Wednesday, July 11, 2012

My Garden

This is my garden space!
I am envious of gardens you can walk through.  Mine is more of the "walk up to" type, with most of my plants located in 15' - 20' deep raised planters surrounding a large pool, deck, patio space.  I have more than enough earth to dig, so no complaints.  Half of my collection are in pots (that will be another post).  My gardens contain a combination of very old subtropical trees, my favorite being a 60 year old Dracaena draco; Mediterranean and California native shrubs; and succulents.  

We live in the foot hills of San Diego, about 12 miles from the coast in a transition zone between the Pacific Ocean and inland mesas/valleys.  We benefit from the marine influence with continuous coastal breezes and moderate temps, without the challenges that go with living on the ocean.  Similarly, we aren't as hot/dry/stagnant as areas east of us.  I have grown to appreciate the climate here as I just don't consider the weather when choosing plants.  I do wish however, that I could grow stone fruit!  

Here are a few photos of my gardens

A mixed planting

Dracaena draco tree underplanted with aeoniums.
Echium candicans and Yucca aloifolia, right background

New Cactus/succulent garden
Potted Agave desmettiana surrounded by
drought tolerant shrubs


A few of my potted plants

Love this combination!
Agave attenuata, Aloe dawei, and Felicia amelloides

Potted Euphorbia bupleurifolia,
Senecio mandraliscae, and salvia



15 comments:

  1. I garden in a dry tropics zone here in Australia. While it sounds ludicrous that the tropics can be dry, it is in fact very true. We have a very prolonged dry season every year. I'm so impressed with your lovely garden despite some of the conditions that cause challenges where you garden. The old Dracaena draco tree is amazing. The plantings around your pool area are just lovely, and your new cactus/succulent garden are looks fantastic.

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  2. Thank you for the nice compliments Bernie! I think we share a lot in common with several areas of Australia.

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  3. I love the Dracaena tree (fabulous). You really have a stunning garden, so neat as well. The pic with the agave & drought plants also great feel to it. LT

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  4. Welcome to Blotanical.

    Un saludo

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    1. Hi Jordi! Thank you for the nice "Welcome." I didn't know enough about blogging a month ago, to send you a prompt response. Looking forward to sharing plant stories.

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  5. You're living in a paradise! I'd love a garden you have... I live in Finland where the climate and plants are totally different. If you like to see, how it's here in the North, welcome to visit my blog!

    Satu

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  6. Thanks for visiting my blog! You can Finnish! Don't wonder if you get more Finnish guests to your blog. I put your bloglink to my blogside.

    Have a nice Monday! Enjoy the Sun, we're having rain!

    Satu

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    1. Hey Satu! This is so late but I was reading over this post and noticed I never sent a reply to you! I think I typed a response but must not have hit the "publish" key. I know better now! I appreciate your comments and love your blog too! It will be nice to have a few Finnish fans!

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  7. Always like see what is growing in California. I love it out your way. Have visited often. Glad to have found your postings. Here on the shores of Lake Michigan - life is a lot different. Love the lake as part of my garden and the many photos I post, but love California and all the people I have met out your way too.

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    1. A few years ago I visited Northern Michigan. Wow, talk about green and lush! It's just beautiful there. The vegetation there is so uniquely different from our area. I loved the fresh blueberries! Heading over to your blog to check out your photos.

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  8. You've used your garden space very well. It's beautiful! The colors in your mixed garden makes it look cool and refreshing. We lived in San Diego a lifetime ago. We bought our first home out in Poway.

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    1. Thank you Carolyn! I have a complete lack of design sense, but my plants do it all for me. Are you still on the West Coast?

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  9. We live in southern BC Canada and yes we are semi desert. To keep sane dry gardening is very big here and can also look great. Just wish we had the variety you have to work with. Love your plants.

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    1. Hi "Sensible"! Never would have imagined any regions in Canada being semi-desert! I took a look at your blog and your gardens are beautiful! We both seem to have a love for Daylilies!

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