Sunday, April 27, 2008

Rock Garden is Done! Yay!

At long last, the rock garden is complete. I think I started stacking the rocks last summer and planted a few things in the fall. Not much production happened during the winter. The plants did great though and really blossomed early this spring. Last weekend, I put in the last of the plants and this morning I put down the last of the gravel. The only thing left to do is make a cover for the sprinkler risers. I'll make that out of the redwood lattice.
The rock garden began as a way to incorporate some of the rocks we inherited with the house. The stones are actually Palos Verdes Limestone, which is quarried locally and is a popular building material.

I have a combination of "nook-and-cranny" succulents and potted cacti. I wanted to use unconventional items as "pots" and I also used found objects to create some visual excitement.

These cacti are from the cactus sale I went to at the South Coast Arboretum a few weeks ago. The guy there told me these can grow pretty tall....in 30 years!

The plastic figures are things I found in the garden when I was digging up the dirt. We have discovered many "artifacts" from previous owners that we try to reuse in various ways.

This cricket was originally intended as a candle holder.

I got this cool old toy fire engine at a garage sale. The geraniums kind of went nuts over the spring, I think I will be cutting them back a bit.

The is the full view of the garden. Ultimately, I would like to get one or two brightly colored bowling balls to place on the gravel.

7 comments:

LA Farm Woman said...

I just wanted to let you know I love your new rock garden! It shows how you can use water wise plants and still create something pretty (and cute).

I love to read your blog to get your take on the South Bay.

LA Farm Girl (aka Judi)

MaryRuth said...

Wow, thanks for the kind words Judi! It was a long time coming, but I am happy with the results. Now all I need is for it to grow.
Your blogs are amazing. I wish I had more of a green thumb. But like you said...its all about the soil. And mine is pretty crappy. I'm not even going to plant any tomatoes this year. I don't get enough sun and I'm always disappointed.
You have inspired me to try to get to the farmer's market more often. If my peach crop is good this year, I will keep your food bank in mind.

Unknown said...

Lovely! Such imagination you have - I will have to get busy on my "rock garden" which is just a few rocks in a corner of the yard. We are on a hill, so the rocks kind of hold it up.

MaryRuth said...

Thanks Mimi! Hopefully your weather will warm up a bit (and stay warm!) so you can get some plants in.
I enjoyed your post about Albert's garden...the part of the seed packs on popsicle sticks brought back memories!

Unknown said...

Dad wants you to know that I always knew you were going to make it big in the "farm " business even as a young girl. I remember your bringing home tulips for Mom from the neighbors garden! Seriously, come on home and get my boulders to look as fantastic as yours. Is that a plastic space shuttle of Dales' on a rock ? LOve it.

MaryRuth said...

Thanks Dad! I don't remember actually TAKING the flowers, but I DO remember having to go an apologize to the lady, which I guess is the better thing to remember.
The Space Shuttle is mine! I got it in Seattle last year. I need more things like that to put on the rocks.
You can put hen and chicks in your rocks, that would be nice. Make sure it is something that will make it thru the winter. Hey, what about Edelweiss?

LA Farm Woman said...

Thank you too for the kind words. Hey, have you thought about doing a couple of tomato plants in containers? That way you can move to where the sun is, and you can get some great varieties from Laurel's Heirloom Tomatoes in Lomita, You can see what's she's got at her website:
www.heirloomtomatoplants.com
Just a thought!