, and this stunning wall display of houseplants shows why they are so popular. DIG is a great place to learn about vertical gardening, and of course they have everything you need to succeed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithr0dPXg9rK_s4u6c5UFHmRRVfjSJtLUcWPqbKLitlsaHZ-OW1JDly9m5_OTjxhi_WfKAKHeiVwidbCf2cODDlfPnoheUpdOusmJb3nVM2RU7kHzLM_LI5djVg1zMrmhOC3oFcONicAgb/s1600/*IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithr0dPXg9rK_s4u6c5UFHmRRVfjSJtLUcWPqbKLitlsaHZ-OW1JDly9m5_OTjxhi_WfKAKHeiVwidbCf2cODDlfPnoheUpdOusmJb3nVM2RU7kHzLM_LI5djVg1zMrmhOC3oFcONicAgb/s400/*IMG_6333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I loved this beautiful display of contemporary pots. Oh, and if you have your eye on that cool <a href="http://houseplants.about.com/od/foliageplants/p/AfricanSpear.htm">Sansevieria cylindrica</a> on the middle shelf, too late! (It's OK, they have more.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpOTNEbmqp3e0nkGaBB-STbjPm13OWqa6aMKvdNfyr-jNqqizVTkzSMMnUTHwlP-qnx0pzhd-RK-_FL21LRae0qg7mtbMhw1wLXEOnOsdMZi7XJYB6j2M4Wxp2THoce_2BrWus3nuBPN0/s1600/*IMG_6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpOTNEbmqp3e0nkGaBB-STbjPm13OWqa6aMKvdNfyr-jNqqizVTkzSMMnUTHwlP-qnx0pzhd-RK-_FL21LRae0qg7mtbMhw1wLXEOnOsdMZi7XJYB6j2M4Wxp2THoce_2BrWus3nuBPN0/s400/*IMG_6336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Great Balls of Succulents! (Sorry, had to say that.) These were especially effective against the fresh white of the walls and ceiling. Lovely.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCuKsPKjamKl14ZL8Svi1Rb88YZto4dJoCQxF6eeeNiC438Q_7rJFvp25pYfpNl_qUEZU3uoXOV0VqJHi8B18HZA2BljOjj3Ed-AAqvzIVJY6T22lBVoHbmL1YzyZo3eNhIv4HWsH3cPX/s1600/*IMG_6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCuKsPKjamKl14ZL8Svi1Rb88YZto4dJoCQxF6eeeNiC438Q_7rJFvp25pYfpNl_qUEZU3uoXOV0VqJHi8B18HZA2BljOjj3Ed-AAqvzIVJY6T22lBVoHbmL1YzyZo3eNhIv4HWsH3cPX/s400/*IMG_6338.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After reading Rebecca's post I was particularly interested in seeing these succulent panels, which are SO hot right now. This is a great example of how they can be used to create a garden on a cinderblock wall; loved them against that green. DIG owners Cara and Will Meyers hand-pick their plants from many local nurseries and growers.<br />
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A note to Inlanders; some of these plants are quite tender, and to live outside they are happiest near the coast. Planting them in pots that can be sheltered during winter should keep your conscience clear!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuDUw_Hs5MDYpCTbN2rO2rdWr4F7waiYnRXYIOIjS50HoCLw4uIqYr2PVkVPxaew3OkfBY2UFSdZupP11FurBD5OnwRh9yBVM5kmFVHNFVOMAT9MHRymKWEiTp-h9WZuukkdlKBkdRtWa/s1600/*IMG_6340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuDUw_Hs5MDYpCTbN2rO2rdWr4F7waiYnRXYIOIjS50HoCLw4uIqYr2PVkVPxaew3OkfBY2UFSdZupP11FurBD5OnwRh9yBVM5kmFVHNFVOMAT9MHRymKWEiTp-h9WZuukkdlKBkdRtWa/s400/*IMG_6340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Loved this! Again, good for a sheltered spot...would not be happy in freezing temps OR blazing sun. Just because succulents don't use much water doesn't mean they don't appreciate being able to keep what's stored in those lovely leaves, bracts, fingers, and spikes, right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7vKZMdPR-Sirf0Smdjy0RrXY0t2v5PaLfCxfqqbjKTua29GVTTxLQBOk-5_QSd2cOAa8nW-61rJR6xcZwMko23l7iFngs_4oAzolkOJ01PULTMEPAKSwtx-1bspfRaA53tOwEMBRSvxW/s1600/*IMG_6345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7vKZMdPR-Sirf0Smdjy0RrXY0t2v5PaLfCxfqqbjKTua29GVTTxLQBOk-5_QSd2cOAa8nW-61rJR6xcZwMko23l7iFngs_4oAzolkOJ01PULTMEPAKSwtx-1bspfRaA53tOwEMBRSvxW/s400/*IMG_6345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Delighted to run into an old friend in the shade house; any day that includes Kwan Yin is a good one. Thanks for joining me on my first visit, and if you're in the area, consider coming to one of DIG's many events; maybe I'll see you there!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-31055530918320104232011-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-27T00:44:36.562-08:00Winter Fragrance at Elizabeth Gamble Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr6XHTOVe1PBfM1lU4RxtbegW2yx37WnPWt8tgFmyYHcfBo7PcXfehUkzmK-TFXVULZ25pImacZcx9oXZ4Y32t13mYmCBcnN__no0Jd7rYfoNaTJ4UW_KuWDqE-giy8ip8ThfnPUBBXa8/s1600/IMG_6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr6XHTOVe1PBfM1lU4RxtbegW2yx37WnPWt8tgFmyYHcfBo7PcXfehUkzmK-TFXVULZ25pImacZcx9oXZ4Y32t13mYmCBcnN__no0Jd7rYfoNaTJ4UW_KuWDqE-giy8ip8ThfnPUBBXa8/s400/IMG_6269.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.gamblegarden.org/%20">The Elizabeth Gamble Garden</a> in Palo Alto, California is a historic urban estate built near Stanford University in 1902. It is now the home of a nonprofit horticultural foundation, and its mature woodland, formal and working gardens provide education and beauty to the community.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.apldca.com/Default.aspx">Association of Professional Landscape Designers</a> meets regularly at Gamble, so I've been able to visit in all seasons. (I was actually married there once, but that's a different story!) Today it was particularly beautiful, as winter-blooming shrubs are luxuriating in our recent warm spell. This hedge of camellias was screaming for attention, so my camera and I excused ourselves for a moment...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBfgJ0nDREd0UaTdkn_AYZNojHZDKSXghgJfVESa3cmrAvmSGbkoRoxae-PJiw5v0EoWfhdomhrlqx2SBKzhte1Za4uZUgTSibf1SiEOYIseFkybI3MkvLPWrywJkPsSbm9tn0Jee4-SM/s1600/IMG_6271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBfgJ0nDREd0UaTdkn_AYZNojHZDKSXghgJfVESa3cmrAvmSGbkoRoxae-PJiw5v0EoWfhdomhrlqx2SBKzhte1Za4uZUgTSibf1SiEOYIseFkybI3MkvLPWrywJkPsSbm9tn0Jee4-SM/s400/IMG_6271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Isn't it stunning? Camellia japonica are one of our earliest bloomers, often starting right after Christmas. Carefully maintained by staff and volunteers, these hedges are light and yet covered with bloom for weeks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OnmSkTDZgcHNUZMhtHu7tsGIf0uqxHb9i2QA6iawEFxucot_hEYCiP-UO9DIpNc95YxiHeuDUbMzcJTP2yzyrnOfw3uEwa43WqxcO2MbXwKhwCUjbQn1tmZoa_gRIm5YQpJikbJK1wfT/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OnmSkTDZgcHNUZMhtHu7tsGIf0uqxHb9i2QA6iawEFxucot_hEYCiP-UO9DIpNc95YxiHeuDUbMzcJTP2yzyrnOfw3uEwa43WqxcO2MbXwKhwCUjbQn1tmZoa_gRIm5YQpJikbJK1wfT/s400/IMG_6274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And the fragrance! The warmth of the day brought out scents from all over the garden, including this Magnolia soulangiana in full bloom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRdrIlgXSRIjuSeajUFoUCvjXGeE2Uyhuq0YmwatRgVcwikVR4VOAPd3AG69J_gU16RNSfvdVqmfKc3tKJa_pXbeirHX_9hddbklRg20gNPGoelFDlKwUCkZjB-Zy-RupYhMhEQMS27Sg/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRdrIlgXSRIjuSeajUFoUCvjXGeE2Uyhuq0YmwatRgVcwikVR4VOAPd3AG69J_gU16RNSfvdVqmfKc3tKJa_pXbeirHX_9hddbklRg20gNPGoelFDlKwUCkZjB-Zy-RupYhMhEQMS27Sg/s400/IMG_6277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Oh, Daphne! So finicky, but when you're happy, everybody's happy...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAW6UqhYxtO7elLfViu6mUdqOEAij3hwy7XZMKdCD3BKsyCcxUCaAC-sfIKUj7Npu-44X-pz08cziYqxdgq5Xc4CbKGwvpieJ7onQsNurNhuHqS-sE0gpfUQxXIgXwRyYJTrJOaKF_XvA/s1600/IMG_6278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAW6UqhYxtO7elLfViu6mUdqOEAij3hwy7XZMKdCD3BKsyCcxUCaAC-sfIKUj7Npu-44X-pz08cziYqxdgq5Xc4CbKGwvpieJ7onQsNurNhuHqS-sE0gpfUQxXIgXwRyYJTrJOaKF_XvA/s400/IMG_6278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The most fragrant thing around, however, was this Mahonia siamensis...yum!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBy14VPZGZqOQe0eCJDFRsr0snnXHl5IUTzApEId6MFQeqg8J5Hock9A2fIlPozDVnpaB78rQ3rkFp8Gv1H5cvJEDkyj2LNafED3l8a6PueyUP-gCJZxYtw9ewWRoe30YsH00Y2T-bU09/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBy14VPZGZqOQe0eCJDFRsr0snnXHl5IUTzApEId6MFQeqg8J5Hock9A2fIlPozDVnpaB78rQ3rkFp8Gv1H5cvJEDkyj2LNafED3l8a6PueyUP-gCJZxYtw9ewWRoe30YsH00Y2T-bU09/s400/IMG_6283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The bees agreed!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VvWCXmE1mUBheTLaH4CNCOkyL636Wgc1gPmBPzUfPhTXNUjcp_gj-qHJv3voIe5EMNfEaIB9cCHlqO12AqccALboVu9b9NNOQxbjBKQPcFdZkWCseKnwMs8pzWjXmEonnT14FOO1vfos/s1600/IMG_6284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VvWCXmE1mUBheTLaH4CNCOkyL636Wgc1gPmBPzUfPhTXNUjcp_gj-qHJv3voIe5EMNfEaIB9cCHlqO12AqccALboVu9b9NNOQxbjBKQPcFdZkWCseKnwMs8pzWjXmEonnT14FOO1vfos/s400/IMG_6284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This patch of Kniphofia offered an unexpected touch of warmth...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QBTLpH9gYA9ZW0NUvqzGEL91NvsfvgIEyeGXICxDm2LEBSpKSthCE0wrtLBmtMpEK3Yb1tKxg2uWlwNcSpum0tXWXzInek-N_lDuzXKdYOXRMHT21aqMqkhZn6DfCsCbvGP3vlkJdN0E/s1600/IMG_6287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QBTLpH9gYA9ZW0NUvqzGEL91NvsfvgIEyeGXICxDm2LEBSpKSthCE0wrtLBmtMpEK3Yb1tKxg2uWlwNcSpum0tXWXzInek-N_lDuzXKdYOXRMHT21aqMqkhZn6DfCsCbvGP3vlkJdN0E/s400/IMG_6287.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While a large clump of Elegia capensis cooled things down again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeF7M1xpDxwNenx0zL_oNIEtd4C-7pF_RH2Y4K-wd-HNO9lCMuLSJ2jivpRFr5TRArA55QKkqPn94FTC58lwVk-B5cZhj60LQGR4TWZ3QKJ8igsUJ8I6NwVbSFwO8dS_Fs2TINHv6_s0QS/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeF7M1xpDxwNenx0zL_oNIEtd4C-7pF_RH2Y4K-wd-HNO9lCMuLSJ2jivpRFr5TRArA55QKkqPn94FTC58lwVk-B5cZhj60LQGR4TWZ3QKJ8igsUJ8I6NwVbSFwO8dS_Fs2TINHv6_s0QS/s400/IMG_6288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Beautiful Leucadendron towers overhead.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsNA3eFROGfpnUD8L0w8vehfpLsAeD70ZUPdebDHcCLgi5Lowj9wAtHd3no0gosEsCjwdT1hyphenhyphenySoorrgDAFHbpXWJ-BART-9OIPhzQsk1ScSTu0Pr0wWAz2spqfZRespJliJtKK-XulS0/s1600/IMG_6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsNA3eFROGfpnUD8L0w8vehfpLsAeD70ZUPdebDHcCLgi5Lowj9wAtHd3no0gosEsCjwdT1hyphenhyphenySoorrgDAFHbpXWJ-BART-9OIPhzQsk1ScSTu0Pr0wWAz2spqfZRespJliJtKK-XulS0/s400/IMG_6291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We have time for one, sweet whiff of Sarcococca as the meeting is about to start; what a glossy beauty this is.<br />
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If you are ever in the neighborhood, treat yourself to a visit to this lovely garden. Their <a href="http://www.gamblegarden.org/events/events.html">Spring Tour</a> (April 29-30) explores the diverse gardens of the Palo Alto area, and is enjoyed each year by thousands of Bay Area gardeners. Add it to your spring calendar if you can!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-79208869218052481712011-01-26T18:20:00.000-08:002011-01-27T18:31:24.519-08:00Are You Going to The Nor Cal Spring Tradeshow?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vFb965ThBKVEi7ATL5Yv8vyVaFZmi17ilwopc6MvKzTY39DEq3vlirsJI_UklVZZ7mC93CCq3MrfV8OQl64FQI6Onhjge8eSg8i8S2uQc_VomA6HunVJyAmzJpmPz4JAuG4oC41Nn75B/s1600/*Norcal2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vFb965ThBKVEi7ATL5Yv8vyVaFZmi17ilwopc6MvKzTY39DEq3vlirsJI_UklVZZ7mC93CCq3MrfV8OQl64FQI6Onhjge8eSg8i8S2uQc_VomA6HunVJyAmzJpmPz4JAuG4oC41Nn75B/s400/*Norcal2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As a garden designer AND community builder, I look forward to the <a href="http://www.norcaltradeshow.org/">Nor Cal Horticultural Tradeshow</a> every year. Aimed at professionals in the nursery and landscaping trades, this show is a great way to be introduced to new products while catching up with old friends. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeBlpYeFDuAIahhvc7XwNCdMsglRuHIkQrtRKInYCpjm0blZu08g3TjhbCW5blez0wChblEYCzd9Q8eSYjKfuIA73Jj-LQ9u3mmHubbt4scbMRroLZO-EUIPNkto4CHMEP0sxf6TEHB0I/s1600/*Norcal2010_00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeBlpYeFDuAIahhvc7XwNCdMsglRuHIkQrtRKInYCpjm0blZu08g3TjhbCW5blez0wChblEYCzd9Q8eSYjKfuIA73Jj-LQ9u3mmHubbt4scbMRroLZO-EUIPNkto4CHMEP0sxf6TEHB0I/s400/*Norcal2010_00.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>You'll find great new garden products, like the biodynamic compost from <a href="http://malibucompost.com/">Malibu Compost</a>...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv4617WlSvk4k4UJzhow9kukg4PtxHglRvo2H8Bj8rTBYw6nDM2Bpfwnj0-U06EOuTX3LqkBU9L8IUlZffkiCQ1Zjw3bH-v-9tfnGHhI8ywkeaIALLA2OS_8CAM2vtSTObb_lp-TckB3V/s1600/*Norcal2010_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv4617WlSvk4k4UJzhow9kukg4PtxHglRvo2H8Bj8rTBYw6nDM2Bpfwnj0-U06EOuTX3LqkBU9L8IUlZffkiCQ1Zjw3bH-v-9tfnGHhI8ywkeaIALLA2OS_8CAM2vtSTObb_lp-TckB3V/s400/*Norcal2010_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with every kind of garden tool, accessory and decor imaginable (that's Leo Goria, VP of California Operations for <a href="http://www.summerwindsnursery.com/ca/Home.aspx">SummerWinds Nurseries</a> visiting the <a href="http://www.jpedersenhg.com/">J. Pedersen</a> booth...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitizIMY_DX8pvZnIooLKa-kM8Sm1KcErK1u4femHKyyGrvmYo4GNXbKwt2MUVe6LECy28PMd2QqxLs4hZN6mKhT_S1_ut9TYEem5DQag9hE484IRrFT-HRbeLsHsjx-9kbkrp92XZZ9NBX/s400/*Norcal2010_3.JPG" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitizIMY_DX8pvZnIooLKa-kM8Sm1KcErK1u4femHKyyGrvmYo4GNXbKwt2MUVe6LECy28PMd2QqxLs4hZN6mKhT_S1_ut9TYEem5DQag9hE484IRrFT-HRbeLsHsjx-9kbkrp92XZZ9NBX/s1600/*Norcal2010_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can imagine, my favorite displays are those done by the nurseries, like this best-of-show winner created by <a href="http://www.belmontnursery.com/">Belmont Nursery.</a> I could have hung out here all day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5Bb_kyg7j7VhaxyLbI3ql3oR3NdrMKUgIohJW1-qPZY9G0j0wMi5Z6PyuzKnpElJik3B5rs0sJNbCeimegSCYfP5mp6rKOR9PZNueZaH5Yb3fM5oYHHtHfPXIJQ76a9_uUEpmUN3qwiR/s1600/NorCal2010Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5Bb_kyg7j7VhaxyLbI3ql3oR3NdrMKUgIohJW1-qPZY9G0j0wMi5Z6PyuzKnpElJik3B5rs0sJNbCeimegSCYfP5mp6rKOR9PZNueZaH5Yb3fM5oYHHtHfPXIJQ76a9_uUEpmUN3qwiR/s400/NorCal2010Robin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But while the plants and products are great, it's the knowledgeable people you meet that makes an event like this truly valuable to professionals and hobbyists alike. What a great opportunity to pick the brain of <a href="http://www.sgplants.com/">Succulent Gardens</a> owner/guru Robin Stockwell, for instance. (And then buy some of his gorgeous plants, of course!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Sooo...are you going? Thursday, February 17th, 9am to 5pm at the San Mateo Event Center (same place as the <a href="http://www.sfgardenshow.com/">SF Flower & Garden Show</a>) 1346 Saratoga St., San Mateo CA (near 101 and 92)<br />
<span id="goog_1217371240"></span><span id="goog_1217371241"></span>Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-89031833890302424462011-01-22T14:00:00.000-08:002011-01-25T11:15:04.215-08:00The Cats Are All Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_K9eUYXKsruJo8Uliwnew2e6uJgooLuSRUykooNIlvxw7gSSM8VPI9cJHVCQhb_qAjamDW3ReUQjiy_sTFs5aHAYV7leFAVm-eCIfabegL24doTCLVwMWyDnb6B8CgV3r7GfV43X9_0m/s1600/*IMG_6062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_K9eUYXKsruJo8Uliwnew2e6uJgooLuSRUykooNIlvxw7gSSM8VPI9cJHVCQhb_qAjamDW3ReUQjiy_sTFs5aHAYV7leFAVm-eCIfabegL24doTCLVwMWyDnb6B8CgV3r7GfV43X9_0m/s400/*IMG_6062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One of my biggest concerns about moving to an apartment was the impact on my two cats, who from kittenhood have enjoyed the run of nice gardens. They napped under the shrubs, patrolled the perimeter, greeted guests (or hid from them); in short, they were a part of the landscape. I felt sad that they wouldn't have that any more. I might have been projecting, just a little... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte7CILYB3DwEyJbHY2FnvuFtfhrviO9wtk2behv4OHeXhFlpvdUK67hf1rO6h5PoN4vAVyZCefubBW-ErsmZp97FzdRHRH-Wsur7X7XeAzkbcbewcwcYFCUnQotQckMUWuZknTycqQ80T/s1600/*IMG_6066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte7CILYB3DwEyJbHY2FnvuFtfhrviO9wtk2behv4OHeXhFlpvdUK67hf1rO6h5PoN4vAVyZCefubBW-ErsmZp97FzdRHRH-Wsur7X7XeAzkbcbewcwcYFCUnQotQckMUWuZknTycqQ80T/s400/*IMG_6066.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlQlBjNqaPsn-qOtqffpZtHF0eFiREqx62qRU3eNUuJGEFLHg_pm2ArGVWj_F-H_LN2WOkDh7t_5V6UM-azCYYriNE3wDDyeFp5eDTWiw8v_-ZskV0KsevEPNnUXGp1AwVx7pfTLF7qbq/s1600/*IMG_6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Fortunately the complex I chose is pet-friendly; and after a few busy weeks, we're all settling in just fine. Haku can now be found lounging on the balcony love seat, and although Zennie still spends much of her day under my bed, she does emerge at night to claim the top of the cat tower as her own (Haku is learning that it's best not to dispute this, especially when she has "that look in her eyezzz!")<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlQlBjNqaPsn-qOtqffpZtHF0eFiREqx62qRU3eNUuJGEFLHg_pm2ArGVWj_F-H_LN2WOkDh7t_5V6UM-azCYYriNE3wDDyeFp5eDTWiw8v_-ZskV0KsevEPNnUXGp1AwVx7pfTLF7qbq/s1600/*IMG_6064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlQlBjNqaPsn-qOtqffpZtHF0eFiREqx62qRU3eNUuJGEFLHg_pm2ArGVWj_F-H_LN2WOkDh7t_5V6UM-azCYYriNE3wDDyeFp5eDTWiw8v_-ZskV0KsevEPNnUXGp1AwVx7pfTLF7qbq/s400/*IMG_6064.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_K9eUYXKsruJo8Uliwnew2e6uJgooLuSRUykooNIlvxw7gSSM8VPI9cJHVCQhb_qAjamDW3ReUQjiy_sTFs5aHAYV7leFAVm-eCIfabegL24doTCLVwMWyDnb6B8CgV3r7GfV43X9_0m/s1600/*IMG_6062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Haku and Zen are brother and sister, almost eight years old, and getting to that "sleeping most of the time" stage of their lives. I felt no need to "cat-proof" the balcony, although I probably would with a rambunctious kitten. Their requirements are met, we're all OK with the litterbox situation, and there is still plenty for them to look at...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZpODIWb-YgeNSkNMNNHZTrwIViARE7vIz8GN6b0yUEjRZ_t-fNarccMwD_7kNdws_MiTi2uPNHNVh78NgHfDb81cKwGNGHdRXIoJ7nAz3YoYk5byf_MerA-0iv0-NTyx-NOHh9APtA8O/s1600/*IMG_6069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZpODIWb-YgeNSkNMNNHZTrwIViARE7vIz8GN6b0yUEjRZ_t-fNarccMwD_7kNdws_MiTi2uPNHNVh78NgHfDb81cKwGNGHdRXIoJ7nAz3YoYk5byf_MerA-0iv0-NTyx-NOHh9APtA8O/s400/*IMG_6069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Like our first hummingbird at the feeder!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo9LRXOSIDmMaqT0z_QixHI_9tkUR9zt9LEcPzxfntwitU_4UxDLXPBb7Jl8BHTBjn_xAS1mIMJ5kZCapI4oLHTKqA2GmG0rrWcvw59mnfSR8nVdTFt1P2e2KWKvTV2AQNOCBdHKB-nIs/s1600/*IMG_6071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo9LRXOSIDmMaqT0z_QixHI_9tkUR9zt9LEcPzxfntwitU_4UxDLXPBb7Jl8BHTBjn_xAS1mIMJ5kZCapI4oLHTKqA2GmG0rrWcvw59mnfSR8nVdTFt1P2e2KWKvTV2AQNOCBdHKB-nIs/s400/*IMG_6071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This birdhouse has sheltered several generations of chickadees, titmice and sparrows in turn. Hopefully it will be discovered here. I love the "happy accident" of its reflection in the mirror on the storage room door, allowing me to watch from the living room.<br />
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So far I love apartment living; I miss my washer and dryer the most, but love the endless hot water, low heating bills, and the nearby grocery store, nursery, movie theater and light rail station. I've lost more than the weight of my mortgage; for once I feel as though I'm living within my means and touching the earth more lightly as a result. There is now room for new things in my life, and I'm starting to discover them.<br />
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It was less than four months ago that I began this final stage of life re-engineering, in the autumn of a tumultuous year. Now it's January, and I'm home. There's a feeling of spring in the air and a strong sense that everything is going to be OK. Thanks for hanging in there with me!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213339149669405453.post-58631942348823829812011-01-01T14:37:00.000-08:002011-01-01T14:37:09.857-08:00Taking My Own Small Garden Advice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Last June I wrote a post for the <a href="http://gdrt.wordpress.com/">Garden Designer's Roundtable</a> about <a href="http://interleafings.blogspot.com/2010/06/garden-designers-roundtable-expanding.html">small-space garden design</a>; little did I know that I'd be testing my own advice when I downsized to a 6x10 apartment balcony six months later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC57HvTW-KvTnBurpH1RlxN3Nj5NeQMxWXR59SzqcfiLOrZo3IGWffN7AZycYeZAaIWPiNU3OJCI9wKZgKCmD1uLHFFIhEDJvUmHRJeG0PbjB8EwSc_Az29NIBawGfChdEQ9EFBmD0GzTr/s1600/EnSevenPatio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC57HvTW-KvTnBurpH1RlxN3Nj5NeQMxWXR59SzqcfiLOrZo3IGWffN7AZycYeZAaIWPiNU3OJCI9wKZgKCmD1uLHFFIhEDJvUmHRJeG0PbjB8EwSc_Az29NIBawGfChdEQ9EFBmD0GzTr/s400/EnSevenPatio.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My rough concept drawing was done mainly to determine how many plants I could bring with me, and didn't focus much on where I might sit. I figured the space would be enjoyed mostly from inside; I didn't see how it could be private enough outside. Space for plants was the priority, and a small chair was drawn in as a placeholder. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbm47qp5ALBSa4Yq__HJFqn0qZmDXJ_mWKZw9HITqCg3jf-suENsQqCnwAabVV9YELGnVor7nWhH9ryqMlqQ6WjrckeIZ5TWZuysoXmtFKhaHspGNahrvL7dycnFJjGRkDO6ZTqBXB2dSr/s1600/*outdoorloveseat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbm47qp5ALBSa4Yq__HJFqn0qZmDXJ_mWKZw9HITqCg3jf-suENsQqCnwAabVV9YELGnVor7nWhH9ryqMlqQ6WjrckeIZ5TWZuysoXmtFKhaHspGNahrvL7dycnFJjGRkDO6ZTqBXB2dSr/s400/*outdoorloveseat.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But then I remembered my own advice about not skimping on comfortable seating in a small garden, especially since it really only has to be big enough for two. I spotted a loveseat on another balcony, and once I realized how nice the winter sun was going to be, and how quiet the complex is during the day, I knew I had to carve a cozy, private spot for myself into my balcony design. That's how my favorite outdoor loveseat was added to the mix...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY6bvv207FYVQ6wwQW6nTbFVfi2DxPHHqTsosy55oHpe8DgdpAScorzZunxmReOJYD_aLOuwCIWYE_05LVIWR6gobGJ3XuZNgaEitneqPhIuBDgKP_6S4sm910c5rmnYGVD9jC-MhOyEg/s1600/*IMG_5738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY6bvv207FYVQ6wwQW6nTbFVfi2DxPHHqTsosy55oHpe8DgdpAScorzZunxmReOJYD_aLOuwCIWYE_05LVIWR6gobGJ3XuZNgaEitneqPhIuBDgKP_6S4sm910c5rmnYGVD9jC-MhOyEg/s400/*IMG_5738.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And it is perfect. Placing it in the corner facing inward was the master touch. It blocks the view onto the balcony from nearby paths, catches the slanting winter sun all afternoon, and surrounded by plants I can curl up in complete privacy. I can be out there with my sweetheart or a cat and not feel on display. Since the balcony is completely sheltered, a cozy wool throw and a jute rug warm the space up further and can be left out year-round (although I'll opt for a lighter throw in summer...)<br />
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And look how my wooden crates (which hold frequently used tools and supplies) can be tucked underneath; sheltered and dry and easy to access, and freeing up lots of room in my storage closet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU45oHdO_8g_469XxqbzNi8uVdAzWQ8KnHw6LV2ics29Ae7arHQc8n1p5zetWCq9ucx18JqFXoSI5KDPaN_Q3T2UvYrXjcYmdC2ban_yy1Req71fD6_WY5Wj1eNOSTNz7c07bo0IEic6p/s1600/*IMG_5740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU45oHdO_8g_469XxqbzNi8uVdAzWQ8KnHw6LV2ics29Ae7arHQc8n1p5zetWCq9ucx18JqFXoSI5KDPaN_Q3T2UvYrXjcYmdC2ban_yy1Req71fD6_WY5Wj1eNOSTNz7c07bo0IEic6p/s400/*IMG_5740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In my Roundtable post I talked about imagining the space in three dimensions, mentally carving out the paths you need to use it effectively. On my balcony the curved swathe between the sliding door and my storage closet needs to be kept clear, but everything else is fair game (and remember, not just at ground level). I used tall specimens in the corner pots, and elevated other plants on upturned pots, small tables, even my coffee-tuffet.<br />
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Long streamers of ivy, which had been growing for years in some of the larger pots, are being trained all over the railing and will add their own lacy green layer of privacy as they fill in. A strand of white lights around the railing can be lit on festive occasions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgwu5OW-Ej0KA91pmQlO_NorhxuUPh1YdmUXDL5WTyaMWoST-2LhQS6W__tn8IWSwFHl5iNy6sjZaDUYU2DaXpS6pYoubSZl0kK8ct41DClCDgFpr_ueZOTx8hT04uDa9OoWBWAzK7Vf7/s1600/*IMG_5742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgwu5OW-Ej0KA91pmQlO_NorhxuUPh1YdmUXDL5WTyaMWoST-2LhQS6W__tn8IWSwFHl5iNy6sjZaDUYU2DaXpS6pYoubSZl0kK8ct41DClCDgFpr_ueZOTx8hT04uDa9OoWBWAzK7Vf7/s400/*IMG_5742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Traffic area nice and clear, and the rest of the available space is layering up nicely. I'm not a fan of hanging plants (keeping the ones on the ground happy is challenging enough) but wind chimes, bird houses and feeders, lanterns etc. can add a lot of interest, especially if you have sturdy overhead beams to work with. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3_aDEOID0Msz9_Jae5WcToR3yHUQTOWYO7uC46vIkaC1RLCBQ-8gBIXdn6WrN36onTjOxQ6xAdk1FS2nEDAmh4I8ty6KMMEmZRCtIG7GCXpqpuzwsjoGZAdkvJQQ6oo0On6NTi73ptVw/s1600/*IMG_5746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3_aDEOID0Msz9_Jae5WcToR3yHUQTOWYO7uC46vIkaC1RLCBQ-8gBIXdn6WrN36onTjOxQ6xAdk1FS2nEDAmh4I8ty6KMMEmZRCtIG7GCXpqpuzwsjoGZAdkvJQQ6oo0On6NTi73ptVw/s400/*IMG_5746.JPG" width="326" /></a></div>I didn't discuss using storage space efficiently in my GDRT post (probably because at the time I had a two-car garage) but that was a huge consideration for this space, as I have many tools and supplies and one very small closet in which to store them. My two wooden crates under the loveseat helped a lot, and using one of my old garage shelves gave this small space structure. Another shelf mounted inside the door holds mason jars full of frequently used things, and silverware trays organize all the other odd bits from my garage and junk drawers. There's room for everything, with space left over. Nice...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazJjheSN0BLJeWdspY8u-YUoS1yfNFgJGBRZqSZ5R8GNidP2LrZ8dE2CRXK1Ayv4LGiMIW-eYwSGOJd7OvWu58UXFfH1C9ihyphenhyphen8Tble9DdObPDXLVOmNcsrmK9vna5wbAv8gO1sInWUhXc/s1600/*acourtyardgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazJjheSN0BLJeWdspY8u-YUoS1yfNFgJGBRZqSZ5R8GNidP2LrZ8dE2CRXK1Ayv4LGiMIW-eYwSGOJd7OvWu58UXFfH1C9ihyphenhyphen8Tble9DdObPDXLVOmNcsrmK9vna5wbAv8gO1sInWUhXc/s400/*acourtyardgarden.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was so comforting to be able to create a new garden space using some old friends, some of which I have had for years. And it was also gratifying to put my own design principles to the test and find them solid. <br />
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Happy New Year!Laura Livengoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04101658363604076352noreply@blogger.com14