2021 in the Garden
An update from the 2017 map. The "Oak Bed" (yellow) combines what was the "Shrub Bed" and "Oak Meadow". Some added labels. Colors code like-planted areas. Structural plantings are shaded and shown at mature size.
Let's use these names for the various walks, house features, and beds. Most plantings here have at least some structural role. They are shaded and shown at mature size. Annuals, smaller bulbs, and deciduous perennials are outlined. Late January plantings.
We still have a very colorful dogwood in the Fountain Bed, but the leaves are dropping fast.
The Howard McMinn manzanitas are blooming in back. Not real showy, but lots of blooms.
A wider view of the manzanitas. The Carpenteria in front is definitely an outlier. It's being a little slow to establish itself robustly.
Replanting in front. New camellias under the front window: two 'Elegans Champagne' and one "Tudor Baby Variegated' between. I've moved the ginger lilies to the Main Front Bed. Calla placement is probably temporary. Divided the bluebells. After taking this picture, I adjusted the three Camellias forward about 6". My initial planting put them too close to the house.
Hellebores, violas, and Bergenia (with the Iris coming shortly) in front. These are in the East Bed, near the sidewalk.
The Algerian Iris in the parking strip (west) are all out.
Another angle on the front: a full view of the Front Walk plantings, including the new things in the parking strip (east).
We have flowers on the pipevine in the Fountain Bed! Only about five, but it's a start. The vines are clambering over a coffeeberry shrub.
A little out of order, but if we add two weeks, there are more pipevine flowers. All are on one branch of the vine. Pipevine leaves are beginning to pop. The full green leaves in view are those of the coffeeberry.
The first Douglas Iris, as usual in the Maple Bed, is out too. This Californian has slightly different markings, but just about the same color as its old world cousin in front.
Western hounds tongue (Adelinia grandis) in the Oak Bed. Not a huge plant (yet?) but I'm very happy to see this favorite early season California wildflower is doing well in my garden. I hope the new ones I added this year will do equally well. Formerly in the genus Cynoglossum.
Western hounds tongue (Adelinia grandis) in the Oak Bed. Formerly in the genus Cynoglossum.
The legacy bearded iris are all out in front. These were here before we moved in, although not in this particular spot. They are ubiquitous in the neighborhood too. The variety may be 'Crimson King', dating from 1893.
The pink flowering currant (Ribes sanguinium 'Tranquillon Ridge') in the SW corner of the back.
The California fescue is coming into bloom back by the oak.
The native beach strawberries (Fragaria chiloensis) are all out in the Fountain Bed.
The Maianthemum are in bloom toward the south end of the Fountain Bed. Not a lot of bloom, but some.
The seep monkeyflowers by the fountain are coming along.
The fountain is now completely nestled in seep monkeyflower blooms, with a few nicely placed fringe cup stalks up too.
Down below the fountain, the 'Serpentine Night' stream orchids are coming up. The stalks lighten up as they grow but they are a very dark maroon right now.
The species stream orchids (Epipactis giganea) shoots. Bright green on these. They are a bit more robust than 'Serpentine Night' too.
Late April and early March is the time for roses. First up was the Rose of Rescht. Heavenly fragrance.
Now that it's May, we have Felicia ...