Spring Gardens: Great and Small

A good friend of mine asked me recently how my "garden blog" is coming along.  I had to laugh because that's not really what this blog is about, but upon reflection, I must admit - she has a point.  Being in nature -  in gardens, parks, at the coast, the hills of California - has always been a source of nourishment, companionship, and creative inspiration for me ever since I was a kid.  (And that's in part what this blog is about.  Helping myself and others consciously plan and invest time and resources in a way that maximizes ones ROI - ones return on that investment.)  

I still remember summer weekends "working" with my dad in the backyard - him mowing the lawn (back when homeowners still did that themselves) - me cutting the edges by hand (does anyone else remember doing that?), or deadheading marigolds in Summer.  All my life - I've always preferred being and exercising outside - first running, then walking and hiking, recently even lifting weights - and now that I've picked up photography - I find myself once again drawn to learn and practice this craft in a setting that makes my soul sing. 

Daffodil field

THE GREAT

We missed Filoli's "tulip show" last year - probably because of my back.  They plant a ridiculous amount of Spring bulbs throughout the garden and it's really an experience not to be missed if you can fit it into your schedule.  We went two weekends ago with friends and their 8 year old, and joined with the masses to ooo and ahhh.  (Don't let the large number of people, or getting one of the last spots in their overflow parking lot like we did - deter you.  Once in - people tend to spread out between the gardens, the house, the gift store and the cafe - and as you can see above - if you linger until right before closing time - you'll be able to get a sense of the space as it was when privately owned.)

Filoli's volunteer gardeners do an amazing job - all year round - and I'm so grateful for their efforts.  And I suppose security - who herded us, the last stragglers of the day, gently out of the garden with a smile - deserve a friendly shout out too.

THE SMALL

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes and I'm always impressed with what some people - born with the proverbial green thumb (I'm talking about you EL) - can do with the smallest of spaces.  I love nothing more than spending a warm Saturday afternoon - productively putzing in our small garden.  Weeding, planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, admiring,....you name it.   While we have so much still to do to make it Gamble Garden worthy - it's come a long way from when we moved in 10 plus years ago.

Last week, taking advantage of an overcast (but great lighting!) day, I took a "MeDay" lunch break to capture some images of our  "little Filoli".  (No - we don't have a name for our garden - yet - though coming up with one isn't a bad idea. )  It was pretty fun to treat that hour like I would a morning photo shoot for a Filoli class.   And to appreciate the fulfilled promise of Spring bulbs planted earlier this year.

I'm pretty pleased with this year's display - especially after last year's dismal experience because of back issues which clouded the start of 2012.  One of these years, I'll go "fancy" and order bulbs from a catalog.  Or not - as I have to say - these Costco and Home Depot bulbs are looking mighty fine!

         

We are also pretty excited about how well our apricot tree is doing.  (Homegrown apricots are heaven!)  I think it's in it's third year (really must start a garden journal / scrapbook to keep track of these things) and this is the first year where it's had such a proliferation of fruit.  We'll "share"  these with the local squirrels (a.k.a. robber barons, locusts, ...) by netting off some of it's branches - and leaving a few branches free for them.

It's pretty fun what you can "see" when you change your perspective.  This shot - taken lying on my tummy on the lawn - makes me think of some kind of Alice in Wonder and/or magical hobbit land.  And just to think - it's in our very own back yard!

           

Even the spiders are feeling fertility frisky too!  (on the left at Filoli - on the right at home.)  

Whether a garden or a deck or a pot of herbs on your kitchen sill - I hope you're investing in what makes your soul sing, and savoring Spring gardens - great and small - too.