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Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Landscaping: The Plan

Two years ago I reported on an initial site visit from a landscaping company (see Landscaping Site Visit). A year ago I reported on the site survey of our property that was done in preparation for our landscaping project. The post included screenshots of several key areas, including the entry, the front yard, and the back yard (see Landscaping: Site Survey). A year later, I'm now reporting on the landscaping plan. The schedule has been prolonged because of the pandemic and a backlog of landscaping jobs ahead of us in the queue.


Entry (planting plan): curved path from the street to the front porch

The landscaping plan has been a year in the making, with many meetings, conversations, and changes in scope during the process. The plan is beautiful, and is comprised of several views, including a concept plan, elevation views and drainage plan (we're on a gentle slope), the planting plan, irrigation plan, electrical plan, and materials schedule.


Front yard (planting plan): patio, sloped aspect, and oak tree


The planting schedule is filled with California native and wildlife friendly plants for our microclimate (they are described and recommended by Calflora and Calscape). These screenshots are taken from the planting plan and show plant placement. Many of the names are familiar to me, others are new and need to be researched. The plant collection should attract the birds, pollinators, and critters that we hope to see. The plan integrates legacy trees, plants, rocks (with moss and lichen), and garden features, with more California native plants, infrastructure improvements, and new garden features.


Back yard (planting plan): the dense vegetation that forms a barrier, and raised bed


Now, we just need to implement the plan (we're hoping it won't be another year to put it into action). We have already spent two years working through all the stages and processes to get to where we are today. Now that we can see the beauty to come, a long wait would be unbearable!

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of LIfe

Our theme this year is "Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life". That's a mouthful, but it represents my goals for 2024. I'm self-proclaiming a year of sabbatical, in order to focus on several big projects and endeavors, and to pursue some new and different interests. Sabbatical conveys taking time to rest and restore, and exploring new horizons. Life has been pretty hectic and relentless for a long time, and I find myself re-evaluating my goals, pursuits, and priorities. Time for change! The last sabbatical I claimed was in 2018 (see Looking Ahead to 2018 – Sabbatical). Time for another one!

Nature is a big part of rest and restoration, and provides all kinds of inspiration. I love the seasons and the transition from one season to another. Each has its own beauty (or bane, in some cases)! Even here in the San Francisco Bay Area (where you might think the temperate coastal climate offers no seasons), we have distinct weather patterns, microclimates, and whole palettes of plants that offer up seasonal change. I'm looking forward to spending more time in nature and in the garden, observing flora and fauna, and looking for inspiration.


Seasons: (top row) Spring and Summer
(lower row) Fall and Winter

As with the seasons of nature, the seasons of life also change. I have to admit, I'm not getting any younger, and neither are any of the family and friends that are travelling through life with me. I want to honor that and see what the next season of life has in store and what it might look like. What has come to the end of its season of life, and what is just beginning? What no longer serves my life, and what would enrich it? It should be an interesting year of adventure. As always, I hope you'll join me on the journey!

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Looking Ahead to 2024 - Sabbatical

Happy New Year to you and yours! Let's make it an interesting and memorable year, full of life, learning, and experiences. This year my theme is "Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life". I'm self-proclaiming a year of sabbatical for myself, in order to focus on several big projects and endeavors, and pursue some new and different interests. I need the time.

I feel the winds of change blowing, and I want to be present to see where they lead. I'll continue posting during this process, since gardens, nature, and life are just too interesting to not take notice.


Clockwise: Field notes from nature and projects
Seasons and seasonal change
Seasons of life, transitions, and new horizons
Travels and adventures near and far

In the spirit of sabbatical, I plan to enjoy the seasons; nature, gardens, and plants; and this season of my life. I hope you will walk along with me on this journey!