Tuesday, May 22, 2012

May, the Quick-Grow Month

I love May in the garden. The plants are vibrantly alive with flowers and the beginnings of fruit. Lovely scents permeate the air and loud colors demand appreciation. May also brings a slight turn of season for I have removed the majority of my early spring flowers: the pansies, violas, nasturtiums, and early wildflowers. The sweet peas have been removed to prevent the spread of mold to the vegetables. Their scent is replaced by white jasmine, that unmistakable May fragrance. We have been fortunate to have more sunny days than "May Gray" days and I hope that means "June Gloom" will not send too many overcast days our way. The garden is off to a great start and we will whether the clouds (if needed) with mildew spray and field trips to the Eastern (and sunnier) part of the county.

Butterfly Garden with Yarrow and Sage
Large tomatoes were planted 4/1, the smaller ones on 5/6. Staggering ensures fruit through the season.
Testing my green thumb with Japanese eggplant
Peppers in supports, lettuce, and cucumbers
Wildflower bed making way for future pepper patch
Patio flower bed with jasmine, lemon verbena, kangaroo paw, lavender, and purple hibiscus
Alternate view of patio
Pomegranate blooms
Artichokes are coming in!
Artichoke patch under the pomegranate tree
Sugar pie pumpkins grown from seed
The site of the future pumpkin patch
My first Hot Coco Rose
 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

16th Annual Clairemont Garden Tour 2012

The Clairemont Garden Tour is back and better than ever! I saw the reemergence of wonderful, do-it-yourself gems and some amazing show-stoppers! The diverse central San Diego garden tour, which encompasses the area east of Interstate 5, south of Interstate 52, and west of Interstate 805, had a lovely range of 14 gardens that showcased multiple themes including an Tuscan Terrace, a Southwest Tropical front yard, an extensive canyon property with chickens, a model train front yard, a terraced butterfly garden, and a combination Tropical Rain forest/ floral garden. Included in many of the gardens were terraced hillsides tailored to the topography of the area, drought tolerant xeriscaping and native plants, certified wildlife gardens that provide food, water, cover and shelter to animals, and fruit trees incorporated into the landscaping. Vegetable garden plots were smaller this year, with a lot more focus on the flowers. But oh, the flowers: Hydrangea, lilies, roses, epiphyllum, protea, grevillea, multiple kinds of butterfly bush, and so many more! Some gardens were nascent developments, just beginning to put their roots down. Other gardens have been established for up to 20 years. Many thanks to the exhibitors, Clairemont Town Council, volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible!

Avanti Tuscan Terrace in Bay Ho

This certified wildlife habitat had water, plants to provide food, cover and shelter for animals.

A perfect spot to read on a hot summer day
Grape vines make a living roof
Terracing follows the lay of the land

Cole Canyon View Garden in Northwestern Clairemont

View from patio, fruit trees line perimeter of garden
Stairs through the terraced garden beds connect the lower level to the patio.
Drought tolerant succulents look lush, not sparse.
Chicken coop!
Terraced garden beds maximize cultivated space
Sunglow Butterfly Terrace in Northeastern Clairemont

A waterfall with pool creates relaxing garden soundtrack.
Butterfly nectar flowers - Butterflies were released earlier that day!
Another view of waterfall and pool.
Butterfly garden terracing provides food an shelter for winged friends.
 Burgener Rain Forest Garden in Bay Park

Walkways lead through the garden like secret passages
Second level walkway leading to greenhouse on top of home
What could be around this turn?
Light and shadow display amazing textures

To view more pictures of the 2012 Clairemont Garden Tour, please click here to see my entire photo album of the event.



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Dreaming in the Color of Roses

Hubby and I are now proud members of the San Diego Rose Society and last Sunday we were treated to a tour of some of the most beautiful private rose gardens in San Diego County. We have determined that we must make some mandatory additions to our seven going on six rose bushes: Fourth of July, Fame, Memorial Day and Rock N Roll. I also must find a Koko Loco and a replacement for my Ketchup and Mustard - it sadly does not look to be surviving the transplant process. I have a lot of catching up to do before I can deem my garden in the same class as these loveliest of lovelies! Also, a reminder that this year's Clairemont Garden Tour will be held Saturday, May 5, starting at 10 AM. For more information or to purchase tickets, please go to Clairemont On-line. Now, on with the roses!

Ruth Tiffany Rose garden:

Fourth of July - must have!!
Whole wall of Roses in partial sun
Rock N Roll - must have!!
Linda Clark Rose Garden

Koko  Loco - must have!!



Dick and Sue Streeper Rose Garden

Fourth of July and Day Breaker




More Rock N Roll
Hot Cocoa - just planted one in February