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My California Garden in Spring-Part Two

Thank you so much for all the kind comments about my front garden.  My back garden consists of the pool/patio area and what used to be called the rose garden.  The rose garden is on the other side of the fireplace in a safe little corner where the deer have never trodden.

If you read my first post, My California Garden in Spring Part One, we left off where the herb garden looks out onto the pool.  Here is the other side looking back with Beau posing.

Our pool is ancient.  We are thankful it is still “kicking” barely.  We (meaning Steve) recently had to replace the back stucco fence because it was rotting.  It doesn’t look “real pretty” yet because it is a wider area and needs some “zhusing”, so no photos of that today!

The house is to the left of where Beau is standing.  When I took this pic my pots were not at their best but this will give you the lay of the land at least.

This area is connected by gravel paths to the side garden and the herb/messy garden.

This is a shot that the wonderful John Granen (staged by Bonnie Broten) took a few years ago for Tuscan Home of the fireplace at the other end of the pool.

There is a path to the right of the fireplace that leads to the back garden that used to be mostly roses. The other side of the fireplace has a fountain.

The yellow rose is the David Austin Molyneux, one of my favorites. Golden Celebration (also David Austin) is in the foreground.

Here is the view from the fireplace entering the back garden to the right. This was earlier when the Wisteria was in bloom.

Now the nameless climbing rose is about to bloom out. The Iceberg standard is over 20 years old.  We are gradually having to replace them one by one. Russian sage and Nepeta at the base.

Eden (a Romantica) never disappoints. It blooms graciously all season.

On the left in the area that has the fireplace fountain, there was this view right after the Spring rains. The climbing rose is the great old rose Reve D’ Or.

This is what that area looks like now. The lavender and Russian Sage are in full bloom.  The red rose is The Prince (David Austin).  It only looks pretty in the early spring before there are too much sun and heat.  Later in the season, it is pathetic looking.  I adore the color so I keep him.  I think he might do better in semi-shade.  Maybe one day I will move him!

The pepper tree to the right was a volunteer.  My husband chose to keep it…bad idea…

Another favorite Buff Beauty blooms in front of the gate that goes to the pasture.  It is really old.  I planted a young one in front last year in case I lose him!

Down the path is another small fountain that is constantly running out of water. It is surrounded by daylilies and germander. On the fence behind is the antique Madame Alfred Carriere rose.

Here is a favorite shot of Beau when strolling up the walk when he was just a few years old.

That concludes my garden tour.  Many have asked if I have any special advice.  If you want perfect roses that bloom continually (but requires more work) Pat Welch’s Rose Pro system is the absolute best. You can buy her book Pat Welch’s Southern California Organic Gardening on Amazon. I highly recommend this book if you live in California for sound gardening advice in general. I do not follow the rose pro program religiously anymore because I don’t have the energy and I depend on a gardener to help me.  I only loosely follow the system. It really works, but I  am trying to simplify the workload.

The plants that are the backbone of this area of my garden (my entire garden for that matter) are nepeta faasseni (catmint), russian sage (petrovskia), daylilies, and lavender hetrophylla. I only grow roses that have thrived in my garden on drip without additional water.  Some years (this one for instance) it is prettier than usual due to sufficient rainfall.  This year the russian sage is beautiful.  Some years not so much.

What thrives in your garden?  I would love to hear about your favorite plants.

 

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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    Hi Cindy,
    Your gardens are so beautiful. It looks like paradise! I purchased a bunch of germander after a post you did a couple of years ago. It performs really well and I’m so happy with it!
    When you run your drip in the front garden, how long do you run it for? We installed drip irrigation when we re-landscaped, but I’m still unsure if I’m under or overwatering.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Michelle
      In our front yard for the germander and drought tolerant plants we have one gallon per hour emitters and we drip for three hours. The roses we have 2 gallon per hour emitters and water for the same amount of time. I am not sure where you live but in our central coast garden it works. My daughter does the same I believe.

  2. debra@5th and state says

    Cindy
    I am mesmerized by your gardens and soaking it all in. not only the abundant plants but the arbors, pergola, fireplace………..you are an amazing garden designer. Glad to read you have help as I am thinking to myself, “how on earth…………?!”

    xx
    debra

  3. Claudia says

    What a magnificent garden! And the land beyond your garden gate is incredible. You mentioned deer … what other wildlife do you have/see where you live?
    Also, thank you for including my blog on your sidebar. I appreciate the publicity, especially from a blog as lovely as yours, Cindy.
    Claudia, My Little Bungalow

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Claudia
      In regards to wildlife, we have rabbits, squirrels, birds (way too many) and deer. We do have the occasional bobcat and a healthy supply of snakes and lizzards! It is my pleasure to have you on my sidebar. I only list blogs that I enjoy myself!!

  4. Carol says

    HI Martha, I lived in Northern San Diego county for many years. Depending on where you live, the growing zones can be quite different. The Sunset Western Garden Book will help you A LOT!!! If you need some help, DM at FrenchFlowerFarm on Instagram.

    By the way, no matter where I’ve lived in Southern California, I have been able to grow roses so you ,too, will be able to have your rose garden again soon!

  5. 93Zingara says

    What wonderful gardens you have! Everything is serene, full of color and ambiance. In my garden here in La Jolla, Ca, I have the most amazing Brown Turkey Fig Tree. She is producing the most succulent Figs this year! This year I planted the Love Song Rose by Week’s. Such a unique shade of purple!💜

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I must check that rose out. I love anything with purple undertones. The brash red roses do not look good in my garden. I wonder if I could try a fig here? I have terrible bird problems. Do they like figs I wonder? Thanks so much for weighing in!

  6. Kathysue says

    Oh Cyndi your entire garden is so breathtaking. I can just picture you walking along your gravel paths soaking it all in it is picturesque.

  7. kelley says

    Hi Cindy, I read both of your garden posts! It looks fantastic. I agree about how much work roses seem to be but yours look like they are thriving. You have all the wonderful things I love in a California garden and having older large plants really makes a huge difference. Sometimes I find that when something isn’t doing will I just pull it out and leave the space empty for a while before I rush to replant. I’m a nursery junkie so its really hard to do 😉

    Take care and enjoy the new grand baby

    xxoo Kelley

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I certainly do have some empty spaces in my garden now. Your idea about not rushing to replant is such a good one. You are my garden guru. I wish mine were as pretty as yours!!

  8. Cindy says

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful garden. What an inspiration! Would it be possible to get the color and brand of paint that is on your doors and gates? It is lovely.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Cindy

      This is an old color but I have the formula. If you email me I will send you a pic of the formula and any paint company can mix it for you.

  9. Cheryl says

    Cindy,
    The garden, home, rolling hills in the ‘canyon’ area….all amazing!
    cheryl

  10. Donna says

    Your garden is lovely. Thanks for giving me a tour. The plants, colors, and gorgeous setting inspires me to keep on planting.!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I am so happy to hear that. This year has inspired me to be a better gardener as well. Love those late sprring rains!

  11. Susan Malizia says

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful gardens…they are lovely. And the view of the foothills!!! So pretty! I love how everywhere you turn there’s another little detail and something special.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Thanks so much Sue. There are areas that need work but it was pretty this year!

  12. Kate says

    If I had a garden like yours, I don’t think I would ever leave home. It is gorgeous and so inviting. It’s a painted real life picture.

  13. Martha Foss says

    Beautiful!! I just moved from my home in Danville after 37 years, and I’m starting again In northern San Diego County. It is hard figuring out new plants for a new growing zone. My old yard was full of antique roses, and seeing pictures of your yard makes me miss my old yard. On the upside I do have a beautiful Bougainvillea! in northern San Diego County. It is hard figuring out new plants for a new growing zone. My old yard was full of antique roses, and seeing pictures of your yard makes me miss my old yard. On the upside I do have beautiful bougainvillea !

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Martha
      My daughter lives in Walnut Creek and I am struck by the plants that grow beautifully in her garden that don’t do well here at all. We can grow Bouganvilla here as well and they are the best aren’t they? Pick up Pat Welch’s book if you can find it. It is a great resource for your area.

  14. home before dark says

    What a lovely place for Beau to patrol. Several of your photos would be great turned into watercolors! Glorious and enchanting! And at almost 70 I feel in my knees all of the years of bending and kneeling and glad to hear you are getting some help on this front! I started out with roses and over the years I found my true loves: shrubs and trees! I adore the Mohawk viburnum, it comes alive in early spring with a screaming pink that blissfully turns white and has the yummiest fragrance that signals a new season. It’s disease free and turns red in the fall.

    ps I think we need a Harper cam on this blog. How is that lovely girl?

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Little Summer Harper is fabulous thank you for asking. I just got back from Texas and am heading up to see her tomorrow! I am going to check out that Viburnum. I wonder if it will grow here? Beau is one lucky dog that is for sure. Do you go by Pat or Patty? I feel like we are sisters from another mom!!

  15. LA CONTESSA says

    PENNY ROYAL……..AND LEMON BALM ARE IN ABUNDANCE!
    THE JASMINE IS BOUNTIFUL AT THE MOMENT!
    I LOVE YOUR HOUSE………..
    WE CAN TRADE…….SO YOU CAN BE CLOSER TO THE BEBE!!!!!!!
    XX

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I need to replant lemon balm. Isn’t it kind of invasive? I do not have penny royal…should I? Just got home …I need to go peek at my garden! This weekend is working in the garden time!

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