Idlewild Garden in San Diego, Ca. Orange Kangaroo Paw in foreground.
I was recently in San Diego visiting family and seeing gardens that have had a couple growing seasons since I designed them last year. Above is the Idlewild Garden, which used to be a really run-down grass area with a dilapidated patio. Its a rental unit and the owners wanted something very low maintenance and low water, but also something that provided enjoyment for the tenants. This garden was planted in November 2011, and since its in Southern California, with lots of sun (and supplemental water) it has grown incredibly! The picture below shows the yard before:
BEFORE:
BEFORE- the yard was in bad shape.
We were able to reuse most if not all of the existing 6×12 concrete pavers, and set them into gravel. They look so much better, and its great to know you can easily repurpose this type of ubiquitous paver from Home Depot. The other sitting areas feature the loose gravel, and the tenants even made the fire pit out of the remaining pavers.
AFTER:
AFTER: View from rear of yard toward house.
Flax, agave and kangaroo paw next to patio.
AFTER: Close up of gravel patio with paver patio and firepit beyond
The plant palette includes Kangaroo Paw, Blue Fescue, NZ Flax, Olive Tree, Palo Verde Trees, Blue Chalk sticks, Artemisia, Mexican Feather Grass, and in the background Echium candicans.
AFTER: Kangaroo Paw showing its color.
I wasn’t able to be there for the installation, so I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out well! I’m excited to see this garden continue to grow -especially to see the trees grow taller to provide dappled shade. I’m available for design consultations and full design services in San Diego a couple times a year when I visit- so email me and we can set up a time!
-Erin
