my garden
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: my garden
- From: L* H*
- Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 06:33:24 -0700
I guess if I am collecting, it would be roses. Though mostly I am
thrilled with any plant that survives my harsh environment. Volcanic rock
and sand is the soil I am working with on this acre of garden, so for the
floor of the area, have opted to build raised beds in a pattern surrounding
a shade area in the center. Then bring in tons of organic material to mix
with the existing soil for the beds. The watering system was a challenge
also and needed a machine to dig the trenches. The raised beds are almost
totally planted in roses with boxwood outlining the shape of the beds.
Looking good so far.
I have planted the hill with natives around the native rocks and cross my
fingers the gophers leave them alone. Carpets of verbena, that I never
would have thought of have, have brightened the hill and is charming to
look up at from the floor of my garden. The Etera people offered a flat of
new products for free to the U.C.Master Gardeners and I was fortunate
enough to receive a flat with plugs of the verbena and other new plants. It
is enchanting to see the variety of colors these hardy plants display.
Peach and apple trees are also on the hill and a pomegranate. Pomegrantes
are terribly underrated. They practically need no water and make a lovely
landscape tree and produce edible fruit. The other shrub that needs little
water is the gorgeous Plymbago auriculata and I have lots of this rewarding
plant around my house and hills. Rosemary is also everywhere. Guess I like
blue.
A low hedge with a rose covered arbor separate the rose section from the
vegetable garden. Husband built fourteen four by eights for tomatoes,
zucchini, onions, garlic, strawberries etc. He likes that part the best.
The side hill is for trees and shrubs. Redwoods did not survive. I did not
have a watering system and even with heavy mulch it was just too hot here
in the central Sacramento valley. Pistacia chinensis, a wonderful carefree
tree, Chinese tallow,Sapium sebiferum, is having a tough time, though with
my new watering system it may help. Hackberry is doing well, and the
delight of my side garden is the Koelreuteria bipinnata, Chinese
Flame-Tree. It has not bloomed yet and I am so looking forward to seeing
that spectacular show. I first saw one at the Davis arboretum and had to
try to grow one. So far so good. (it is Warren, the Davis Warren,
favorite tree)
So sad that I came to serious gardening so late, but am loving every part
of my garden and am grateful for this time in my life.
God is good.
L
