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[SG] Introduction

Thanks for the welcome, Sheryl.  I belonged to the list briefly before I
unsubbed, because we were travelling for a month.  I don't remember if I
sent an intro. before, but will send one again because there must be new
members now.  Until about two years ago, I never had time to have much
of a garden.  We lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I would have a
few flowers for cutting and that was about it.  We retired 2 years ago,
and moved to a lovely spot where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges
meet, at 3000'.  I liked the area, but felt I would not be able to
garden in my retirement, as I wanted to do.  It is a very lovely, dense
Yellow Pine and Black Oak transition zone, with native dogwoods,
California Yew and many Torreya Californica ("Calif. Nutmeg"). We
removed as few trees as possible when building the house, but were left
with areas perhaps 10x20' on each side of the house, where there was
some sun for a garden. I started sticking in a few plants, and was
amazed at what grew:  this was a totally new gardening world than I was
used to, in coastal California.

Primroses were the first astonishment: what I had viewed as just
temporary "color spots" for window boxes were suddenly surviving winter
snows!  I realized slowly that the whole world of hardy garden plants,
which I had mostly only read about, was possible.  Now I have gone a bit
mad, and get a few new plants every time I go into town.  I havent
planned too well, but I am certainly enjoying seeing what likes it here
in the forest.  Rhododendrons, camellias, hellebores, lily of the
valley, scillas and columbines are all flourishing, and some are
starting to naturalize (where I water them in the summer at least).  I
have used the small areas of (part) sun by planting rose varieties which
are said to tolerate some shade, as well as some veggies, blueberries
etc.  I also still have some of the "Egyptian Onions" my grandmother
sent in the mail many years ago.  She was proud of her garden back in
Texas, and I now can grow some of the things she loved.  Even some of
the native plants (such as iris and roses) seem to be thriving in among
my plantings, so I am very happy with my garden, unplanned as it is.
Everything I plant is new, but it all seems like home.

Anelle, Z7, N. Calif.
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