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.
Oh how lovely. In the picture with the china hutch on the patio I had to look closely to see if that was YOUR patio!
ReplyDeleteI sure wish I could do that but alas we have a slatted patio cover and when it rains everything under it gets wet. I will never understand that kind of design but then it was the in thing back in the day!!
I was looking at the koi pond and wondering how they keep the big birds from swooping in and carrying off the fish. The Herrera's have one and it was the racoons who would come in and have a nice fish dinner! They eventually had to cover it with a special netting.
XO Trisha
What a FABULOUS Garden this is....So very peaceful and serene.....Truly Lovely!!! I love how the Pond is such a central and important part of the whole....I love the name of the garden, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Trisha- It is possible to keep the slats - and have a solid roof. Bet roofer Matt could guide you if you wanted. It is so WONDERFUL to have the storage the outside china cabinet provides.
ReplyDeletePonds can be built to a certain depth with ledges the koi can hide from predators under. Mammals are deterred by motion sensor sprinkling devices. But one must accept some loss unless you want to cover the whole pond in netting.
Dear Naomi- 100% agree. My heart leaped out of my chest on this garden.
It was certainly an amazing garden to visit -- more than a garden, but another world entirely. And seemingly built for the enjoyment of visitors as well as the home owners.
ReplyDeleteNikki- "Another world entirely." The Garden of Eden, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteSometimes, after viewing garden photos like these today, I get discouraged cause mine will never look as spectacular.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Is that first picture with the haning peachy colored flower a Trumpet Tree or Trumpet Bush? I just love Trumpets in any color.
Judy in Seal Beach.
Absolutely lovely. Would like to sit on the patio with a glass of wine and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi, Judy. I am so sorry you have garden-envy. The golden-peachy trumpet tree glow beautifully at night- but the magic is in the evening- when the scent calls the night pollinators to it.
ReplyDeleteSue- Coffee, tea. Morning,night time. This is a spectacular garden.
Just one word -- WOW!
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