Losing a Tree

There are many things in life that are more important than trees in our yards, but losing one is so sad. It comes somewhere in line after losing loved ones and pets, at least for a gardener. This year we lost an old myoporum tree that was one of the original 'scrap' trees in the vacant lot that eventually became our garden. It was a large shrub that I limbed-up into a tree to provide a much needed break from the summer sun while we worked in the garden. It wasn't a good looking tree shape-wise, but it had lovely spring flowers that were very fragrant and it cast a huge shadow of shady relief. I couldn't even find one picture of it in my archives, it was just an old standard that we took for granted. Last year most of the myoporums in our area were hard hit with thrips. I have about five more at the bottom of the garden that look like they are going to pull through, but this one was old in what is a relatively short life for a tree and eventually succumbed and had to be taken down. Where there once a shady retreat is now flooded with sun, to the delight of some of the ground covers and plants that struggled for light and nutrients under the tree. My heart aches a bit when I walk down the east steps into the garden past the stump, but gardening, like life, goes on.

A Generous Plant

This is aeonuim arboreum 'Zwartkopt' that lives on the west side of my Laguna garden. It has been there for many years and has spawned most of my other 'Zwartkopts' that are spread throughout both gardens. It is ridiculously easy to root, just break off a rosette and stick it in the ground. It thrives on neglect and adds drama wherever it is planted. I love to mix it in with ornamental grasses for contrast. Definately one of my favorite plants!

Results of Rain

Although this is not technically my garden in Laguna, it is the open field next door as seen from our deck. It is totally wild and is only green in the spring from all the rainfall we have been having. One of the lovely silver linings to all this wet!

Deep Purple

Heliotrope is one of my favorite plants because of its sweet scent. I also love the color of this variety (sorry, I forget the name) which is one of the deepest purples with dark velvety foliage. It is not drought tolerant so it must go where it will not dry out too much and always has a good covering of mulch on the soil. It will get rangy if not pinched back and needs deadheading to keep blooming. I grow this bunch at the feet of my Iceberg roses where it makes a fragrant and colorful combination.

Forecast: Wet

Our wet weather continues. I am not complaining because I know the rest of the country is suffering much more than we are, but I have been away for a couple weeks and was dreaming of coming home to walk through the garden in what would normally be a beautiful early spring morning. I need to buy some real rain boots. List of chores to be done is growing long. I have a party coming up for a support group of the local symphony and I am itching to put in some annuals for the event and finish the gravel garden project that was put on the back burner when the holidays arrived. For now I will have to be content with just adding to the to-do lists and waiting out the rain.

What Was That Name Again

I have long forgotten what kind of bush this is with the coral-pink flowers, but I bought it because its color complemented the tile obelisk in the Laguna garden.

Grape Hyacinth

I love these charming little blue grape hyacinths that have naturalized along the steps in Laguna. Because it is on a hillside, small details like this are closer to the eye and add charm that can be lost in a large, flat garden.

Naturalized Daffodils

Years ago I planted daffodils in the Laguna garden and they have continued to naturalize and multiply every year. There are a number of different kinds that bloom late winter all the way through to early summer. They are one of my favorite plants because they are like a surprise every year.

The Bird Gates

I was on my way down to the garden the other day and I realized I have never posted pictures of my beautiful gates in Laguna. They were custom made for me by artist David Wolf many years ago. These gates have 17 different kinds of birds on them, all from our area and life size. It is hard to photograph them so that they show the beauty and workmanship that went into them, but take my word for it, they are lovely!

Bare Pomegranate

This is what the pomegranate bush looks like in Laguna this time of year. It is starting to break dormancy and will fill in flush in a couple weeks. Pomegranates will be ready to eat in the fall. I have tried and tried to prune it into a tree, but it insists on being a shrub!