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!