Garden Bloggers Bloom Day (GBBD) May 2013

There is a world full of flowering gardens, but is mine where my hands work and my  heart rests.  GBBD is a punctuation mark in my work. It encourages me to look up before I move on. 

This hummingbirds is an ethereal guest

 There is nothing like watching the diminutive hummingbirds lick nectar from blossoms just inches away to feel as one with nature. 

Rosa 'Sexy Rexy' popping through lacy pyramids of Centranthus Ruber

While the 2012  edition of the Sunset Western Garden Book   recommends planting on the garden fringes where the floppy fronds add an air of rusticity , we rather enjoy where the different cultivars in our collection decided to snuggle with our roses up against the patio.  

Herd of Anna's hummingbirds roam my garden year round

Available now in white and shades of pink tinged both bright and purplish, the original roots clung to Mediterranean cliff-sides. Known also by the aliases  Red Valerian and   Jupiter's Beard, Centranthus Ruber was known in 16th century England as a blowzy 
bloomer. 

The expanding food production patio is fronted by 'Our Land of Guadalupe Roses' and- Red Valerian.

In California, it is a hearty self- seeder. Wherever it travels: the hummingbirds follow.  

The seedlings didn't mind that this area is "under construction."  A rescued and refurbished pergola is awaiting a notch cut back in the hill to be brick-backed and replanted with an apple, blueberries and other quick-picks of nourishment. 

There is a direct correlation between the abundant species and plantings. 

While I live only 30 miles from the skyscrapers of downtown LA, ours is a country garden.  More concerned with welcoming wildlife than perfection.   

A curved-bill thrasher plays peek-a-boo 

2013 is turning into a spectacular year for bougainvillea.

Under the shade of the established tree and bench, the local squirrels like to take the last of the tangerines still clinging to the citrus. 

Uncommon as a year-round resident, spotted towhee enjoy the hospitality of the  bougainvillea allowed to grow a bit as a thicket. 

All the flowers from my garden do not go just to the birds.  Bowlfuls of roses and scented leaves are but a pluck away. 

Come back soon. We will return shortly to Fullerton Gardens, enjoy the spectacular homes and habitats of South Orange County and more. 

Until then, thank YOU for all you do to make the world more beautiful. 

Linking to Carol May's Garden Blogger's Bloom Day GBBD

and My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday 

2013 Fullerton Beautiful's Open Gardens Tour ~ Part III

Welcome. This next garden teaches that work can be fun. Its all in the attitude. 

The Stanko garden is a shoe-in for the cheeriest side yard on Earth.  

There is so much to love about how designer- in- residence Phyllis Stanko strutted her credentials on what is usually humble potting bench. At its core this is a work area- but the ambiance shouts to the world that work here is as fun as a day at Disneyland. 

Writer Sara Bliss explains the  colorful and creative and  bench  in this June. 2012 Woman's Day "Organize It" column.  

Magazine writing is very focused, so let me take you beyond the gate to see if the backyard lives up to this pretty snazzy introduction. 

The answer is a resounding YES. 

My fellow garden tourists were buzzing around Phyllis, so I chatted with her properly proud husband, Mike. 

He explained that as a designer, his wife is trained to make the best utilization of every inch of space.  When they were ready to redo the backyard, they spent a year in planning and then went for the wow.   

The backyard was designed as an extension of their home.  A retaining wall was cut back to facilitate the oversize fireplace with the open sky lounging area.  

Design Note: Multiple umbrellas anchoring conversation areas are very popular. 

The grounds are very spa like, with lush plantings of tropical specimens of bird of paradise, Pygmy palms and roses carrying much of the work load.  One difference from any spa I've been to-  

Whimsy. The whimsical  village of bird houses and feeders is just opposite  the big bay window. Perfect for attracting children, birds- and hapiness. 

Complete with the Fullerton avian eatery The Ivy. 

You can follow Ms Stanko on her design blog Around The House. 

Until we meet again (we have a few more great homes in Fullerton to visit before we head down to the gardens featured by the Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain) 

Thank you for all you do to make the world more beautiful. 

2013 Fullerton Beautiful's Open Garden Tour ~ Part 2

There is a special state where worries are flushed away by the shear beauty of lush tropical plantings fill the air with color. 

In the corner of the state is a waterfall that fills a pone where a family of growing koi  lap in lazy loops around the dozens of aquatic plants the Knigge's have collected. 

This is not just a state of beauty; a reminder of the homeowner's vacation on a peaceful Central Java Island, the beauty begets practical benefits.

The nutrient rich water feeds the plants with all the trace nutrients that are needed to maintain their health and vigor.  

On the patio table is the picture of the swimming pool  that was walked around far more than it was swum in when its age was going to require major modifications.  A detailed list of visiting birds.

With a love a nature and a desire for a retreat from city life, Larry and his wife decided on a design which is an homage to her Indonesian heritage.

 They named the garden Balifornia- for the Bali Hai state of mind crafted in the heart of Southern California suburbia.

From a lounge built for two the couple counts the birds- and their own happiness.

Bending indoor and outdoor living in our moderate climate allows Southern Californians to bring furniture and decorative touches most of the world can only dream of.

Design Notes: Tropical plants are compatible compadres. Lushness does not require fence to wall greenery. It requires healthy specimens and the recognition that unless you are going for the look of a sand dune- nature abhors a vacuum. Mulch  not only conserves water- it conserves energy by keeping down weeds.

We have a few more gardens to gander.  I thank you for your patience in all this- in every way, this is the busiest time of the year in the life of gardener and garden communicators- of which I am both. 

Until next time- thank you for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful.

Linking to My Romantic Home

2013 Fullerton Beautiful's Open Gardens Tours - Part 1

There are cities where the residents come to gardening easily. Fullerton is such a city.  This past April 28th,  the  2013 Fullerton Beautiful Committee presented the gardens of 7 special homeowners brave enough to open their garden gates wide to the curious public.

 

Let the taste of two gardens whet your appetite for more.

 

 Robert and Jan's garden did what all gardens do. Told a story of what the homeowners value. 

 With seating arrangements from the front courtyard, on the patio and tucked about the garden, these are hospitable people who care for the comfort of their guests.

 

They are the creative sort. Look closely at the stacked pots of herbs. With pockets larger than a standard strawberry jar- the potential for abundance is multiplied without requiring a larger footprint.

 

Everywhere, the garden is filled with vignettes. The crystal water droplet falling from the spigot teased smiles a little brighter on the faces of those strolling through. 

 

This mosaic sphere was created by the homeowner- in a former life as a bowling ball, it certainly wasn't so visually alluring.

This image is a lesson in why function should marry form.  It not only shows pride, it makes chores so much more enjoyable.

More people should do what this homeowner created- a seating area where you can argue the virtues of looking at versus looking from.

Why shouldn't the fences of a garden be used to hang art and mirrors in the garden?  If I were to pick a word to describe this garden's style, it would be charming.

The homeowners think of themselves as novice gardeners, but they underestimate their talent. Fine gardening is not limited to those who can spout words in Latin and display plants with price tags the value of a car. Fine gardening achieves a goal. This garden, with the fountains scattered about, artful arrangement of seating is a garden that encourages neighborly visits. If I were a plant and could choose where to live- I would be happy to be adopted and raised in this place. For this is an exceedingly happy garden.

 

 Many thanks to my companion for the day. Nikkipolani is one of my favorite bloggers. While she isn't a photographer by trade- she could be.  She has some wonderful pictures of the tour here.

 

Look on her site for the magnificent kitchen in Nikki's photos of the next garden, the Engineered Garden.

With views from the deck of the 29 palms (plants, not the city) this three story garden has elements reminiscent of the Robinson Estate and Gardens in Beverly Hills. Including some rather serious steps  where one could climb down to visit the roots of the crowns which tower above.

What was absolutely fascinating is what Nancy, the homeowner, shared about the annual trimming of the palm trees.  Once the trimmer rises to the top, he zip lines from tree to tree, not returning to the ground until the last tree is groomed. This is the garden of a homeowner committed to her responsibility to the environment.

Which leaves us with 5 more gardens to show us the special stories of their owners.

Until next time- thank you for all you do to make the world more beautiful.

Southern California Spring Garden Show Season Opener Part 2 of 2

Meet Kathryn England. Born in Hawaii, she was raised near San Francisco during the era of Flower Power- the 1960's. If this did not infuse her senses full of color- she lived for two years in El Salvador before studying art and art history in London. Prior to becoming an influential member of the Fullerton art movement Kathryn traveled throughout Europe, the Far East and much of Central America. 

Her pots, hearts, globes and benches- some at the show were by her student's Sue and Nancy- these are the ultimate in low water, low maintenance color for the garden.   A generous person, Nancy not only creates- she teaches others. Sign up for a class or workshop at her studio  here and maybe we will run into each other.

Back in Fullerton, not only does Nancy operate a studio and teach classes- she's a mover and shaker behind "All The Arts for All the Kids Foundation."  The City displays these 5 foot tall mosaic hearts in the downtown area- then they are sold to private collectors  to raise money for the arts program. Click here to learn more. 

Anyone who thought planting pockets were a passing phase- think again. At the show, this display added charm no painted masterpiece could have. A simple wash of of green ivy is encrusted with the long-lasting warm colors of  kalanchoe- nature may reign inside as well as out.

Color is in vogue. This display at the Epiphyllum Society of America called to me.

Particularly this bloom of 'Great Waltz'. 

It took all my will power to not bring home this mature pink 'Giant Empress' specimen at the show courtesy of Marcel's Orchids and Succulents. Soon.  

Speaking of orchids- they were everywhere, in full and glorious bloom. 

I wish I lived in Orange County so I could get to know their master gardener Robin Russel better. Oh, the stories about bunnies we shared during our al-too brief visit. LOOK at that Apron- she embroidered the flowers and garden tools whilst her husband drove on road trips. 

Bonsai. The ultimate reduce, reuse and recycle of living art. Exhibitor Paul Minerich described this bougainvillea  was a substandard performer in his established garden for 35 to 40 years. He axed it out. Put it in this gorgeous antique pot he believes his father-in- law brought back from Japan.  His hint to those of us always on the hunt for GOOD pots- seek out bonsai shows and demonstrations at our public gardens, like this one upcoming at the LA County Arboretum. 

What brings the outside beauty of nature in more convincingly than bold over-sized bouquets?  If you are ready to break down and purchase the US made stacked vase sets  by the Horticultural Institute of Southern California- don't wait for the next fair or garden show. Order here. 

Next up will be selected scenes from the Fullerton Open Gardens Day. 

"All The Arts for All the Kids Foundation" Image is from the non-profit site. 

Southern California Garden Show Season Opener - Part 1 of 2

The Speaker's Area entrance

April. How I wish you were two months, not one. So much to do. Including take in garden shows and tours. The season opener this year: the Southern California Spring Garden Show at South Coast Plaza. 

With all that needs to be done in my own garden and the pile of paper needing personal attention, why leave home? For the same reason God gave man the Sabbath and cultures celebrate. It is good to look up. To commune and to learn. 

It took 3 authors to compile the authoritative California Native Plants for the Garden- Carol Bornstein, David Fross and Bart O'Brien. Don't you just love the serape the Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens displayed it on? 

At home, my 'Ida Red' iris  from Greenwood Garden just finished its 5 month-long  extended blooming season. That performance earned it some shopping for companions. At the show, the horticulturist's wife and daughter  were wonderful about helping me choose garden- mates to pretty-up its stand in my garden.  The larger bold pink is a regal  geranium named 'Belinda'. The prom queen will need to be cut back 70% in the fall. Next spring , from her cuttings will spring joyous progeny ):- 

Aurelia from Greenwood garden 

These miniature Martha Washington geraniums - 'Aurelia' - these are simply brilliant defining the waist of a planter box or edging the garden path. 

Fern farmer  Jim Boehme expanded on what belongs in the garden designer's repertoire of California natives- hiking in our local hills and mountains, in the shade along stream beds are ferns. Among his collection sold to collectors and commercial aggregates are the indigenous 'Woodwardia  fimbriata' and the lovely immigrant  Korean Rock fern  'Polystichum tsus-simense'. Deep green and well behaved, it deserves to be in more landscapes. You can check out  the Fern Factory's  extensive collection of specialties  here .

Stay tuned. The handsome young man at the counter of the all soil solutions specialist  ENRECOS  expanded upon the wonders of worm composting- sharing that besides succulents and natives "This is the year of the dahlia." 

The next edition of the blog will tell you more about the  artists who sparked a  garden craze.

Next up-  you will be treated to some plant-envy inducing introductions, garden hints and highlights. Including introducing you to the Fullerton based mosaic artists whose work is shown above. Then it is on to the Fullerton Open Gardens Tour... 

Until then- Take time to do something to make the world more beautiful.