Santa Barbara GWA Tour 5- Seaside Gardens~ Carpinteria ~What Love and Gardens have in common

Gardens and love have this in common. In the beginning, there is a basic concept of what is wanted, but only with patience (including trial and error) is there the possibility of creating something breathtaking. 

Because our wants evolve through experience- that something may not look anything like our original vision. 

We followed the direction the sheep pointed from the parking lot

Following  the curve of the ocean south towards Ventura lies  the incorporated town of Carpinteria. This would be our last stop before home. Rounding that last turn off the freeway, rain pounded the car's roof with jackhammer ferocity.

We were so thankful that on Super Bowl Sunday in the pouring rain, the gates were kept open for our merry band of writers. 

When the Spaniards explored this coastal town, they named it for the carpenter shop. The industrious Chumash tribe took advantage of local tar deposits, mixing with pine pitch to construct sea-worthy canoes. 

Gerry listens to Sam's accent- he was born not far from where she went to college in the UK

 Greeting us with cookies and hot beverages where an overhang gave us a shot of staying momentarily dry , Sam Mayberry explained how the retail area is surrounded by 12 demonstration gardens. Each vignette is designed to show what a little plant will look in maturity; how it will relate to the landscape as a whole. 

Umbrellas up, we fanned out across 3 walkable acres of shops, nooks and gardens. Ideas everywhere. 

A patchwork of succulents sleeping under lath. 

Books to educate and inspire (some of these authors I've met at GWA events- how cool is that!) 

A gift shop chock full of garden and garden-them accouterments.  A cricket for the hearth- stained glass stepping stones for outside- a carved stone own as at home with contemporary and craftsman settings. 

This is what Seaside Gardens is famous for. Breathtaking moments more commonly associated with arboretums and botanical gardens than retail nurseries.  The white blossom-laden bush in the foreground- meet Michelia doltstopa. An evergreen cousin to magnolias- to discover its fragrance alone was worth the trip. 

I loved this spot where visual texture in juxtaposed paving materials added interest to a simply planted pathway. 

If you have loved ones slow to understand the high-color potential of a low water landscape-  share these pictures- 

Hot pink dwarf euphorbia 

Cast metal salmon- time and temp artfully told.

Darkness was now descending faster than the rain. My notes and camera were tucked under my jacket for protection. We have a list- of wishes from Seaside and measurements from our garden.  We're planning to return north with an empty truck and full wallets.

I never knew my grandparents. My vision of  Eden was what I thought the garden of a grandmother I never knew  have been. The purpose of the vision- a grandmother's garden- this never changed, but how it is articulated is authentic to the people we grew to be, not of people only imagined. 

Until we meet again, Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful.  

 Lydia E Plunk

2013: Summer of Renovation Projects- The Edible Garden and Stained Glass Progress

Upright  rosemary hides the base of the new plumeria, visually anchoring the corner

I've always been a sucker for handsome fella's with baby blue eyes. So you know I fell for Coda from the moment he first stared over the fence. Every move , the whole summer, the Husky watched over me. 

Hardscape materials were coordinated based on charm factor- texture, tonality and durability

Coda watched the split-level space which the wild had reclaimed from a formal vegetable area. The space was cut back slightly, leveled and tamed. The sprinkler lines needed to be re-routed before I tested my muscle against the largest blocks within the allen +roth Luxura Country Manor garden block collection from Lowe's. Weighing in at 57 lbs apiece- this project proved I am in darn good shape for a woman of any age or profession. 

The walkway was leftover pavers from a long-ago driveway project. Each block was lifted, cleaned and re-leveled on landscaping cloth over compacted sand. 

The manufactured cobbles were picked up at Armstrong's in La Habra.  Coming in square foot sheets, these are a blessing of easy installation.

The overhead trellis and outline of planting pockets are the last projects before the edible garden is christened.

Instead of construction gravel- whose size would have been difficult to manage into the cracks between the walkway, color-coordinated aquarium gravel from Petsmart was  swept into all the joints of the hardscape. 

Gerry refurbished an old garden bench. I helped with the easy part- scrubbing and painting the ironwork. He didn't cut down an oak tree to make the planks. But pretty close. 

Why go to all this trouble? Each of these benches first lived with our respective sets of parents. You can't buy that sort of memories. 

He hand selected red oak from the lumber forest at Reel Lumber in Anaheim. Split and planed the planks. Routed and sanded. Custom blended a stain and then sealed under coats of spar varnish.  The marine-grade fittings were hunted down at the Home Depot. 

Bench in forlorn state of disrepair

 If that doesn't sound impressive- this second bench - currently almost ready to put back into service - this is pretty much the condition of the one now holding court in the almost finished edible garden. 

Jim Shore rooster guards one entry point to the garden against intruders of the critter kind

Along the way, there were  unanticipated challenges. Newly built steps to construct the garden proved not just convenient for people. They provide a bunny breezeway to where my granddaughter's favorite new food- carrots- will be grown.  The solution was found by building nests of succulents topped off with Jim Shore garden ornaments.  

Jim Shore chicken ornament blocks bunny-traffic

 As a new grandmother, I am naturally drawn to dropping more whimsy into the garden. 

My granddaughter may not even be able to walk when she will learn what fun it is to pull bright vegetables fresh from tilled earth.  That is as it should be.

Coda went back to college with his human partner this week. If we are fortunate- the edible garden area will be operational when they return for the holidays. 

In the mean time, the insert for the new dutch door is coming close to being ready for installation.  This glass-work of mine and woodworking expertise of my husband is proving a good partnership. 

Window detail 

Solar lit- "Ethel's Garden"- a tribute to my late mother is installed in my shed.

Until we meet again- Thank YOU for all you do to make the world more beautiful. 

Summer Recap Part 1 - Churning Butter

Summer will end as all summers do. Too soon.  Before it is gone in the haste of living, take time to remember what made this one special for you. 

Breville  Sous Chef TM food processor 

Am I the only girl who uses her husband as an excuse to shop? 

Summer began with a  morning date demonstration on grilling at Sur la Table. 
Nothing dangerous. Except we packed credit cards. 

Background. My husband's first love was butter. It was his first instruction to me as a new bride- ONLY real butter is served in our home. 

A surprise addition to the lesson plan at the demonstration was how to make our own butter at home. All you need is cream- and this 1200 watt wonder-machine.

I would never have brought back this handsome Australian machine  if I hadn't had my husband to blame the extravagance on. The chef showed my love how the powerful Breville  Sous Chef TM food processor  can pulsate cream into silky butter in 2 1/2 minutes. 

You can hear it when the butter is ready to scoop from the machine. It makes this little thunk-ity thunk noise. As the solids magically spin lightly yellow-  the most luscious buttermilk separates from it. 

Now his wife not only writes delicious copy;  she churns world class butter.  

Tip:  If you have a Smart and Final  store nearby- while any heavy cream will do - they carry Alta Dena Manufacturing Cream- which is worth seeking out. 

As is a good gym membership. Any day I'm not lifting plants in the garden, I am on the treadmill or lifting weights at Fitness Advantage in Diamond Bar. 




Top image from Sur la Table website.

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. 

Celebrating Birth with Slow Flowers

My husband has a new title: Grandpa.

His duties include Photoshoping images and dropping in funny captions.

I haven't quite decided on my title. 

Like with shoes, there are more choices for women than men. 

What goes best with Lydia? I work with words and all their connotations. I'm neither a Grannie nor a Glamamma- 

Perhaps Grandma?Grammy? Nanna? 

What do you think? 

Seeing our first grandchild so at peace , her  diminutive fragility apparent compared to my husband's hand, the expression "It's the Little Things..." has a whole new meaning. 

The crystal ball predict's Kenny and company will be adding  a new children's line to the

Bass Knuckles TM  line of clothing. He will protect and provide for this child with every inch of his life. No parent can ask more of a son than he grow to be a man such as he. 

The crystal ball also predicts that in motherhood, Shannon will still continue to light up every room she walks into. Maybe it is the athletic lineage of both parents, but Shannon deserves credit for taking great care of her health throughout her  pregnancy. It shows in how well the baby has done this first week of life. 

Of all the wonderful days we've spent with Shannon's parents- this one tops them all. Their whole family - its an honor to be linked to them through our youngest children's love for each other.

The first view little Charley had of  this world was of the Newport Harbor.  No wonder she is smiling in so many pictures. 

Only one thing missing. Flowers. 

My copy of Debra Prinzing's Slow Flowers still smells of the Portland bookshop where it was purchased.  Written by a journalist's journalist, the message on its compact glossy pages is encouraging. There is  living beauty to pluck into any variety  of containers on a moment's notice. OK. It doesn't matter that I know nothing of  florists near Hoag Hospital. 

Gerry and I excused ourselves to get a bite to eat. We were on a mission.  Our granddaughter would have flowers to share with her mom.  We needed a card, beautiful fresh flowers with some pizzazz - and someone or somewhere to put them together.    

Close by is The Golden Triangle of shopping. 

Roger's Gardens, Bristol Farms and Sur La Table    

If you are the type who swoons at the nearly lost art of  beautiful gift cards- special tip- check out the selection inside Roger's gift shop. Not large, but extraordinarily thoughtful.  

Bristol Farms excels at keeping flowers to tempt generosity from its grocery customers. This bouquet- a supporting cast of purple and green filler assisted  the sunshine yellow roses and sunflowers in  flagging down my husband's attention. He would have no other. 

We needed a vase. The fanciful shape of the  Center hole pitcher at Sur la Table caught his imagination.  To weight the arrangement visually, a madras hand-towel was made into an apron for the glass container, tied on with ribbon. 

Ask and you shall receive- the floral staff had gone home for the day. The store manager was really nice about letting me go behind the counter to cut strip leaves from stems, cutting  to length as the flowers were inserted one-by-one into a swirl.  

It was fun chatting with the ladies who watched me work. What I know of arranging flowers comes from Debra's book and a very special day long, long ago, when I assisted in assembling arrangements for The Academy Awards. Being a journalist who asked if they needed a volunteer, I asked lots of questions of the lead florist.  As Debra says in her book" writers are sponges and driven by an insatiable need-to-know curiosity."

Voila! 

The next day, our little one enchanted her great- grandmother. 

 When Kenny and Shannon married, two became as one. And now they are three.

Linking up to My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday