Landscaping: One Year Report

Today we're celebrating the one year anniversary of our new landscape! It's a good time to take stock and confirm that the garden is growing and thriving. According to Rebecca Kolls of Rebecca's Garden, in the first year perennials sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap. In this post I'm providing a one-year report, comparing against Landscaping: Six Month Report and Landscaping: Finished.

The heuchera and grasses continue to thrive (without the summer weeds)

In November we contracted a monthly landscaping maintenance service. We had let the garden grow naturally for the first six months, so it was quite overgrown when I returned from Alaska in October. We could identify most plants from the planting schedule, but didn't know whether others were weeds or plants from a  wild flower mix of annuals. We decided to hire professionals to get the yard back on track. They do a great job, and I've been learning from them. The garden is fairly low maintenance (once you know what is required), so in time we may switch to a quarterly service and do more of the weeding and grooming ourselves.

The succulent rock garden is filling in

The landscape was designed as a wildlife garden with keystone plants for food and shelter. We added a Bird Buddy bird feeder (with camera), and continue to provide a hummingbird feeder in the side yard and a terracotta bird bath with fresh water daily. We get many visitors to all three. We've also had visiting deer, coyote, turkey, skunk, and neighborhood cats (who are very interested in our bird visitors).

California poppies and grasses line the path to the junipers 

The grass clumps have gained in size (they were started as spindly plugs last spring, and cut back in the winter). The California poppy are much larger this year and back in bloom (several bloomed throughout the winter)! A few pink Clarkia continue to bloom as well. I miss our big legacy trees, but it is exciting to see a couple of small Japanese maples that are thriving and just about to leaf out. The remaining trees (oak, liquid amber, prunus, and juniper) seem to be enjoying more room and the boost of irrigation water plus winter rains. 

The grass mounds by the steps to the lower yard are more established

The "shrub fence" is still a distant dream, but most of the new shrubs are still thriving (we did lose several, so they'll need to be replanted after we investigate why they died). When Mako and Dakota the Huskies came to live with us last year, we wondered if we should rethink the fence at some point. Not in the budget at this time, but worth thinking about in case a new Husky joins our family! 

The shrubs to the right of the gate are slightly taller!

The shrubs by the utilitarian gate are still pretty small (you can almost see them to the right of the gate and left of the tree). They have put on a little height and the two deciduous shrubs have leafed out. All three should eventually provide a privacy screen for the downstairs courtyard. The fall and winter leaves and berries have been cleaned up and moved to the compost bin.

The plants along the front walk have really filled in!

After reviewing the new landscape, I am satisfied about the progress made over the last year. Most of the original plants are still alive, and are growing and thriving. So far we haven't taken steps to make changes or additions to the garden, preferring instead to get to know what we have and how to care for it. But we've been talking about a few projects, such as planting dwarf maple trees in containers and adding some plants to the rock garden. I still want to plant the raised bed with dye plants or herbs, and like the idea of planting some "crops" here and there (it was so much fun to harvest cherry tomatoes in February). I'm also content to enjoy the current garden as perennials move into the "creep" stage of their development!

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!

Landscaping: Finished!

The landscaping project is finished. After almost two months of demolition, deep pruning, grading, construction, and planting, our landscaping project has come to an end. The last loose ends have been tied up, so the only thing remaining is a walkthrough to kick off the warranty period.

The heuchera and grasses are starting to take hold

The property is a triangular shape and on a gentle slope. Its main feature is a large oak that spreads its long branches and casts dappled shade throughout the day. The garden design features several zones including a woodland meadow, a succulent rock garden, a sunny meadow, and the lush lower yard with its vegetation screen. The plants are either local native or Mediterranean, and all are drought tolerant. The landscape is designed as a wildlife garden with keystone plants for food and shelter.

The succulent rock garden is like a mini-desert scape

The old concrete paths have been reset, a new slab path has replaced the old concrete entry path, and wood bark paths have been added throughout the yard. Several railroad-tie steps help you navigate grade changes.

Juniper tree in the lower yard is now exposed

Several legacy trees were removed, including two mature magnolias, a "big-bonsai-ed" juniper, and several self-seeded trees. This makes the property seem very exposed and a little bare now, but it exposed the beauty of the oak and the juniper tree in the lower yard. It also paved the way for replacing them with native trees and shrubs. We chose to use shrubs instead of fencing. We already have some shrub barriers, but more have been planted. It will take some time to get there.

Path to the lower yard

The broken irrigation system has been replaced by a drip system. Even drought tolerant plants need water to get established. The rain is helping them get a good start, and we will water in the heat of summer, but once established most of the plants will only need a periodic summer drink.

Utilitarian (but beautiful) gate in the lower yard

We added a gate in the lower yard and planted shrubs to replace the old dilapidated fence (on which lichen and moss once grew in beautiful abundance). Once the shrubs are established, this will look a little more protected and provide a shady spot for birds to enjoy their berries and seeds. In the upper yard, the low lights on the entry path guide visitors to the front door. The lights are on a timer, and are not as bright as the original pole light. This should reduce light pollution, while retaining safety.

Pathway lights in the rain

This was a large project for us, but very satisfying. We worked with an excellent landscaping team, which listened to our ideas and then improved upon them. The work crew was also excellent, experienced, and very conscientious. Now, we just need time for nature to do its work. Soon the plants will fill in and gain their full size, and the full vision of a native, wildlife-friendly landscape will be realized.

Symphony in the Garden

 We recently added wind chimes to the garden. Its rich tones add a gentle, soothing musical element, almost like hosting a small private symphony. The tones may even dampen some of the traffic noise from the nearby highway.

Every once in a while a breeze kicks up, and the birds around the water dish pause from drinking or bathing to listen. They keep coming back, so it must be an acceptable sound. That might change as we move into fall and winter, and experience big winds.

In the meantime, we can enjoy the symphony in the garden.

San Francisco Flower & Garden Show – Canceled!

I hope this post finds you sheltering in place with your favorite people, and with all the basic supplies you need. The future is now, with the whole nation (and much of the world) hunkered down to defeat our common enemy – coronavirus (a.k.a., COVID-19). For some it means working at home and homeschooling, for others it means loss of income and even lives. For some the science behind shelter in place makes perfect sense, for others the global response is overblown. Whatever the opinion, it is amazing to see the creative, innovative, and compassionate responses exhibited by so many people (toilet paper hoarding aside)!

Charming chicken coop from the San Francisco Garden Show in 2017

We've seen a rash of cancellations as part of the response, including the beloved (and renamed) San Fran-Nor Cal Flower & Garden Show, which had been scheduled for April 2-5. My aunt and I have been attending the show off and on for the last 20 years. Originally it was held at the Cow Palace in Daly City, then moved to the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, then back to the Cow Palace. This year it was to be held in Sacramento. For various reasons my aunt and I haven't been able to attend for the past several years (several trips and a family wedding were involved). I had hoped we could attend this year, but life took another turn. We'll just have to rely on memories and ideas from past shows!

Another chicken coop from the San Francisco Garden Show in 2015

 Luckily, next year's show is already scheduled for April 8-11, 2021, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. It looks like it will be a wonderful event, with great exhibits, speakers, and seminars. Take a look, and get it on your calendar!

Seattle Chinese Garden

The Seattle Chinese Garden is adjacent to the Arboretum at South Seattle College. My husband and I visited both during a brief lull in the rainy weather while on our Christmas visit to Seattle.

Pavilions at the Seattle Chinese Garden

Seattle Chinese Garden

The Seattle Chinese Garden represents an ongoing collaboration between designers, architects, artisans, and horticulturists in Seattle and its Sister City, Chongqing, in the Southwestern Province of  Sichuan. The local architectural firm Jones and Jones has been involved at times to coordinate activities.

Intricate lattice work

Plantings in the Knowing the Spring Courtyard

Koi pond

The 4.7 acre garden is designed in the Sichuan style, which includes native Chinese plants, paving stones, and traditional Chinese pavilions. The four elements of Chinese gardens include water, stone, plants, and architecture, which are used symbolically in the garden design.

Portal to the view beyond

Pagoda in a bamboo grove along the path

Reflecting pond

We enjoyed strolling through Knowing the Spring Courtyard and seeing the plantings and rocks and poetry and ponds. We also enjoyed the details of the garden, such as the pagodas, paths, and bamboo groves, and the sweeping views from the hill.

Taihu lake rock donated by People's Government of Suzhou Municipality, China March 2003	Rock edging along path with worn edges, moss, and lichen
Pond details	Terra cotta warrior castings

I find it interesting to visit a garden in winter, to really see its bones, and then visit throughout the year to see it transformed by the seasons.

Charming table and stools	Detail of table and chair
Lichen patterns	More lichen patterns

The garden is still under development, with plans for additional buildings and waterways. I look forward to visiting the garden as the plans materialize, and throughout different seasons.

View of  Seattle and lots of room to expand

On a side note, I was interested to learn that a reciprocal Seattle Garden opened in 2012 in the Municipality of Chongqing in China. It is part of the Chongqing Garden Expo Garden.

Birdhouses

Thinking about adding a fun detail to the garden without spending a lot of money? How about adding a birdhouse? Here are a few I've seen while out and about.

Alaskan-style birdhouse with a tin roof and opening, and beautiful green patina

Seattle Victorian birdhouse in a leafy neighborhood

I don't know if birds actually use bird houses, but I have seen them pushing twigs into them. Perhaps they are preparing a cozy resting place or a back-up nest (just in case).

Rustic birdhouse at Filoli in Woodside

Rustic birdhouses like this one are placed throughout the Gentleman's Orchard at Filoli in Woodside, California. The birds they attract may help manage insects that could damage crops.

Manito Park in the Fall

One of the highlights of our visit to Spokane, was visiting Manito Park to see its gardens in the fall. My mother-in-law loved to walk her dog in Manito Park, and the two of them spent hours walking and enjoying the gardens. Recall posts from our visit back in 2012: Manito Park – Duncan Garden and Nishinomiya Japanese Garden.

Rose Hill

The rose garden was in full bloom, and magnificent. I'm not a huge fan of roses (we have never lived in a place where roses do well), but was amazed at the beauty as we approached the hill. The big, well drained, sunny slope is the perfect place for roses. I loved the colors and fragrances of the blooming roses, all of which are well-labeled, well-tended, and thrived.

The arbor at the base of Rose Hill

Small gazebo beyond yellow roses

When we visited in spring and in early summer in 2012, everything was dormant and cut back, and I decided not to report. What a contrast with the beautiful sight that greeted us in fall. If the rose garden ever sells clippings or starters, this would be the place to purchase them. Following are a few of my favorites – just look at those colors and the variety (who knows, I might become a rose devotee one of these years)!

Pink tipped	Deep pink
Pale yellow	White

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Duncan Gardens

The Duncan Garden was also magnificent with its bedding plants still in bloom. This is high intensity gardening, reminiscent of the Victorian era when exotic plants from all over the world were cultivated in green houses, and then planted seasonally in private and public gardens.

Duncan Gardens

I enjoyed seeing the color combinations and vibrant colors in this classical European Renaissance style garden. What I had previously seen in the early summer was merely the bones of the garden – all green lawn, sculpted trees, gazebo, and newly planted beds (see Manito Park - Highlights of Duncan Garden). With the bedding plants in full flower, I could see the complete garden design.

Central planter

Bedding plants

The Gaiser Conservatory and its greenhouses overlook the sunken garden. The original conservatory was built in 1912, and redesigned, modernized, enlarged, and rebuilt in 1974. The dome includes a waterfall, pond, and large tropical plants. Many of the bedding plants are started in the greenhouses. 

Ferris Perennial Garden

When we visited the Ferris Perennial garden in 2012, not much was going on. The beds were well marked, and plants looked healthy, but this time was another story. Many of the plants were still blooming, and others were transitioning from beautiful flowering plants, to seeds and seed pods. Golden grasses swayed and rustled in the breeze, and some deciduous trees had started their fall display of red and yellow.

Joel E. Ferris Perennial Garden

Perennial garden in late September

Golden light and fall colors

The golden afternoon light illuminated the plants. We enjoyed strolling through the garden beds, and sitting on the various benches to relish the garden around us.

Nishinomiya Japanese Garden

We also revisited the Nishinomiya Japanese Garden, but learned that photography is no longer allowed. This is unfortunate for those who cannot visit the garden or who like to document great garden design, but we enjoyed our stroll through the grounds, and appreciated the beauty of fall colors against the green-on-green design.