Portfolio
Bowe Ave. Garden
Before...
An eclectic mix of neglected plants filled this small condo back yard. The property is adjacent to a Redwood grove and a creek, which determined the appropriate plant pallette of the new garden. The new landscape was designed to bring an aesthetically pleasing and relaxing space for the owner, and to provide habitat for wildlife. A combination of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs make up the "back bones" of the garden and provide privacy. The understory brings additional color, texture and seasonal interest for the human eye, and also offers nectar, berries and pollen for the wild visitors.
After...
The new garden was installed in November, 2006. Even at this early stage, it already provides a peaceful and inviting sight from the homeowner's windows and patio. The top 2 row of pictures were taken in April, 2007, while the earlier shots right after installation.
The deciduous brown twig dogwood in the back corner provides seasonal color among the evergreen shrubs.
A red Japanese maple accents the container trio, while the native vine maple is in ground in the back corner.
Fringe cups and yerba buena mingle under the vine maple.
'Susana' coral bells are in full bloom in front of the carpenteria hedge.
Closeup of the central rock bed: foothill penstemon, hummingbird fuchsia and sage and narrow-leaved milkweed.
View from the side gate of the garden.
Yarrow and Idaho fescue follow the curved path.
The bubbling blue urn fountain brings a soothing sound and relaxation for the owner, and fresh water for the birds.
A gravel path, edged with bender boards, provides access throughout the garden and allows for ease of maintenance.
The plants in the center bed include Sierra Point wild lilac, hummingbird fuchsia and sage, blue bedder penstemon, golden aster and milkweeds.
The Claremont pink flowering currant, by the bedroom window, invites hummingbirds with its early spring flowers and songbirds with its fruit.
Brown twig dogwood in fall color graces the back corner of the garden.