Moonlight in the Garden

The new landscape was not designed with a dog in mind! The garden plan includes a natural hedge of vegetation in place of a fence, several meadows and planting areas, and an open design. Dakota the Husky arrived with our son days before construction started, during the winter rains, and too late for design changes. Since its completion in April, Dakota has experimented with the landscape to find his favorite locations.

One spot is under the camellia tree by the fence. He has cleared away the wood chips down to the bare earth, and favors this location when the temperature soars. I'm guessing the compacted dirt is cooling in the heat, and the location feels secluded and safe during an afternoon nap (and is within hearing range of the kitchen in case anyone makes a snack that should be shared).

Dakota the Husky in the moonlight (Fallen-Leaf-Moon)

Another favorite spot is under the oak tree, surrounded by flowers and vegetation. At various times Dakota snoozes, sniffs the air, contemplates the oak tree above, and observes the comings and goings of the neighborhood. In the evening, he loves hanging out in this spot in the cool evening air.

Landscaping: Six Month Report

I'm back in the Bay Area after three and a half months in Southeast Alaska. In that time, our new landscape has changed so much! While away, I was able to monitor progress via the Bird Buddy camera and app, and periodic reports from home. Still, I wasn't prepared for the rapid growth that occurred in such a short time. In this post I'm providing a six-month report, using a shot-for-shot comparison with Landscaping: Finished.

The heuchera, grasses, ground cover, and more have taken hold

We decided to let the garden grow naturally while I was gone, instead of starting a maintenance program. The garden is quite overgrown and I'm sure some of the plants are weeds that should be pulled. We need to learn more first (but shouldn't wait too long or seed drop will plant more of them)! The landscape was designed as a wildlife garden with keystone plants for food and shelter, and I'm happy to report that birds, butterflies, bees, and squirrels seem to be loving it.

The succulent rock garden has taken off (and needs seasonal clean up)

We have a surprising number of blooms for October, even for a summer dry climate. Perhaps the little bit of extra water from drip irrigation helps extend the bloom cycle for these drought tolerant plants. Many of the grasses are sporting seed pods and tassels (a look that I like a lot). I'll need to consult our planting schedule to identify some of the plants and grasses, since they look much different from the "favorite plant" pictures that I took earlier in the season.

Juniper tree in the lower yard is thriving

The tiny grass plugs that were planted in the spring have grown well through the season. They are now tall and tawny for fall, but still growing in spindly clumps. They will continue to mature over time into larger clumps, but it is gratifying to have such growth so soon.

Path to the lower yard in full sun

The irrigation system provides some extra moisture in the yard as plants get their start. The planting area that leads to the lower yard is growing well. Some small trees and shrubs are growing, as well as plants and grasses. Once many of the plants are established, irrigation will either not be needed, or only periodically. Our current low-to-mid 90s heatwave is putting the theory to the test.

Utilitarian gate in the lower yard (seasonal clean up needed)

In the lower yard, the shrubs planted to the right of the gate have grown, but still don't fill in the gap. One needs to cultivate the long view when establishing a garden. In the meantime, the protected shady entryway is a welcome change from no gate and the dilapidated fence (we could always construct a fence if the shrub route takes too long). Fall clean up of dropped leaves will also spruce things up. In the upper yard, the lights are now surrounded by vegetation and ground cover, so don't look so stark and isolated. The low lights are welcoming without causing nighttime light pollution.

Pathway lights are now surrounded by foliage

Now that I'm back in the Bay Area, we'll be meeting with our landscaping team to discuss next steps. I'm hoping to learn more about the seasonal tasks required to maintain the plants and garden. I'd like to be able to putter around the garden knowing what I'm doing, while still hiring professionals for some of the work!

Fall Outing

When it is raining in Juneau, Alaska, Eagle Beach is the place to be. The Eagle Beach State Recreation area is 27 miles north of Juneau, and often has milder weather than elsewhere in the Juneau area. The Rec area provides firepits, trails, and restrooms, and expansive views of the sound and distant Chilkat Mountains. I've posted about Eagle Beach and Eagle River in the past (see Eagle Beach Adventure, Eagle River and the Crab Feed, and Beautiful Juneau).

Eagle Beach area, with a view across Favorite Channel

For this fall outing, Mom and I ate our lunch in the car, while soaking in the view, and then hiked across the sandy beach for a closer look. We saw lots of birds congregating close to the water's edge. Salmon spawn in the area, and are frequently snapped up for a quick meal by eagles, or trapped in pools of water when the tide goes out and eaten by birds or bears. Nothing goes to waste. We met several family groups out walking with their dogs. It was great to see dogs off leash and running, jumping, and diving into the cold salt water with abandon!

Birds congregate on Eagle Beach

Later we drove to the nearby Eagle River picnic and camping area. The Eagle River changes its course frequently, and we found a section of the bank cordoned off with a former bench precariously close to the edge. The view toward the Chilkat Mountains is spectacular.

Salt water from Favorite Channel meets fresh water from Eagle River

We walked along the Beach Access Trail that parallels Eagle River, catching glimpses of the river along the way. We saw many eagles, ravens, sea gulls and shore birds feasting and communing on the sandbars in the river. Mom and I had a great time together enjoying the views and being in nature!

Mom strides along the Beach Access Trail by Eagle River