Brandon Tyson in Sausalito
Connected to San Francisco by the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is protected from the marine winds of the
Pacific by the Marin headlands. Tendrils of fog never quite reach the tumbling gardens overlooking the bay.
Recently while strolling Sausalito’s many pedestrian footpaths, a resident affirmed the area has seven different
micro-climates. In a section of Sausalito with verdant, old gardens referred to as “The Banana Belt”,
landscape designer Brandon Tyson has matched the Bohemian verve of the place with a garden for Linda Hothem
that combines original plant combinations, playful topiary and commissioned art.
A terraced slope secured by rock walls is planted in a color story of orange and white. Vivid Calceolaria
“Kentish Hero” and mounds of Cuphea “Strybing Sunset” are contrasted with the fresh Iris “Frequent flyer”
In a corner of the garden, white flowering and grey foliage plants predominate such as the fragrant Dianthus arenarius.
Pathways of mellow granite slabs are interplanted with Scotch moss Sagina subulata,
Acorus gramineus and black mondo grass Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrecens’. Inky black grape
seed mulch (used throughout the garden) sets off the striking composition.
Restrained, dark colored borders backed by clipped hedges featuring Iris ‘Superstition’ with the black foliage
of Anthriscus ‘Ravenswing’ are on one side of the central lawn. Paired Japanese maples Acer palmatum disectum
‘Crimson Queen’ underplanted with Echeveria ‘Afterglow’ add bronze accents flanking the steps to the lower garden.
Topiary, currently enjoying a resurgence in contemporary European gardens, add delight
and whimsy. A pair of signature topiary turtles command the central lawn. Equipped with
night spotlighting, the turtles are underplanted with Acorus sp. and black grapeseed mulch.
Espaliered trees in pots screen a sunny terrace.
Comissioned works of art by artist Marsha Donohue reinforces the gardens themes and adds enrichment.
Assured, innovative, and with a great spirit of fun, this is a garden which has much to do with the happy
collaboration of those involved and the spirit of the region.
Wow, what a spectacular garden. I love terraced gardens, there is just something about them that grabs me. This is the first time I’ve ever heard of grapeseed mulch.
Comment by Phillip — 2. May 2008 @ 22:04
I am enthralled with this garden, thank you for showing it to us. So much detail. Black grape seed mulch is new to me, too. Orange and white scheme is not often seen so far in my experience. Beautiful, whimsical, delightful. I enjoyed the tour!
Comment by Barbee' — 3. May 2008 @ 23:32
Hi Phillip!
Hi Barbee!
I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your comments!
Comment by admin — 4. May 2008 @ 02:36
Beautiful gardens! Love the terracing.Also really like the look of the Scotch moss amid the granite slabs.Thanks for sharing!
Comment by chey — 4. May 2008 @ 02:44
Very cool, Philip. Another riveting example of the creative impulse in landscaping and its implementation. You have a fascinating way of finding these. I agree about the grape mulch, but the one item which sparked my interest the most were those killer black Mondo Grasses, mixed with that yellow sedge and the light-colored pavers. Great idea!
Man, I am glad I can add! LOL, that makes twice I got booted.;-)
Comment by Steve Snedeker — 4. May 2008 @ 18:46
Oh, whoops. I think I combined two comments into one. It’s possible that Tanglewood house is not in the Banana Belt. It’s this one. (Read them back to back.) I think Tanglewood is further south, right? In any case, lovely to visit Sausalito with you. I wonder if Gatsby’s still makes great deep dish pizza down there? It would be worth the ride!
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 4. May 2008 @ 21:57
Chey! Great to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 5. May 2008 @ 01:48
Steve,
Thank you for you comments! I hope others see your Priest Garden. It is very thoughful and is a great example of a meditation garden being made today.
Comment by admin — 5. May 2008 @ 02:03
Dear Kathryn,
It was wonderful to hear from you.
You understood that these two posts were one.
We would love to meet you.
Comment by admin — 5. May 2008 @ 02:30
I love the mondo grass as well, and the rope things. I couldn’t figure what they were made of. Grass? Nuts? Metal? Thanks for sharing such and interesting garden!
Comment by Wicked Gardener — 8. May 2008 @ 01:58
Hi Wicked G! Great to hear from you! I love the tree necknacle by Marsha Donohue. I believe the componets are fired terre cotta.
Thanks for your comment!
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. May 2008 @ 17:55
Hi,
I love the free standing espaliered courtyard, and the large grey leaved plant??? so many ideas, thankyou
I love your photos so much, it’s great to see the diversity of gardens all over the world, and peoples tastes and how they implement them. I hate the mondo grass
Comment by stacey — 12. May 2008 @ 13:02
Hi Stacey! I appreciate your comments and love your opinions
Thank you for your visits! 
Comment by admin — 12. May 2008 @ 18:39
I love the contrast between the Acorus and mondo grass. Where do you get the grapeseed mulch?
Comment by Jayme — 13. May 2008 @ 06:58