Seeing the mix of conifers, opuntia and yucca transports me to Prescott or Flagstaff, Arizona.
While the rock work takes me back to Colorado and the gardens I saw there during the Garden Bloggers Fling.
But then there's the combination of yellow and white needles and spikes in his corner, wow. Don't worry, I'll come back here for another look after we explore the rest of the space.
Yes, this opuntia is fine. It's just deflated for winter protection.
I'd love to know what size the Yucca rostrata and the optunia were when they were planted.
And that's a lot of fruit! The flowers must have been absolutely amazing last summer.
The homeowner is definitely a rock lover.
Sedum confusum
I wonder if that narrow-ish channel funnels water in a downpour?
A closer look...
The hellstrip is one of those extra-wide versions, thus there's room for a bushy olive tree.
And a welcoming pathway...
Although I suppose some people might question how welcoming the plants are.
A few more photos of the magical corner...
Thanks James, for the tip. I am so glad to have seen this while the Pinus contorta var. latifolia 'Chief Joseph' was glowing yellow.
While that cylindropuntia will shine no matter the season, this vignette must not be nearly as dramatic when the pine goes green in the summertime.
Weather Diary, Feb 5: Hi 52, Low 42/ Precip .15
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Very intriguing...I wonder where this is, would love to see it! I like the mix of plant material combined with an effective use of rocks and good-drainage. It's fun to see how other gardeners use plant material in a creative way.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to drive by!
DeleteThe silver and gold combination makes for a magical vignette. (Do you grow cylindropuntia?). And while 'Chief Joseph always makes me weak in the knee, I heard it's a bit capricious, so I'm hesitating to splurge on one. I love the unique hardscape and the interesting masonry; welcoming despite the danger.
ReplyDeleteI do have a few cylindropuntia but none nearly as impressive as this one.
DeleteI like the shape of this Chief Joseph and love the other craggy conifers too. And the rock work is outstanding.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've actually felt an urge to grow a 'Chief Joseph'.
Delete'Chief Joseph" is truly impressive. I'm not sure I've ever seen it with that depth of color. I looked it up and was surprised to see it listed as suitable to Sunset zone 24 but then the reference to its requirements of "regular water" squelched my budding enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I just can't picture the Chief in your garden!
DeleteLove this yard - great inspiration. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed!
DeleteProves that a winter garden can be as intriguing as a summer garden.I think that welcoming opuntia is sweet with that heart shape.
ReplyDeleteI was focused on the spines, but you're right...that's a great heart shape!
DeleteThat golden pine and white cylindropuntia are gorgeous together!
ReplyDeleteI think you and this gardener are soul-mates! Have you introduced yourself yet?
No, perhaps I'll wander by some sunny Saturday afternoon.
DeleteIf I lived in a colder climate, say Colorado, I'd want my garden to look just like that. The combination of spiky plants, conifers and rocks is absolutely perfect.
ReplyDeleteI definitely see Colorado or Northern AZ here.
DeleteIt's so unique! I love it. The trees and rocks instantly reminded me of the trees I see on my hikes, but seeing them combined with opuntias and other desert plants made me think of somewhere like New Mexico. Also possibly the first setting in which I've ever liked 'Chief Joseph'.
ReplyDeleteI had the same reaction to the 'Chief'...such drama!
DeleteI was drooling over these photos last night and am back to look again. I have never seen a Chief Joseph except in nursery catalogs or websites, so I loved seeing it in a real garden. And with the Cholla in the background. Wow. Loved everything about this garden.
ReplyDeleteYes - now that you mention, Prescott (or Payson) in AZ. Great combos, creative, and appealing.
ReplyDeleteA very cool garden. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! So glad you got to see it, and share it with us. And the opuntia must be amazing when it flowers... Worthy of a follow up?
ReplyDelete