Looking back it's hard to believe that on a Saturday in late March I woke up in Davis, CA (
Gerhard's garden) and by 9am I was standing in
Max and Justin Cannon's Oakland garden. After that I revisited
Ann Nichols garden, stopped by
Kipp McMichael's garden (uninvited), and then spent quality time in
Marcia Donahue's garden. That's some serious powerhouse garden time right there! But there was one more garden to visit, a garden belonging to David Neumaier, who some of you probably know as
slow_boat on Instagram. It took me awhile to realize this David was that David.
Many gardens could have been a letdown after a day spent visiting other gardens of such caliber, but not this one...
Oh! My first sighting of "the fern"... the earliest Instagram conversation I had with David (in August of '24) was about photos of this fern, an unknown Pleopeltis sp. that was a pass along that may have come from UC Berkeley Botanical Garden. Seeing it in real life my heart was filled with lust (and yes, David sent me home with a chunk).
I moved on...
These first photos were taken in part of the garden that bordered the street, sort of a parking area. Oh that all parking spots were this fabulously planted!
David has been gardening on this piece of land for almost four years now, before that it was under the care of Mat McGrath, founder of
Farallon Gardens. See Gerhard's post about the garden when it was Mat's back in 2021
here, and a look at Mat's current garden
here.
David has definitely made the garden his, reworking many areas and adding a ton of plants, including 31 palms. Seriously.
There's that fern again!
I love this vignette so much, just look at all those fabulous plants!
This definitely says Bay Area to me...
Moving on (towards the driveway)...
Beschorneria bloom close-up...
I mentioned Mat, the former tenant/gardener here is the founder of Farallon Gardens, but David also works there (you can read more about them both
here). Aren't the graphics on their van great?
I've walked down to the end of the driveway now and I'm admiring a planting area off to the side.
Then I turned to walk towards the front door and OMG! Things got really crazy...
Turns out David and I both have a bit of a container collection...
So many blooming tilandsia!
Studying the different plant mounts around the house was a Master Class (there will be more in the second part of my visit)...
Eventually I tore my eyes away from all that and turned back towards the plants in the ground, on the other side of the wooden deck that surrounds the home.
This garden is unique in that the garden actually slopes up from the front of the house, it's great for privacy and for seeing your plants from the house.
Okay, here's where I end the first part of the tour around David's garden. It's not an elegant break, but with 74 photos to share I had to stop somewhere. More on Wednesday!
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Oh, David is the best. Like you, I had heard so much about David but didn't know he was @slow_boat. And then another putting the pieces together moment when I saw the Farallon van. What a day you had, a garden high! I love your first tour, each spot so amazing. The parking area, down to the porch and then you turn around and see that slope! A most excellent Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI've forgotten, have you been to David's garden? Seems like you have. Ya... the dramatic entrance to the garden is pretty fabulous!
DeleteYes, and I can't wait to go back! When I mentioned to him how I'd love to see your garden, he said "let's go!" like he was ready to get in the van and high tail it to Portland.
DeleteRoadtrip! Just let me know so I can put in my plant order ;)
Delete:)
DeleteI'm so glad you took so many photos. I was exhausted by then and focused on the mochi donuts David's husband had gotten for us :-)
ReplyDeleteThe treats were definitely appreciated, but the garden...! I had to document it.
DeleteIt’s crazy how much things have changed since you were here! Feels like it was just a month or so ago. The little vignette with the cheilanthes fern, aechmea recurvata, and the found wood with the plastic “voltage” cutout sign was an ode you and your blog, and all the garden inspiration you’ve provided!
ReplyDeleteSeriously? That's a terribly fabulous thing to read...thank you! And yes, in many ways it does feel like it was only a month or so ago. I do hope I can make a return visit sometime.
DeleteThat's a fabulous garden. I'm especially impressed that he's done so much with his sloped areas. It makes me sad I haven't done much of anything with my steep back slope and probably won't. The more moderate front slope is about all me and my bum knee can handle.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the two sloped areas (yours and this one) can even be compared. One IS the front garden to the home, you see it coming and going and from the house, the other isn't at all visible from the home or other gardened areas. I think you should let yourself off the hook on this one.
DeleteIt must be amazing to move into a home with such a fantastic garden. Although it could be daunting, David managed to put his own spin on it. The Palms certainly but other plants as well give it a slightly tropical feel, to my eyes at least. Orange bromeliades are amazing!
ReplyDeleteChavli
There are so many different plants, from tropical to xeric. It's obviously a plant lovers garden.
DeleteSuch fabulous plants! Would you happen to know what the grey-silver shaggy mound plant is in the 4th and 5th slide? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt is an unknown puya hybrid that originally came from a garden in Mill Valley. Looking for the identity of it still!
DeleteThanks David!
DeleteWell, my jealousy is rearing its ugly head for sure! The tillandsia is beyond words, as is his entire garden!
ReplyDeleteI could very easily fall into a raging bout of jealousy too. To be able to grow all of these plants outdoors, many in the ground. Ugh.
DeleteOh, do you know if the tillandsia is growing without and soil or moss, etc.
ReplyDeleteThere are a wide range of growing conditions throughout the garden, some in the ground, some on rocks (tomorrow's post)... I think you might be asking about the ones in the white hanging container? As I recall there was no soil/moss/other medium in that container.
DeleteYes, that is what I was wondering. Thanks for the info.
DeleteYou've shared some fantastic photos of fabulous bay area gardens and even linked to past visits. Thank you. I'm jealous of how well organized you are! I've been thinking what might be the cost of water for some of those gardens with around 25 inches a year contribution from the skies.
ReplyDeleteI am so unfamiliar with what the rain situation is like in the Bay Area, water didn't even cross my mind. Good question though! I am glad you enjoyed the posts.
DeleteNow that's a great garden! Off to enjoy post #2...
ReplyDeleteIt’s fun to see David’s garden through your eyes.
ReplyDelete