California!

In mid-September I met a girlfriend in California for a brief get-away. The start of our trip was a drive to Sacramento to visit some of her childhood haunts. I was impressed by all of the Italian cypress in that part of the state. They were so beautiful and I once again wished I could grow them in Virginia. We spent the night near the Capitol building and visited the building and its lovely grounds before hitting the road. This was my first trip to California and I was very excited to see orange trees.

and redwoods!

The grounds were filled with many other beautiful, old trees including this Atlas Cedar.

There was one section with boxwood, aucuba and rhododendron that felt and smelled (thanks to the boxwoods) just like home. Turns out it was! The garden was a recreation of East Coast flora to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Civil War.

Of course inside the building itself, I couldn't resist taking a picture of another amazing sight

After that early morning tour we headed toward Point Reyes National Seashore Park. Beside the sandy beach were waves of colors that turned out to be a variety of succulents.

Our trip ended in San Francisco where my friend had a conference and I spent two days exploring the city on my own. The first day I of course ended up at Golden Gate Park known for its gardens. The Japanese gardens were my favorite. Look at this beautiful gingko to the right of the Tea House. It was unlabeled, but one of the gardeners told me it was the species.

I had been leaning toward planting the 'Autumn Gold' variety along the street, at Michael Dirr's recommendation, but I'm already rethinking. This may be why I don't progress very quickly in my garden. It takes me forever to come up with what I think will be the perfect variety and then I see or learn something that changes my mind!

Throughout the garden they used heavily pruned bamboo to both divide rooms and create movement. Bamboo is a plant I love, but can't bring myself to plant because of its invasive nature and our proximity to natural woodlands. The idea of using it in this way make me think maybe...

Doesn't it look like boxwood in a formal garden from this distance?

Water was throughout the garden all connected to a large pond you didn't discover until the end

with beautiful, old koi.

There were a number of unusual bridges, many of which seemed solid until you got up close and saw the water or a glimpse of a fish passing underneath.

There was also a beautiful collection of dwarf conifers with a sad history. The collection originally belonged to a Japanese couple, the original caretakers of the garden. According to the sign "during World War II" the couple "was forced to relocate to other areas of the country." Sounds like they were sent to an internement camp to me. Do they really think the public is so stupid they can't figure out the truth? Why not just be honest and show respect for the Hagiwara family by acknowledging their experience. Perhaps, I'm assuming too much; read the sign and decide for yourself.

Here's a picture of their beautiful collection in its current home. The good thing I took away from the sign was proof that "miniature" conifers really are, well, miniature. If these plants are really from the 40's they're growing as slowly as promised. Not that I thought the books were lying, but it's nice to see an actual example with a year for reference.

Some other details I found inspirational:

Check out this little piece of wood with a plant growing inside. Such a simple thing became something fun to discover and such a pretty way to draw attention to an attractive piece of wood.

Checkout this manmade hill creating height in an otherwise flat area. I love its variegated topper!

This grass was beautiful, especially when the light shone on it highlighting the red; it would look gorgeous by my pond. The botanical gardens had it labeled as Imperata Cylindrica Santintail. I thought I remembered this from a controversial Horitculture cover where it first caught my eye. Readers wrote in incensed that they would feature such an invasive plant in such a prominent way! My initial research indicates my memory is correct. It's listed on the Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia list. Oh well, it was fun to dream about however briefly. Of course, now I still don't know what to plant near the pond...

This bench looks simple enough to create at home. Won't my Dad be thrilled with this inspiration.

I loved too that they used these simple wood boxes for their pond plants. I always reuse black, plastic pots, but this was interesting.

I walked around Stowe Lake to reach these waterfalls.

Notice yet another bridge, this one crossing the falls, that allows water to flow freely.

This dead tree on the other side of the lake looks exactly like a giant heron stalking its prey...

The botanical gardens had a few impressive specimens and I took photos of lots of trees and perennials that were new to me and that I want to learn more about. I won't bore you with all of the pictures in this already long posting, but check out the trunk on this Lemon Verbena.


Macondray Lane was tucked between two streets in the Russian Hill area of downtown. After climbing up more steep hills than I would ever have liked, I found it closed in and a more secluded area than I usually venture into alone in a big city. Looking back from where I'd come and looking forward to the woodland-like path I took a deep breath and plunged ahead. It was completely unexpected in the middle of a city.

I liked this little seating area one homeowner had created along the way.

Gardens at the National Zoo

I know, I know, it's a zoo, the focus is supposed to be the animals, not the gardens. But, I'm a gardener, no matter where I am gardens always catch my eye.

When we visited the National Zoo a few weeks ago I took some pictures of the animals, but most of my photos were of the gardens. The zoo is pretty well shaded with many old, beautiful trees, many of the varieties Dirr recommends. The flower beds are mostly okay in the older parts of the zoo, but they are definitely doing some interesting things in the newer sections.

These grasses were in one of the older sections under some trees. I love how the grass looks like water. I wish I knew exactly what kind it was, but I don't know grasses. My dream is to one day do a natural woodland garden with Asian influence under the pines. The trees are in a circle with a couple of cedars and bitternut tress on the outskirts. I can see a grass like this bordering the path, perhaps on the outside between the cedars and the woods. It's so calming, I even just like looking at in the photo.

In the aviary, they used this very simple fencing for decoration. If you look closely, you can see that the frame is made by standard wood pieces you can buy at any store, faced with sticks placed in a random pattern. It makes a great rustic border and goodness knows we have plenty of sticks around so this would be easy to recreate. I have no idea where I would use it though, perhaps on a larger scale around the cutting garden?

I loved the natural feel of this man-made stream.

This is another spot on the same stream. Can't you just envision wildlife and humans alike walking (barefoot for the humans) through it or just sitting on the rocks enjoying its bubbly, coolness?

Ahhhhh, something to consider for the "great pond expansion project." No definite plans or start date mind you, it's strictly in the information gathering stages.

These creations were at the beginning of the Asia Trail. It's the kind of thing we've seen hundreds of times with cornstalks only this time, with sticks instead. Not only is it unique, but so textural you can't resist touching it. They did the same thing with bamboo closer to the pandas.

Speaking of bamboo, isn't this gorgeous? They've used bamboo throughout the zoo, but I only recall this golden colored variety along the Asia Trail paths. I do love bamboo, but don't feel I can plant it due to it's thug-like nature. I am very curious however about the clumping varieties; although I've also read that they too spread, just not quite as rampantly. Living so close to a natural forest and a feeding river for the Chesapeake Bay I just don't feel like I can take a chance.

Isn't this a pretty garden? Wait, it gets better, let me show you a wide shot...

it's on a roof! There's been a lot of blog buzz about the book Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls by Nigel Dunnett and Noel Kingsbury. I love the idea of it for the environmental benefits and was thrilled to see the National Zoo was making a "green" effort. Apart from all of that though, it was just downright pretty!


This was another man-made stream at the zoo. It's deeper than the previous one and lovely, but with just stone on either side and the plants at a distance it's not naturalistic enough for my setting.

Oh Bountiful Harvest

This is my largest harvest ever! I know it doesn't seem like much, but hey it's only my second summer as a vegetable gardener. The reddish-purple tomato is my first ever 'Purple Calabash;' we're each going to have a taste at dinner tonight. I've been harvesting the 'San Marzano's' for a while now, but never enough to make a meals worth. I definitely need 3 plants next year instead of 2, or should I get 4?

One of our family favorites is a roasted tomatoes recipe that I have been anxious to try with this variety. Up until now, I've only made it with canned because I haven't had enough ripened at one time! Credit for the recipe belongs to Bringing Tuscany Home by Frances Mayes.

3 28-oz cans of whole peeled tomoatoes, drained and cut in half lengthwise

1/4 cup olive oil

3 T each minced rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil

5 garlic cloves chopped

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 200.

Arrange the tomatoes cut side up in a baking dish. Drizzle the oil and scatter herbs and garlic over them. Salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 2 hours.

We have had these mixed into a store bought pasta sauce, in a pasta salad and as a bruschetta. They're delicious everytime! If I ever get to try it with the 'San Marzano's' I'll let you know how it tastes.

My Favorite Time of Day

I have had a worry on my heart recently, now relieved, that kept me from doing much of what I usually enjoyed. However, there was always one thing I could rally myself for: a nightly "walk" around the yard with Simon and the dogs.

Watching the dogs play,

and enjoy the slide,

doing some weeding and checking for new growth,

feeding the fish (the dogs come running so they can eat too when we call, "Time to feed the fish,")

and watching the various amphibian eggs appear and disappear (the fish eat more than just the food we give them.)

helped me keep going.

Although I didn't do much gardening (or blogging) the past two weeks, I was able to turn to my creation as a meditative retreat that kept me going when I needed it most. It provided me a place to relax and enjoy the moment, a place where I didn't have to throw myself into a project or other distraction to keep my whirling mind still. For a while I was able to ignore all of the "to-do's" around me and just enjoy. My favorite time of day is heaven!

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day-July 2008

Monarda from my mom's garden. This is new to me this year and though I know it's a thug and I'll be hating it in a few years, I really love it's spiky hairdo!

















Anise Hyssop 'Blue Fortune' from inside the kitchen garden. This was one of those great finds, drastically marked down at a nursery because it was puny looking. Well, it's puny no more.



















A volunteer of Queen Anne's Lace just where I'd want it; in the kitchen garden. Sally Cunningham of Great Garden Companions loves these for "attracting and sheltering a wide range of beneficials."

Coreopsis grandiflora 'Golden Showers.' These are repeated along the brick sidewalk in front of the house. I was bemoaning the fact they were too upright at first, but they've softened some. I think I'll still move them back in the fall though.

Echinacea from Martha's garden. Last year the deer ate it, but so far so good.

The most amazing hydrangea that came with the house. It's monstrous and beautiful! I suspect it's 'Annabelle,' but I'm not 100% sure.

Asiatic lilies I also inherited. They're smell is a little too heavy for me to have in the house, but I do like that it greets me when I step out on the porch.

Also in bloom...
Butterfly Bush
Fennel (just this week!)
Liatris
Russian Sage

Shasta daisies

Baby Bluebird Rescue x 2

Saturday, July 5th

The previously mentioned babies saw their first snake! We suspect it's the previously photographed rat snake because we first saw it near the same location. Within the hour we were very excited to see it again, this time slithering along the backyard. Luckily, I am no longer using my Palm to shoot photos so as you'll see these are much better! Since I was mostly preoccupied with the twins, my son Simon had the presence of mind to shoot some fabulous snake shots.

We were a little slow to comprehend why we were so lucky to see this brazen fellow, but when he started heading toward the steadily chirping baby bluebirds we caught on! He was hungry.

We tried to stand in his path, hoping he would veer, but with no success. He made it to the tree and began climbing ! Knowing he wasn't poisonous, wasn't comfort enough to convince any of us to touch him at first. Using sticks we gently pushed him down and then tried moving him with the baby pool.

He escaped and headed back to the tree. My Dad got into the act and was brave enough to pick him up by the tail! He quickly doubled back on him though and was, ummm, quickly put back on the ground. I had put down my human baby and picked up the camera by this time, but the only shot I got of my Dad, the snake wrangler, was of his butt; I'll spare you that one. Finally, he was deposited in the woods and what we hoped was far enough away from the bluebird babies! They were safe!

Saturday, July 12th

I was enjoying my favorite view yesterday afternoon, looking down from my bedroom window, when I saw baby bluebirds diving out of their home like paratroopers from a plane. It was very exciting until I noticed that one of the birds had landed in the baby pool immediately below. Simon and I rushed outside to see if help was needed and found that a second baby bird had also landed in the pool. The parents were flying anxiously above, chirping furiously, but the babies were motionless,

one on the dry side,

the other on the wet.

The wet one was easy to scoop out using a frisbee. We deposited him on the grass

and the father found him quickly.

He hopped across the yard, finally taking flight.

He landed on the slide and slid right down to the bottom! I laughed out loud, but unfortunately didn't snap a picture. While all of this was going on the 2nd baby was still unmoving in the pool. Simon managed to get him out; I was too nervous to watch how he did it. neither mother nor father found this one right away. We didn't have to worry though, this little fellow was an expert in disguise.

Can you spot him in the grass?

Careful now, don't hurt his feelings, he's convinced he's invisible!

As we watched from afar he finally stuck his head up and his father found him! The family was reunited and hanging out in our woods!

Two final notes:

The offending pool is now empty and upside down so it can't catch anything else!

The snake appeared again today by the cutting garden. He seemed a little nervous around us this time and quickly headed back to the woods. Poor guy, I guess he doesn't know that with the bluebirds safe our interest in him is purely scientific!

Anticipation...

A week with my two-year old niece and nephew, mostly at my house and partly at theirs, didn't leave much time for gardening OR blogging. As soon as I arrived home today, I greeted Simon and the dogs and we all headed out to the gardens. The most change was in the kitchen garden, quickly filling with soon to be ripened food.

'San Marzano' roma tomatoes

'Purple Calabash' tomato

Yellow peppers

Onions

Yellow squash