Determined to get a garden blog post done this week at long last, I went out and took some quick photos, despite the overcast and intermittently rainy day.
We’ve had an ample amount of rain this winter, interspersed with days of brilliant sun. The frogs are happy and the plants refreshed.
The human sphere, however, has felt ominously dark and heavy, and it was for this reason that I felt no inspiration to post since December. I stay informed of world events, but have been limiting how much I take in because otherwise I’m incapacitated with sadness. As I’ve said before, meditation and gardening are my go-to’s for healing and I’ve been immersing myself in them. For an absorbing project, I’ve thrown myself into a renovation of the front garden. More on that in a moment.
But, as it’s been awhile, I’d like to connect with the Six on Saturday gardeners from around the world today, who post six things from their gardens each week in their blogs, hosted by Jim of Garden Ruminations. If you want to enjoy all these lovely gardens and gardeners from around the globe, visit Jim’s website and you will find his latest share, and all the others linked in the comments.
So, here we go with six things from my garden this week.
Six On Saturday
Firstly: daffodils–those ever-cheerful flowers that speak of spring hope during bleak, late-winter days
Second: freesias
Third, but not a happy one: another sad gopher casualty–a cherished cordyline
Fourth: grape hyacinth
Fifth: flowering currants
Sixth: rosemary
Gratitude to the garden bloggers of Six on Saturday, and Jim the host! I will catch up with all of you when my time zone here in California makes it possible.
Now, on to that garden renovation….
The Rockery–a shady welcome garden
The front garden is adjoined by a rather dismal and pre-existing asphalt driveway. The garden space is north-facing with two existing flowering plum trees.
Years ago, we sheet-mulched the existing lawn and put in a few stock tanks as planters for shade-loving perennials and annuals. The planters provided safety from hungry gophers and vigorous tree roots.
But, it fell into neglect, partly because I’m an introvert and prefer to work in parts of the garden that are private from on-lookers. This front garden faces the road and so I avoid it. But, I have a new friend who is also a plant lover and I wanted a more welcoming space for her arrival when she comes to visit.
A big part of the renovation was removing some pink jasmine that had invaded from around the house. It sprawls across and over everything rapidly, and sprouts roots at every leaf junction that touches the ground. It used to be my favorite plant and I still love it. But, I can no longer manage its vigor. Plus, its strong strands keep tripping me.
I’m calling this redesigned space “The Rockery”, as we’re repurposing some cement “stones” that were part of a sidewalk that we removed decades ago. We’ve used them in retaining walls before and liked the result.
The rock wall will be added to on the other side to form a little nook, which I plan to fill with acidic soil mix and then plant ferns and a couple of rhododendrons. I actually really enjoy building dry-stacked stone walls. It helps that I’m rather strong. If only my knees could still keep up! I managed this one only because my husband and another helper brought the rocks to the location for me. (Thank you!)
The planters still have some foxgloves, ferns, hellebores and heuchera, as well as a lovely azalea. I’ve added daphne and am seeding some more aquilegia.
On the driveway side of The Rockery, I’ve added some potted plants. This was made possible by the happenstance of a retirement sale of my favorite pottery store: Absolute Statuary and Fountains. I’m very sad the business is closing! But, I’m happy for the owners. They are wonderful people and have worked hard for decades. If any locals are reading this and hadn’t heard about it yet… GO NOW! Seriously. But, as I’m posting this on a Saturday, keep in mind that weekends can be very busy. Last I heard, they hadn’t even advertised the sale yet, because they were selling out so fast. There is only notice via a sign on the road. They plan to be there until June but I’ve been there several times and each time much more is sold than the time before.
I hope to update you on the progress of The Rockery in future posts.
Meanwhile, a heartfelt wish for peace in all of your lives, outwardly and inwardly. I could say more, but it might open the floodgates.
Visit the website and garden blog of The-Compulsive-Gardener here.
Such a moving and beautifully written post—gardens truly are a place of healing and peace. Creating a safe, enclosed space can really enhance that sense of sanctuary.
Hi Lisa,
I’m “only” two months late in reading this post. 🙂
I enjoyed looking at and reading about the goings-on in your garden. As we have discussed before, I can relate to your need to escape the news and global goings-on that contrast so starkly with our favorite gardens and other natural places.
I’m sorry you lost your cordyline to a gopher and hope your cuttings took root. And I trust more positive things are happening, both in your garden and in general.
Tanja
Thank you so much Tanja! No worries about late responses. I do them too obviously!! I appreciate your kind words and hope you are doing well in these bizarre times we are living through.
Hanging in there, Lisa, somehow. I hope you are too! 🌸
i get my perk of the day by reading your blog! love the rock wall!
🙂 How wonderful! I’m so glad!!! 🩷
My garden is a sanctuary. I love to work there and plan there since, in that place, I have some measure of control. Glad you are starting that wonderful shade garden. I like the name.
Your garden sounds like a haven! I’m going to pop over there to your post soon and see what you have going on. Thanks!
Yikes! I only have voles, which are like mouse sized moles (sort of). I do not notice any damage they tunnel through the thatch of the lawn and have watched them foraging when sitting in the garden. I am about four weeks behind your zone, and since I mostly do native plants, they come slowly, not wanting to get caught out by a late snowstorm or freeze. I can see green on Prairie smoke, and evidence of bud growth on elderberry, but not so much else.
I also am experiencing the sadness and the fear. Sadness for all that seems to be lost, fear for those facing illegal deportation, discrimination, and detention, for those who have lost their careers, for myself who is in the line of sight. I found it to be healing to attend protests. We had a good one in support of NIH funding at the state capitol with the governor and researchers speaking to how their work benefits everyone. I would encourage you to be involved in the peaceful resistance to the extent possible. Write or call your governmental representatives, and for God’s sake do not support the people destroying our country. Any company that is not adhering to our shared values. Shop small, Shop local. Grow your community because we need each other now more than ever. It is important not to let them steal your voice, or your integrity. Without those things, we cease to be fully human.
You have allies! The idea is to shut people down so that they feel alone and fearful. Do not become isolated. Best wishes!
Thank you so much for this helpful and supportive advice. You expressed it well. In person protests would be difficult as my knees render me only partially mobile these days, but I like hearing these ideas. I’ve been doing some that you mentioned, boycotting certain companies, shopping local when possible, and talking about it with friends and family. I’m glad to hear of your support for the NIH. Yes, it’s easy to feel isolated and fearful in this climate of aggressiveness and negativity. It’s good advice you offered to keep one’s voice and know that we have each other.
On the topic of ground dwelling creatures, we have moles and voles too, but gophers rule the roost. The others don’t damage the plants unless by accident, as you mention. How wonderful that you do native plant gardening! I’m looking forward to catching up with your posts. In gratitude, lisa
Busy, busy! Your blooms are beautiful, and you have so much happening in your garden. Sadly, I understand your thoughts about world events. The garden and plants cheer me up, though. You have a beautiful garden. 🙂
Thank you so much Beth! Yes, the garden always provides much in the way of engagement. I’m so grateful to have a garden, now more than ever, as well the community of all you like-minded gardeners. Even as I write this, I can hear the birds singing and as you say, it’s very cheering. Thanks for your kind words. I’m eager to see what you have shared from your garden. More soon!
Your garden is gorgeous, Lisa, and I’m a tad envious (in the nicest possible way) of all those spring beauties! Love the new project, too, such interesting planting and features. There is so much peace and healing to be found in the garden, I hope yours brings you the solace you seek in these dark days. 😊
Hi Lis! Great to hear from you. I’m terribly behind in following what everyone has been up to. Will do shortly, so I can see how your move and settling in is going. Thanks for your kind words. It’s been really healing to hear everyone’s consoling words.
Your garden is bursting with colour already. Freesias here are more of a summer flower. I hope yours are lovely and scented. My favourite tall white narcissi are Thalia, Sir Winston Churchill, Geranium and Pueblo.
Oh thank you Jude! Yes, we tend to get a false spring here around February and that pops all the bulbs into bloom. That is usually followed by inclement weather in March and sometimes longer. Then the rains dry up for summer and by July anything not on irrigation is brown. I didn’t know freesias were a summer flower there! I forget which country you are in. I’m going to look up your favorite narcissi, and will probably be tempted.
I’m in the UK. Cornwall. So a fairly mild climate all year round and quite wet!
Thank goodness for gardens! We are so lucky to have green places to hide from the dark madness around us! Thank you for sharing your garden, loved the recycled concrete wall!
Thank you Cathy! Indeed, the green places we have access to are so treasured right now. I like how you put it. Glad also that you like the garden project! I’ve been out transplanting little bits of moss to the “stones”. Hope it will take!
You’re not alone, I think most people feel this dark cloud looming over their heads. Aren’t we lucky to have our gardens where we find solace and beauty. Such cheerful flowers lifting the spirits! Stay strong and positive, I fear we haven’t reached the bottom of the valley yet.
Thank you so much Annette! It has really cheered me–your kind and encouraging words along with others here. Yes, we are so lucky to have our gardens for solace. I’m very grateful for this community of kind gardeners as well as my meditation community and loved ones for connection and mutual support. With earnest gratitude, lisa
Spring flowers lift my spirits too. I hope your new front garden works well and that you enjoy being in it.
Thank you so much! I finally find myself going out to the front now, whereas before, I always avoided it. I’m looking forward to catching up on what you have been sharing in your blog. I always enjoy it.
I love those flowering current flowers. Will you replace the Cordyline?
Thanks Rosie! The currents are one of my favorite shrubs and the bees love the flowers. Yes, I will probably replace the cordyline. Despite its ultimate end, it thrived better here for us than New Zealand flax. It works well with the dry summers and sandy soil and I absolutely love how the leaves create a shimmer in the wind.
Oooh Id love to build a dry stone wall…not sure how to begin(?) Any tips warmly received!
Yes i understand the sadness and the yearning for peace , within and without. I often feel that gardens and meditation are a key! Ive been off my feet for 3 weeks due to a foot jarring incident and Ive so missed the peace of the garden…often hopping outside on my crutches just to stand with my feet on cool grass, to welcome the earth beneath me, to catch the scent of the eucalyptus and the odd scent of the flowering pandanus! I have a sign over my outdoor bath that says….’I go to the garden to lose my mind and find my soul!’ It makes me smile. As always i love your photos and the message herein. Thank you….Sue
Thank you Sue!!! So great to hear from you! I will try to remember to add some details of building it when I next post. But, I find it so intuitive, I’m not sure what I could say. Sort of like doing a mosaic when you look at all the pieces and kind of imagine what shape you are looking for next. Largest ones on the bottom, of course. And be sure it’s not leaning as you build. Overlap joints for strength. Make sure each “rock” is seated well–doesn’t jiggle. Maneuver it until it finds a stable, solid way to rest upon the row below. Sometimes there is nothing for it but to use a tiny piece of rock as a wedge to take out a jiggle–like people use a folded matchbook cover under a bar table. But I try not to do that often as I worry those are weak spots. If you’ve had to use a few small pieces together, then make sure to place a longer, single one on top of those to create stability. Wear gloves and protective shoes and eyewear! there is always that inevitable rock that falls askew. And, especially as I get older, I try to use brain over brawn whenever possible, like using leverage. Or, I roll the stones as close as possible before lifting. I used a heavy duty dolly at times. We also happen to have a kind of small, wheeled cart with a manual pump lift. Not sure what it is called. I used that to get some of the pieces on top because my knees don’t bend anymore. With all that said, we’ll see if my wall holds! Who knows?!
OMG I’m so sorry to hear about your foot injury!! Ugh! That’s a long time to have to be off your feet. I wish you healing as soon as possible so you can spend more time in your garden. Yes, we take what is offered, however small, yes? A moment of toes in the grass, the scents of the garden, birdsong, watching a bug go about its way. These are very healing moments for me too. I like your quote. And I’m so grateful that we share a love of gardening and meditation. 🩷
We were only talking about getting a white ribes the other day, yours looks lovely. Your daffs are like sunshine! I agree that garden is a great escape from the crazy world we live in at the moment, some more than others. Stay strong and keep defiantly gardening!
Thank you so much! Your kindness and that of the others here has really made my day. I hope you find a white ribes that you like. Mine is probably either “Inverness White” or “White Icicle”. Our local native plant nursery has a few details if interested: https://www.calfloranursery.com/plants/ribes-sanguineum-white-icicle
Gosh – you have been busy with your garden renovation. I hope it has helped lift your spirits. Those daffs are lovely and I wish I could grow Freesias. The one and only time I tried to grow them were a disaster – only one made it to flowerhood and then vanished. I had no idea gophers were so destructive!
Yes, the trials we have with gophers… sigh. And deer. But, each place has it’s challenges I suppose. We have slugs and snails here, but I think they must be much more numerous in your area, where the rains happen throughout the year. Sorry you can’t grow freesias there. They freeze over winter? The slugs get them? I wish I could grow other bulbs in the ground like you can there. Happily, I get to vicariously enjoy the crocus and so many others that you and others grow and share. Yes, the new garden project has really given me a creative and enjoyable way to find and express some joy. Thanks!
What a shame about the cordyline, I hope some of the cuttings survive for you. I’m also glad I don’t have to contend with gophers!
Thanks Helen! I hope the cuttings of the cordyline take. I’ve never propagated one before. Yes, those toothy root eaters are the bane of my gardening existence! But, they are native here and have their ecological niche, so I occasionally try to forgive them. 🙂
I had to look up the meaning of Gopher: yikes I am so pleased I don’t have to contend with wildlife that size in such a small garden as mine. Growing daffodils and freesias outside must be wonderful.
Yes, the gophers are indeed a force to be reckoned with in the garden. Thankfully they don’t eat the daffodils. I think freesias are also left uneaten, but I plant most in pots anyway. I just read your post and it reminded me that I think anemones are also safe from gophers. I had some in the early years. Will add some as an experiment upon your inspiration.
Regarding the Six on Saturday part, I can only note the advance of the blooms in your area… and I can already imagine the wonderful scent of the freesias! Very pretty last photo with the euphorbias
Thank you Fred! Yes, the euphorbias are one thing the gophers don’t eat and can be planted with abandon here. I just read your post… have fun at the rugby match!