Out on a walk I found myself in front of a garden I used to visit rather frequently (
2009,
2010,
2019 and many more), but it's been a while. What caught my eye (from the street) was the blue foliage of the Arctostaphylos and the fact plants in the hellstrip were pruned around the meter box.
Yucca leaves are cut back, the Arctostaphylos has been trained along the side (it even has a "pillow log" at one end).
It surely is a handsome plant, I wish I knew which one it is.
Okay, the temptation was too much, I had to walk around to the sidewalk and take a look at the garden.
It's been sixteen years that I've been putting eyes on this landscape. I've watched these plants grow up. That tall Yucca rostrata was chest high when I first saw it.
The home has had 3 or 4 owners that I know of, how wonderful that they've all let this plant (another Arctostaphylos I believe) continue to grow out over the driveway at this somewhat precarious angle.
It's a looker, that's for sure.
Turning back to the corner of the front garden I noticed (for what felt like the first time) how closely the Genista aetnensis (small tree to the right of the yucca trunk) was planted to the Yucca rostrata. I doubt it really seemed like an issue when they were smaller. I'm sorry I missed the Genista in bloom, it must have been dramatic (
see others here).
Turning back to the hellstrip, there's another Arctostaphylos, with a skirt of opuntia.
Two more photos, both of a section of the front garden to the west of the home's front door sidewalk, another tall Yucca rostrata (actually a pair), a towering eucalyptus, agaves, and more...
It's really is crazy to be in one place long enough to watch a garden and plants (and not just
your own) grow up and reach middle age. We're all getting older, everyday...
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Great examples and fascinating plantings. Yes, the growth of that Yucca rostrata is impressive! It's definitely fun to revisit gardens over the years. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd it's nice when they're right in the neighborhood and easy to get to!
DeleteOh, that gorgeous Arctostaphylos!! could it be A. silvicola, or A. pumila 'Grey Leaf Form'? We wants one.
ReplyDeleteOlder ain't necessarily worse. What a great garden, to still look good after years and several owners who chose not to mess it up.
I'd say it definitely could be, and you should have one!
DeleteI can see why this is one you check on. That first arcto's coloring is really something! And yes to letting it reach out over the driveway, even if it is just laziness I applaud the decision.
ReplyDeleteLaziness for the win!
DeleteI love that graceful Arctostaphylos hanging over the driveway! I'm willing to bet the Fire Department inspectors would require cutting it down here, though. The "zone zero" stuff is getting to me...As to the Yucca rostrata, I can't believe how big it is! Mine, which has been in the group over 4 years now (after 2 years in a large pot), still has no trunk whatsoever...
ReplyDeleteIt's time to toss your stalled Yucca rostrata and invest in one with a trunk!
DeleteIf not for the constant of the house I wouldn't recognize this garden! It evolved into a truly cohesive look. Some plants from 2009 didn't survive to present but the mature elements are more than in enough so they aren't missed.
ReplyDeleteA new house on my walk received an enthusiastic front garden some 10-12 years ago: many gorgeous conifers, planted WAY too close to one another. Eventually, some had to be cut down due to overcrowding. I think the house you featured fared better: the original gardener must have had a clue!
Chavli
The original definitely knew what he was doing. Planting things too close together isn't always bad, that way you can weed out some things without having an empty spot!
DeleteMy aching back and joints at the end of each day confirms that yes, we are all getting older. The yucca has certainly developed character worthy of a Dr Seuss tree. As you mentioned it's fortuitous that each owner has allowed these wonderful shrubs and trees to remain. They have so much character.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. As the great migration approaches I'm wishing I had a young 20-something to carry all those containers around...
DeleteIt is amazing that, with so many owners, the garden is still intact. Around here, new owners rip everything out. We and our gardens certainly are all getting older. At 79, I am struggling to keep mine cared for as I want to!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your garden Nancy! If/when I head down to visit my brother in Phoenix I'm going to look you up.
DeleteHmmm, even the older manzanita is a "blue hair" in its own way. But of course it started that way. I like how simple this garden is. The empty spots would drive me mad, but maybe restraint begets sanity?
ReplyDelete