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May 1, 2005

Going Native

On Saturday afternoon, Elaine and I had a little expedition to the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, which is one of the largest collections of California native plants in the state. We were both looking for ideas for our gardens, and we happened upon a real treasure: on Saturday afternoons, there's a docent-led tour, and we were able to snag a docent all to ourselves, who showed us lots of plants that met our specific garden needs, and talked a bit about what sort of environment they like. It was the best two hours I've spent in a botanical garden since I left Smith.

A view out over the garden from the visitors' center.

The garden is built around a natural creek that has water year-round.

The Velvet-Leaf Coffeeberry, which I can see along the front walk or against a wall in the back.

Chinese Houses, which I'm planning to put along the sidewalk in front.

One of the many irises in bloom.

The agave was blooming -- and this thing was massive: the flower part is about as tall as me.

A snowdrop bush.

An onion.

Dudleya growing on a dead log.

An azalea.

A manzanita. The bark is very sensitive, but smooth and shiny. I have been planning mostly fruit trees, but I think I can squeeze one of these in.

I don't remember what these were, but they are terrifically weird.

Five-fingered ferns, which will be added to the fern garden between our house and our closest neighbor.

Purple Fairy Lanterns. A lovely little flower.

Another fern, this one with different leaf shapes for different functions. Only the upright ones produce spores.

A Wake Robin, or trillium. We're going to have some very shady spots where this sort of undergrowth plant would do very well.

Another undergrowth plant, this lily has creamy blossoms in the fall. I love the formal texture of the leaves, which are very similar to dogwood leaves.

Crimson Sage. A nice contrast to the usual purple sages.

I probably won't get to do much gardening this summer because of the whole foundation debacle, but I'm working on plans for the day when I do finally have a yard again.

Posted by ayse on 05/01/05 at 11:54 PM