... and a narrow side yard becomes an extraordinary feature, not just a passthrough space.
One of those interesting plant people I mentioned who gathered in the garden that day was Marcia Donahue, the artist behind many of the sculptures in Ann's garden. Like this...
The stunning bromeliads continue right on up the side garden...
Another pulled back long-view, from a slightly different angle...
Before focusing again on a few plant close-ups.
Looking up...
And then down, at a favorite feature of the garden...
This pond and it's (in my eyes) raccoon guard are a work of art.
The next step up reveals a zig zag rill and chairs with botanical backs.
The water source...
So good!
Moving on...
This rustic (plant laden) fence borders the side garden.
More of Marcia Donahue's work.
At the very top of the "steep" side garden is this...
Looking back down to the bottom.
The back garden is different from the front and side gardens, it's more open and feels very comfortable for relaxing.
I wonder if Ann ever sits in the lounge chair?
The tunnel of dripping conifers frames the walkway on the highest level of the garden.
That's where I photographed this wonderfully grown cheilanthes (unless it's actually now a myriopteris in which case whatever).
Back on the lawn level I spent a lot of time pouring over the tiny treasures in the rock/crevice gardens.
Oxalis palmifrons
Asplenium ceterach
A border planting...
And now I'm headed down to the patio level just behind the house.
Lunchtime! This visit to Ann's spectacular garden, and the time spent talking with a group of plant people in an entirely different climate than my own was such a treat. I am fortunate to have been able to make the trip, that Ann said yes, and to have great friends who facilitated the garden visits. Thank you all!
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You captured Ann's garden perfectly. Even though I was there with you, you took some photos that made me go, "Whoa, where was that and how come I missed it?"
ReplyDeleteThere is so much to see!
DeleteIt's a stunner in every way. What a glorious day you must have had!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, of course the fact I was in your garden the day before was pretty amazing!
DeleteI saw Gerhard's post on this garden but appreciate seeing yours too as you captured some views I don't remember in his post. Her bromeliad collection is outstanding. I like the rock/crevice bed a lot too. I laughed over your reference to the lounge chair - we have various furniture pieces on our back and side patios, as well as 2 benches by the front door and I could probably count the number of times I've sat on any of them on one hand (except for occasional outdoor meals with visitors).
ReplyDeleteAnn is a force, I don't see her spending a lot of time kicked back and relaxing. On the other hand there was a dining table there where I ended my post, just off the back of the house and a kitchen, so hopefully she's out there enjoying her beautiful creation as she enjoys a meal. You need to relax in your wonderful garden more often!
DeleteJaw dropping! Is there anywhere like costal
ReplyDeleteCalifornia where you can see such amazing forms of plant life? I was just in Orange County in Newport and Laguna Beach and it always feels magical, as does this garden. One of the best parts of Disneyland is riding the tram from the parking lot and looking at the plants on the outside of the park.
Jim North Tabor
Ha! I've not been to Disneyland since I was in Jr High, but I'll keep that in mind if I go.
DeleteI agree with all the comments above. Coastal CA is like heaven for gardeners and Ann is a great, talented one!
ReplyDeleteShe really is! And very generous with her garden (and plants) too.
DeleteAs I ofter do, I visited your earlier, fling post of this garden. I imagine not being rushed and having a leisurely visit makes a huge difference. The water feature, the rill, the water source: LOVE it. The zig-zag corner with planted chairs is crazy good. The best little crevice garden bed ever, perfectly scaled to a small garden. I would have a hard time tearing myself away.
ReplyDeleteChavli
I'm glad you soaked up both posts, and enjoyed all the features. It is such a special place.
DeleteAnn Nichols' garden has always stood out in my mind as a highlight of the bay area Fling. I remember those beautiful details vividly, and it's wonderful to see they are even better now. The tillandsia and bromeliad-clad Canary Island palm was the highlight of the highlight! It was like an amazing display of crown jewels in that already knockout garden! So glad you were able to revisit it - and with wonderful plant peeps, too.
ReplyDelete- Jane / MulchMaid
Jane it was such an amazing day! I am very lucky.
DeleteMy favorite part is how she has an incredible design sense for planting the front slope, entrance and stairs, playing with small textures and dramatic rosettes, the repetition of shapes and those beet-red bromeliads! I love seeing succulents planted in this way instead of on a flat plane. A collector's garden, and yet the design comes through strong with every plant showcased for its unique traits. Can't believe how happy those spiral aloes look here!
ReplyDeleteYes! It is so rare that you see a collector that also nails the design, it's the perfect balance.
DeleteWow, Mom
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible and crazy garden. So many great plants, quirky art pieces and water features. Love the bright red brom and the two gorgeous Aloe spiralis. I have killed two of these. The palm tree with all the great tillandsias is very dense so you could spend hours checking out all the plants. Yes it was a special treat. Nice to have connections in other places that allows you to meet such great people.
ReplyDeleteThe internet and social media does have a positive side! No way I would know these people with out it.
Delete