Some views of the back garden

11 Dec '07 6:03 pm

Wonderful Lavatera, Dixie! I had one but it was a bright cotton-candy pink. Very pretty but it really clashed with everything around it so I gave it away last spring. I think it would be a wonderful plant for my "new" garden, if it ever comes to reality! I really like yours!

Cheers!

gordonf

12 Dec '07 5:36 am

It is always in flower...I grew this one from a cutting as they are so easy to grow.It is taller than I am.I will cut it back to nearly ground-level in Winter,though as the stems grow strong and woody,but I may well start a new plant.
The foliage is actually a silver-grey,though it doesn't show on this photo.It will grow in sunny,dryish conditions,though it obviously likes the heaps of compost I have it growing in.
Best wishes for your dream,Gordon.I think we are all very hopeful that something special will happen for you.
Dixie.

12 Dec '07 11:45 am

Your Pepper tree did make me think of the trees growing in Balboa park where I grew up. We used to picnic here when I was very young and California Pepper trees were the first ones I ever climbed. These were smaller than yours overall as I remember. The branches were very twisty-curvy and fun to cliimb on. Is your's native to New Zealand, Dixie?

13 Dec '07 6:01 pm

No it is not a native,Mark.I thought it was native to California.I like it because it has dappled shade-it is almost evergreen in that it still has quite a few leaves in winter.
I took this photo this morning,walking back from the farm barn towards the house-the fairy garden is on the right,and the steps lead up to the back garden.
Dixie.

14 Dec '07 3:57 am

I see. So the Fairy Garden is visible from the bench infront of the concrete wall. Nice. I really like the broad stairs. Very grand. I think this photo is taken from the direction in which you mentioned wanting to extend the garden? I think a walk coming toward the stairs and looking between the trees will really pull people along.

15 Dec '07 2:47 am

Dixie, I really am enjoying all the new views of your garden - the last pic, of the steps seen from under the trees, is lovely. I too grew up with pepper trees. They are of the few trees that survive the extremes of summer heat, winter cold and drought in many parts of SA, and so with gumtrees are often found around homesteads in the grassy plains of the hinterland. I know that for a time in my teens they depressed me, as they symbolised harsh survival. But their basic grace and willingness soon stood out for me - and I guess I learnt to accept that I was a redhead and not designed to be playing outside in the sun - or even cowering under the pepper trees - in temperatures over 30 degrees! Now I agree - they have a Japan4ese quality that is very appealing... perhaps I shouls figure out where to plant one on the farm... perhaps incorporate it into the 50th birthday garden for my sister which will celebrate dry, stony, harsh climes... there I go again!

Lavatera Barnsley is a lovely plant. I've never seen it in SA, and I don't know why. I've had the candy pink one, which is not nearly as lovely, and am very fond of both the pink and white annuals; which reminds me: I must plant the seeds from the ones at school, planted from a scatterpack exactly a year ago.

17 Dec '07 3:14 am

Wow! Simply adore your hydrangeas and lavatera, Dixie! So beautiful and such abundance! Thanks for sharing. Smile

I noticed that your hydrangeas bush seem firm and sturdy. Ours sometimes flop and need to be staked? Usually happens to blooming stalks of 3 ft. tall, especially when it rains. Are they lacking in nutrients or whatever? Need your expertise, Dixie. Thanks.

17 Dec '07 12:25 pm

O Dear-my expertise is just bluff,Jacqueline,but thank you for your generous compliments..I don't know why the hydrangeas are particularly strong- I do know our soil here in the central North island is really good,volcanic type,so I am very blessed.
I have just been outside to take some pics today with plants getting ready to flower
dixie.

17 Dec '07 12:50 pm

Wonderful pictures, Dixie! I think your kniphofia is wonderful!! I love those plants, which is why I keep growing them from seed trying to get different colours! Also, your fuschia is great!! I guess you can leave them outdoors through the winter, there, can you?

It's great to know that summer is making people happy somewhere on the globe; it already seems ages since we had it here!!

Cheers!

gordonf

18 Dec '07 10:49 am

I enjoyed SO much "walking " through your garden , Dixie!! Beautiful captures of a loved and very well taken care garden! I love its personality and its colour blue character!!!

Some views of the back garden

Lavatera

flower and foliage

Pepper Trees

steps

New view

back garden today

Kniphofias

Lovely garden captures!!!