My Garden Year; From Seed to Flower Back To Seed Again
Honeybees and bumblebees, hummingbirds and cedar waxwings, books in the teahouse and friends on the lawn, wildflowers and poppies dancing in the sun: this was the year in my garden.
A few years ago I decided to remove a number of perennial shrubs in my San francisco garden to recreate the feeling of the meadow garden I had known as a boy. My aunt and grandmother, whom we called Joan and Grammie, lived above a cove on the wild Mendocino coast north of San Francisco. My father one morning recounted a dream he had about his sister Joan where she was growing plants on a clothesline. I can well believe that if Joan had wished to have a clothesline garden, she would have achieved spectacular results. Joan did not let drought, deer or fierce ocean winds deter her. She remarked that in a garden such as hers the law of averages applied. If some of the cuttings survived and some of the seeds sprouted and managed to live despite the odds ranged against them, then all was good. When tamping the soil over a seed or around a cutting she would say “Now live and be happy”, and I suppose this sentiment also applied to people as well, for we had many happy times.
In this section of my garden which recieves dapped light from tall tree ferns Chrysanthemum paludosum and forget me nots ( Myosotis sp.)”knit” a border with poppies and wildflowers about to emerge.
My aunt was proof that a garden need not cost anything at all in terms of monetary outlay. All was needed was an inventive and positive approach. We collected lupine seeds up and down the coast and a treat was an expedition to our “favorite nursery”, a ghost town appropriately enough called Casper, located above the cliffs. Here plants popular in the early 20th century such as Love in a mist( Nigella sp.) and Shirley poppies (Papaver rhoeas) had naturalized with native wildflowers.
It was just these informal effects of shimmering color and loose form that I set out to create, in a small hilltop city garden, using the planting method of seeds and naturalization. By closely observing plants that have naturalized in the wild, and giving them a similar situation, the garden began to behave as a wildflower meadow. Over these last few years the wildflowers and old fashioned cultivars have self sown and created the dense and diverse tapestry we first enjoyed on those wild gardens perched above the Mendocino cliffs.
Stepping stones collected from the cove and hauled to a few gardens since create a path from the lower to the upper garden.
“The Teahouse” is too modest to live up to its name, but it takes its tradition from a “Teahouse” my twin brother Patrick and I built for my aunt. Built of driftwood hauled up from the cove, that teahouse was inaugurated by a tea ceremony where my aunt and her friends all came in costume! Joan wore her Chinese brocaded coat and jade and Patrick and I wore the vintage karate jackets, bleached for the occasion, that she used to wear while cooking. A grand time was had by all!
The current Teahouse incarnation is used every day as a place to read a book or muse in the shade. Facing Southwest, it commands a borrowed view over the city to Twin Peaks. After the above image was taken, sweet peas climbed the plum tree with a heady fragrance.
Despite the loose, naturalistic form this is still a small city garden, so foxgloves which self sow in the front of the border or Clarkia in the lawn are dug up and transplanted to where I feel they would be set off best. Recently I gathered seeds from many of the plants such as Shirley poppies to ensure a continuous bloom for future seasons.
Once the poppy seedheads have dried, vents open below the crown. I gather the dried poppies and place in a paper bag with the seedheads down. The tiny black poppy seeds exit from the vents. I then store the seeds in envelopes labeled with the name to be planted in the Spring.
I have not shown all the aspects of my garden: the area we grow berries, strawberries and herbs, the garden of symbolic cairns and rocks, the view of the city beyond.
I appreciate every type of garden, from a terrace garden filled with poetry, gardens with rare specimens such as Pinus montezumae, an enchanted pond grotto only achieved by hard work, a celebratory victory garden, sidewalk gardens which enhance the community, gardens of art and Martians, gardens which bring joy and change the world and so many more.
And so progresses the rhythm of the seasons, where in every turn is a new activity, something new to consider and the delight of the promise to come.
My goodness Philip, it is simply awesome. It is wonderful how you brought to life the memories of you Aunts, Uncles, Grammies and let them live on in memories in your garden. I enoyed the stories and the amazing pictures.
Comment by Anna — 2. October 2008 @ 05:37
Dear Anna,
You are just the best!
(You are the one and only Flower garden girl!)
I loved this quote on your blog:
“see the good, the rough spots, enjoy the unexpected, and make it to the swan; are truly being blessed and bless all those around them on their journey.”
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 2. October 2008 @ 07:32
I love that garden, Phillip. I adore the self-seeding aspect and the wildness recreated in your small place on earth. You are able to watch Nature at her very best, showing off all her most gorgeous stuff. Those Lupines remain my absolute favorite, although flipping through the pictures I kept seeing Columbines - another torrid fave of mine - which look like natives. I would dearly love to extend the visit to your garden, myself. Sometime, show us those berries and - don’t deny it - your herbs.
Comment by Steve — 2. October 2008 @ 08:45
Looks like you have a good understanding of allowing the hand of man to edit the landscape in gentle but firm ways. This is a talent coming only with age and experience.
Comment by compostinmyshoe — 2. October 2008 @ 14:14
Hi,
compostinmyshoe, I have enjoyed so many of your posts. I loved ” When Angels Come to Dinner”
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 2. October 2008 @ 17:58
Hi Steve!
I have been enjoying your tour of the Japanese garden at Portland.
I especially loved your comment on the tree like an
“immaculately groomed royal personage”
Thanks for your comment!
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 2. October 2008 @ 18:02
A profusion of beauty! I can’t wait to see more of your garden.
Comment by Phillip — 2. October 2008 @ 18:05
Oh Phillip!
Thank you so much!
Your garden has to be one of my all time favorites. I sincerely appreciate your comment.
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 2. October 2008 @ 18:14
Hi Philip, you are the most wonderful person, I would love to meet you someday. Hope you can make it to the big spring fling for garden bloggers in Chicago next May. I did go to the one in Austin this year and it was so gratifying to meet like minded people, everyone was super nice. No wonder you are such an accomplished gardener, you were taught to love the soil by your aunt and grandmother, not to mention to love life and see the fun in everything. Your plantings are better than most books and magazines. What vivid combinations. The first sentence opens the gate and invites us in, we want to share all those things with you.
Frances
http://fairegarden.wordpress.com/
(sorry for the shameless plug, I am still trying to get people to come to the new site, rather than the blogger one that has no new posts, even.)
F
Comment by Frances — 2. October 2008 @ 23:14
I think this is my favorite post of yours so far. Your garden is stupendously beautiful, and that you achieved it with carefully managed naturalization is doubly impressive. I favor the same method but my results are not nearly so spectacular! Your family sounds so wonderful, what lovely memories. I think I need a teahouse! If it came with views of your garden and the SF skyline, it would be perfect.
Comment by Karen — 2. October 2008 @ 23:15
Thank you Philip and you are a very sweet blessing to many. Big hugs to ya!
Comment by Anna — 3. October 2008 @ 07:47
Hi Frances,
You just made my day with your comments! I am so very touched. Thank you so much!
Plug away!
I love Faire garden in an alternative universe! I love the magic staff and the story of its creation!
You are a master of plant combinations, so I sincerely appreciate your comments. I do not want to sound as though I take things too seriously, because I don’t, but I did consider color combinations and had a blast in doing so. Two spots(one shown) I was inspired by the colors of India. Dark pink Shirley poppies with orange California poppies, mixed with a bit of blue, as orange’s complement, to make the whole quite vivid. The other border the small white daisys mixed with forget with me knots mixed with aquilegia, Chinese houses(Collinsia)poppies,wands of bleeding heart (blue and white and a bit of pink) was to add sparkle and increase the dappled effect of the light the border normally receives. Another spot I played around with chartreuse and orange with dark purple. If it makes me laugh then I know I am successful!
I was reluctant to show my garden, as it is not perfect, but I suppose I do not want perfection, just what makes me happy!
Thanks Frances!!!!
Sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 15:45
I love this aspect of your garden, Philip.
Comment by Mother Nature's Garden — 3. October 2008 @ 15:54
What a beautiful You are a talented “eden-maker!”
Shirley
Comment by Shirley Bovshow "EdenMaker" — 3. October 2008 @ 16:33
Karen!
What a wonderful comment.
That is so nice of you to say.
Greenwalks is one of my all time favorite blogs.
A teahouse is so much fun! I believe if that if I had to wait until I could afford the perfect elegant teahouse, then I know I may never have one. This is rudimentary, but it is great fun to sit out of the sun with my feet propped up on a big rock. I love adjusting the blinds up and down. All too silly,but it is a gas and very relaxing.In another garden we had I just made a simple frame and then covered the sides with those big sheets of lath, painted white. The roof was just a yellow and white striped canvas from a bolt my brother had. It all cost two cents or so.
How is that for fun!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 17:58
Hi Anna!!!!
I love the red truck you showed on your site! So Flowergardengirl!
When you win the lottery, I appreciate your offering to make everyone’s wishes come true. The windmill house with the orchard would be awesome!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 18:06
Hi Shirley!
That is great praise coming from you!
Can I go shopping with you? you get the BEST deals on pots!!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 19:06
Mother nature!
Your writing on your recent post:
“Every cloud teases our heart’s hope of the resurrecting power held within.”
I loved that.
Thank you for commenting!
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 19:11
http://greenwalks.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/cider-pressing/#comments
Karen, your post this morning on the cider press tradition is a great post!
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 19:44
Your garden is so lovely Phillip. I love the mixture of flowers growing together in a cottage or meadow garden manner.
Comment by Racquel — 3. October 2008 @ 22:01
Philip, your garden is like poetry…lyrical, almost. What a wonderful tapestry of color and texture you have woven. I very much like the “meadow” feel that it has — wild and free, in a planned sort of way. I just can’t imagine a nicer place to spend summer days.
Comment by Nancy Bond — 3. October 2008 @ 22:56
Hi Raquel!
I am so pleased to meet you and discover your blog!
Thank you so much for your comment!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 23:39
Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for your comments.I cannot think of anything nicer. You have touched me and made my day.
Very sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. October 2008 @ 23:45
Those are incredibly beautiful photos of your wildflower meadow garden. I love the colour combinations. The pink poppies against the greenery in the first photo are so pretty. The columbine flowers with the daisy type flowers in the 4th photo are a particularly lovely grouping. The childhood memories and special connection to loved relatives illustrate how a garden is so much more than the just the flowers. It’s a connection between us and the world.
Comment by Northern Shade — 5. October 2008 @ 01:45
Hi Northern Shade!
Thank you for your comments!
I enjoyed looking at your elegant and informative blog this morning.
I love the plants you highlight, and I am so glad to have met you.
Very Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 5. October 2008 @ 15:53
OMG, Philip! You’ve just photographed the entire of what I need to be doing next spring!!! Wow! Gorgeous ideas made manifest! I may have to sneak out to Caspar and see if anything’s left on the vine! I have this BIG area out back that is “just sitting there.” Oh, wait. I know why. It’s full of the dreaded bindweed! Well, heck. I’m gonna try anyway! Beautiful, beautiful.
Thanks for the big inspiration!! And thanks especially for sharing those endearing stories about your aunt and brother. Is she still with us? How lucky for you to have had her as a child. I can just see the tea party! Kathryn xoxo
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 5. October 2008 @ 18:38
Hi Kathryn!
Thanks for comment!
This time of year I construct castles in Spain with the my hopes for next season.I hope the Chinese Houses( collinsia sp.) naturalize! Wouldn’t that be fun!
Certainly the title of your blog “Plant whatever brings you joy” fits well for me as many plants have happy associations and some plant combinations give me a giggle.
Bindweed be gone!
Joan and Grammie( and the dogs Lord Pooh and Lady Sallie who went on these “expotitions”) are with us in spirit when beach combing, collecting wildflower seeds and a party at the drop of a hat!
I love your post just up on the scarf iniative!
I hope everyone checks out:
http://plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com/
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 5. October 2008 @ 20:38
Almost unbearably beautiful. We have, for so long, been itching to see your garden . . . and now . . . at last!
I’m not quite sure when Ming is likely to arrive. (Not sure what his thoughts are at present.) But, as soon as he does, I’m sure he too will want to come over and take a look.
(You might find him reading under a tree!)
Best wishes
Esther
Comment by Esther Montgomery — 5. October 2008 @ 23:43
Hi Esther!
I am so glad you came to visit!
You could hide out in the teahouse until we figure out the dilemma of Martian lenses and Earthskins. Certainly Ming would like to read under the tree ferns.Just like the Botanical gardens you showed on Pluto.
Could there be Earthskins in the teahouse? Perhaps Lucy could bring the heat sensitive camera once it dries out from the spin cycle, and she gets over swooning.
Remember, this is San Francisco, so you will fit right in with you assortment of outfits and Pirate of Penzance attire!
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 6. October 2008 @ 18:05
Spectacular Philip! Your gardens have always inspired with their native aspect, wonder mix of color and texture - and most of all the spirit in which they come together…and this years garden surely is no exception. Congratulations - your path through life thus far has brought you to a beautiful place!
Thanks for sharing- hope to see it in person someday.
I will continue foraging for native plants and seeds!
Rick
Comment by Rick — 8. October 2008 @ 18:48
Rick!
Yay!
How great to have you visit!!!!!
Yes, I know of no one who has such a natural green thumb and such a delight in the natural world as you. Seed collecting! I can remember so many times when you found and interesting seed pod and had interesting results. Your comment makes me want to go out in nature and see what interesting spiny seed pods are lying about for plant trials!
How about a mexican plant expedition!
Yay!
I hope to see you guys soon!
Say hi to Ron and Javier.
Your friend,
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. October 2008 @ 01:24
:)!
Comment by Anna — 11. October 2008 @ 22:21
What lovely pictures and words Phillip - so full of light and joy.
Regards
Karen
Comment by Karen - An Artists Garden — 11. October 2008 @ 23:46
You have a joyful garden, Philip, so much going on. Thanks for sharing the delightful story of your lovely garden. So enjoyed my visit
Comment by joey — 14. October 2008 @ 16:37
Hi Karen!
Hi Joey!
Thank you for your comments!
I have been a bit late in posting, but I hope to have some new posts up soon!
Thank you so much for your nice words!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 14. October 2008 @ 17:58
Hi Anna!
Comment by admin — 14. October 2008 @ 17:58
Hugs!…time for you to give another spectacular post. Your fans are waiting.
Comment by Anna — 23. October 2008 @ 06:51
…books in the teahouse and friends on the lawn, … Philip’s in his garden and all’s right with the world.
I keep returning to lay down in your meadow and hope a white rabbit in waistcoat and pocket watch will take me by the hand to join Aunt Joan & Co. for tea
Thank you, Philip, for sharing the wisdom and blessings of Joan and your garden
Comment by Shauna — 24. October 2008 @ 08:24
I have been meaning to stop by for some time and am I ever glad I did! I loved this post, the story telling quality was a joy to read. What a treat to all the senses your garden must be! The visual treat is a delight…the wind, the fragrance, the sounds of the birds and bees must be wonderful in person. Gail
Comment by Gail — 29. October 2008 @ 17:39
Absolutely breathtaking! I can only hope that I finally get a spot like your garden in which to live out my dreams. The way the flowers have mingled and mixed, is so tranquil, and lovely.
Your garden is a inspiration.
Jen
Comment by Jen — 2. November 2008 @ 22:42
Hi anna, Shauna, Gail and jen!
Thank you SO much!
Sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 4. November 2008 @ 01:02
I’m a little behind on my blog reading and almost missed this. I’m glad I found it. The colors are beautiful and your garden is breathtaking.
Comment by Phillip — 4. November 2008 @ 17:12
Simply Lovely…thanks so much for brightening up my rainy day!
Comment by inadvertentfarmer — 4. November 2008 @ 18:09
Exquisite! It must be glorious to sit out there and watch the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and other grateful critters visiting this paradise. You must be in one of the warmer ‘hoods of the City!
Comment by Anne — 10. November 2008 @ 02:47
Thanks Phillip, thanks inadvertant farmer!
Pjilip
Comment by admin — 10. November 2008 @ 22:24
Hi anne!
Yes, we are on the eastern side of San Francisco, just below downtown on Potrero hill. This is the warmest area except for the mission just below us. We cannot grow things that needs heat or a chilling factor.
I enjoyed looking at your blog.
Thanks for the comment!
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 10. November 2008 @ 22:38
You have a lovely meadow garden, made even more so by the fond memories it evokes for you. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Pam/Digging — 16. November 2008 @ 16:42
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Comment by Flower Girl — 31. December 2008 @ 08:08
lovely garden. a shame that it must fade but all thing eventually do. Rain angels and a good crop of blossoms in the new year
Comment by Flower of Life — 10. February 2009 @ 01:14
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alessandra
http://www.craigslistpostingonline.info
Comment by Alessandra — 17. February 2009 @ 15:34
I liked your garen pictures and the information on what you do with seeds from year to year.
I also have a website on gardening. It si called superbgarden.com. please feel free to visit my website and share any information you wish.
Thank you for the great information.
Comment by Kim — 3. May 2009 @ 23:33
Dear Philip,
I would like to get in contact with you regarding a picture on your blog. We on Kairos Future, a Swedish research and consulting firm (www.kairosfuture.com) are writing a report about garden interests among gardeners around the world. We have read a lot of garden blogs in fifteen different countries too see what is fun, interesting, upcoming etc in the world of gardening. It will now result in a report about Global garden passions. As the report is a result from the world of blogs we would like to have picture in it from different garden blogs worldwide. On your blog we have found two beautiful pictures from 2nd October 2008 that we would like to ask for your allowance to use in the report. It is a the second picture with flowers and a stonebird ( waterfontain?) and the sixth picture with sweetpeas outside the teahouse.
I would be very grateful to get in contact with you regarding this picture; my email is nilla.persson@kairosfuture.com. Of course you will receive a copy of the report when it is ready.
Best regards
Nilla Persson
Kairos Future
nilla.persson@kairosfuture.com
Comment by Kairo — 7. January 2010 @ 16:50