The use of gabion walls creates intimate areas within what was once a large open space. Like the artists they are, they've utilized generous gravel paths as areas for the eye to rest. Much easier to care for and more water-wise than lawn, these negative spaces are the perfect foil for the floral and foliar bounty of the even more generous beds.
Fritillaria imperialis
I think that's Daphne x houtteana looking so handsome currently surrounded by pink tulips .
Gotta love those those brightly blooming euphorbias!
Cerinthe major purpurascens
The Tetrapanax grove will soon be leafed-out.
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' always looks gorgeous this time of year, and quite innocent before it starts trying to take over the world later in the season.
The honey-like fragrance of Euphorbia mellifera is such a joy. I think my own specimen came from Dig many years ago.
Ross and Sylvia may well be moseying down the road if their property sells but for at least one more season, we can still enjoy the magic of the Nursery and garden. (Nursery post to follow.) Thanks again for all these years of enjoyment!
The stone gabions almost immediately imply minimalist but to a nice surprise it is packed, a plantsmans garden!
ReplyDeleteThese are truly grand gabions! I wish the grasses and perennials were fully out already to see how they interact with the gabions, but that is not till a late summer visit.
ReplyDeleteEuphorbia mellifera is new to me. It smells like honey, you say?
Oh yes, the fragrance is really wonderful. The plant needs a bit of a sheltered location but doesn't mind being dry once established so it would be very happy on a hill behind someone's home.
DeleteThat is the best use of gabions I've seen. And how very beautiful to have used the framework empty in specific instances. What a great way to divide space and those wide gravel paths can visually hold up to the gabions.
ReplyDeleteTheir garden is such a wonderful feast! I need to get to Dig this year. Looking forward to your nursery post. I hope you found some luscious plants there.
ReplyDeleteamazing what strong design and great planting chops can do!
ReplyDeleteI love that metal chair! So the property is still up for sale? I did tell my husband about it...
ReplyDeleteYES! You should buy it! http://www.dignursery.com/forsale/ Just think of all the cool plants you could grow here and if you miss L.A. there's a huge heated "greenhaus" where you could overwinter some of your faves. V.I. is special with a small community feel, great island life, and only a 10 minute ferry ride from Tacoma, 20 minutes from Seattle.
DeleteI would call these pictures delicious... Spring plants with their blooms are such a treat! Thank you Peter!
ReplyDeleteOh that rusty chair!
ReplyDeleteThat's really pretty. It seems natural and comfortable, but there are quite a few interesting plants tucked in along the way. I could see spending quite a bit of time there!
ReplyDeleteOh to have the space to let Tetrapanax run riot like that. A lot of lovely plants in there.
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty table settings! And an interesting garden too!
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