This sidewalk hell-strip garden has a harsh southern exposure surrounded by concrete and asphalt. It is irrigated in the summer dry months. I have been replacing those plants which couldn't take the exposure like a mop head hydrangea, I do not lie, with Mediterranean and California native plants and cultivars.
This is a year in review post and these most recent photos were taken the first week of July, 2024.
Although the Dahlia is the official flower of San Francisco, I find it difficult to grow well in my gardens. It is hard to look at all these gorgeous flowers and not want to try again. We will see.
Best in Show------->
Thomas Church designed the courtyard between two big performance spaces in San Francisco's Civic Center area. I recently visited a garden in Washington State designed in part by Thomas Church and that was the reason for my visit. See what is here in my own city. The courtyard is simple, lawn, box and pollarded London Plane trees. I think the brick path work is the most interesting part of his design.
Last week, I spontaneously sent out invites for an open garden. The key was to offer Pimp's Cups and a prize. It was wonderful to share with my twenty or so friends who stopped by. It was looking good; Photos just don't capture the colors, wind, smells and mood. Each year it gets fuller and more mature. Here's some from the most recent party and then few from last year.
July 27th - My home garden.
