Landed Estates

As I have mentioned before, I watch a lot of films; mostly older and primarily English. I referred to "Brideshead Revisited" in my last post as one that featured beautiful gardens. I must change that to grounds. They consist mainly of expansive lawns which are lovely as the foreground to the grand manor. I am viewing it again now and realize that it is indeed, Jeremy Irons who is memorable; not so much the grounds shown, which really are little more than an example of monoculture on a grand scale. Is is truly beautiful, but would have liked scenes showing a kitchen garden and various other gardens typical within an estate; not to mention the vast forest. 

Speaking of English estates, I am often asked why many plants in gardens fail or have no lasting power and why the overall appearance is not spectacular on a daily basis. I refer to the conditions on an estate which included (and still does, in some cases) a head gardener and assistants and woodsmen who worked the land every day. Soil was made, plants were propagated and all was tended by hand, from the upper canopy trees to the bulbs which poked their heads out after the last snows.

Our rushed and "instant" lifestyle disallows for that kind of time and money to be poured into the garden. We tend to ourselves daily, our homes, our work, our bills... But the very thing that feeds us, in its beauty & functionality; is left to limited attention, but expected to visibly thrive each day.
I think that is why many find the "mow, blow, go" crews, appealing. By the time they have done the above, there is little left to tend to. The plants and hedges are treated as one and the same. They are sheared within an inch of their sad lives, over-fed with commercial fertilizers, sprayed until they are choking and leaves, that would otherwise become a mulch, are blown with great gusto either against the house; well-hidden or into the street or those who feel they are being conscientious, bagged and taken to the dump or a side-street somewhere. The following week or month, the curtains are lifted and the play begins again. This scenario tends to be affordable and looks acceptable to the passer-by. This is what I consider to be an example of limited attention and improper care.

I am well aware that I don't belong in this era. I love my romanticised view of the landed estate and its gardening methods. Hand-forged tools; well-maintained by Alan Bates, a greenhouse filled with plants newly propagated, forests, fields, lakes, controlled wilderness and gardens; all tended with a watchful eye and thoughtful practices; again, by Alan Bates (Sir Arthur Alan Bates).

This is where I pause and swoon.

Below is a link to an interesting blog: Maintaining the Grounds of a Landed British Estate

https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/?s=maintaining+the+grounds+of+a+landed+british+estatehttps://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/?s=maintaining+the+grounds+of+a+landed+british+estate

No-Till

I admit that I, in my maintenance service, do use a blower (usually electric) and gas-powered lawnmower, have used pesticides (gentler labels), herbicides (bad) and commercial fertilizers. I do not agree with these methods, but, in business, feel pressed to consider time vs finances and comply with my clients wishes to green up, grow, get rid of pests, expel disease and tidy up as rapidly as possible. I have advertised the use of hand tools only and natural methods for ridding a garden of pests and disease. I got no takers. I think and hope that my clients would indeed love to have my non-invasive methods used, but feel that it isn't financially feasible and quite slow. I understand, but feel so very strongly about The Slow Gardening Movement; Unprocessed Gardening; something like the Slow Food Movement. I can only hope that things will shift and allow me and others to garden in beneficial ways and be compensated for it, in business and heart.

For me, when the temps hit even 70, it may as well be 90. I linger quietly indoors doing all that I have to do such as minimal housekeeping, food prep, bookkeeping & all other business-related tasks. In addition, I do more than my fair share of research about the garden & land. These things occupy me while I wait to get back to my garden. But in heat, the closest I will get to the wheelbarrow will be if it is filled with cool water and I could lie in it!
I will be emptying my pots of spent Tomatoes onto my planting areas; plants and all, this weekend and will plant my Comfrey that I was lucky to get my hands on. Also, I brought home a Salvia reptans 'Willow Veil' that I just discovered; a delicate specimen.

I have yet to shift 2 Fig trees after discovering that in my particular garden in their present location, they are exposed to far too much heat and soil that is too poor. This is why it is so important to take a year to study your property for sun, heat, wind and so forth. Though I have taken time to listen to the garden, I really did not study the elements and how they are working. Lesson noted and learned.

The main thing that I am keen on doing very soon, is to get a few bales of Hay and Straw into the garden. I plan to mulch 8-10" deep over the entire garden. It will even become a planting medium for vegetables.

My Broccoli leaves are lovely, but no heads are present.  They are planted in full sun, so hopefully, as the weather changes (soon, please!) I hope they might produce. I will feed them Epsom Salt and water also. I was so eager to get plants into my new terraced beds, that I forgot to think about the sun and heat. Refer to above lesson noted and learned.

My Nectarine has Peach Leaf Curl. Badly. I sprayed it with Baking Soda & water, but did not stay current with my spraying. It will shed its leaves soon, but should resume spraying it. My Peach tree simply looks sad. I am a novice, even after gardening for 31; plus, years. I am used to flower gardens.

My local nursery; Valley Hills Nursery, here in Carmel Valley- Carmel, is having a plant sale through this month, so I think I will get 2 more fruit trees to hold aside.

Usually, I go there on Fridays to browse & purchase for myself, which I've labeled "Greedy Fridays! I strongly believe in the reward system.

As my favorite time of year approaches, I am switching out pots to blend with Pumpkins. I chose 'Cleopatra' Echinacea; a deep buttery yellow which is so pretty with a dark blue Salvia. Both can be transplanted into the garden amongst the vegetables in time, along with the Pumpkins that I toss over the deck to re-seed as they do.



This week's book that I am only too happy to recommend is:

"Gardening Without Work: For the Aging, the Busy and the Indolent" by Ruth Stout. I especially like the word Indolent.

I could easily read this book in its entirety in one sitting, but am savoring every page. I will re-read it in order to take the time to highlight and make notes. It was published about 54 years ago and has not lost its relevance. It is both entertaining and filled with wisdom earned from experimentation and experience and it fits right in with my beliefs and plans.

http://www.amazon.com/Gardening-Without-Work-Aging-Indolent/dp/0981928463/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410722726&sr=8-1&keywords=gardening+without+work

I spend a good amount of time watching films while I work indoors. I gravitate toward English films and look for those that feature lovely gardens. Have you seen the series; "Rosemary & Thyme"? It is about gardening sleuths who solve mysteries both in the garden and at the crime scene.  "Brideshead Revisited" is a movie staple. Beauty abounds; not only in Jeremy Irons, but in the manor's classic formal landscape.

Later today; much later; I hope to start planting my Narcissus around each fruit tree with the inevitable help of my constant companion, Sir Galahad. It is Galahad for short. We only use "Sir" at coronations and such.

He's not going to watch and then dig them up tonight; is he?

I leave you with my painterly photo of Rose and Neptune, Carmel, CA

Coming; a time of reflection and of equal balance of light & dark

 Autumn Equinox begins Monday, September 22 at 7:29 P.M.and Mabon, the mid-harvest festival, will be September 21st.

Intention

As I had already brought up the subject of Permaculture, I will recommend a priceless book about it. Many of the blogs that I follow mention it. It does not require a degree in Science to read and comprehend its pages, which is a blessing to someone like me!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gaias%20garden%20permaculture&sprefix=gaias+garden%2Caps%2C1441

In the newly evolving area of my property that I am first devoting to this method, I have planted the bare bones, as in my fruit trees. My vision includes loads of vegetables and herbs along with companion plants and plants to draw in Bees, Butterflies, Birds and other forms of life. I plan on filling every space possible in-between my California Oaks.
This garden which began as empty space waiting to express itself; remains a challenge. It is sloped and slippery and the Gophers loved to tunnel there. The soil; less than desirable,has been amended with a manure-greenwaste mix. I am adding more straw to the planting areas and will now purchase a bale of hay to add, so that there will be a nice thick layer of mulch. This challenge enables me to look at all layers of life through new eyes.

I am also dreaming of a platform/deck around an Oak, from which to contemplate, surrounded by different varieties of Japanese Maples and more edibles. The thought absolutely thrills me! However, it will remain a dream for a while longer. I cannot spend anything more on the garden until next year. It is time to begin its savings account again!

I have other books written by Elizabeth Murray and recently ordered her newest. Its arrival was timely, as I was in dire need of some gentle guidance. 
I purchased one copy from Amazon.com and another from The Secret Garden in Carmel. As a bookshop manager in my past, I like to support our local businesses and independent bookstores.


http://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Full-Bloom-Relationships/dp/1623361206/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409683091&sr=8-1&keywords=a+life+in+full+bloom


One area of personal interest to me was that of Life Mapping. I devoted a hallway wall to drawing it out and filling in, as well as beginning a wall-length vision board, not a new concept, but again; a timely one for me. Elizabeth's chapters are a delight to read and her photos and drawings warm the heart. I would love to take a workshop from her when I can. She is definitely one of our Angels on Earth. I have made personal notes for each chapter in a notebook to work from. Every section is a reminder of the bounty that we all possess. We sometimes forget to access our resources and at times; need to re-learn how.
Through  my intention of understanding these things, I am beginning to clarify what I want to do as I turn new pages in life, or as I sometimes say; when I grow up! In business, I am clear about how I want to proceed. However, I am concerned about how to reach clients who are interested in my new services: Landscape Project Management & Garden Coaching.
I am anxious to become involved in both aspects of this new gardener-client-garden relationship. 


I will leave you with the  Ampelopsis brevipedunculate 'elegans' variagated. Its common name is Porcelain Berry vine.
I have 2 of these spectacular vines left in my garden. I lost my variegated vine, like this one shown. I borrowed this copyrighted photo from Dave's Garden website and it was contributed by: gonedutch.  I have photos of mine, but they are buried.

This vine is considered to be quite invasive, but not where I live. I do cut them back approx. 10' or less, per year in January. Years ago, my 1st one had an amazing display of berries, but when I moved it, it ceased to produce. I do have it on my 2015 plant list. The leaf itself, is gorgeous!

Labor Day

It is Labor Day and I have my list of labor to dive into for the good of my garden. There are spent plants to add to my Hugelkultur planter(concept meaning "hill-culture"). This is a planting bed built upon tree stumps and branches; layered as one would a compost bin. I am on a wood chip layer right now, ready to add to it. I no longer use actual compost bins or a yard waste disposal can. I can use and re-use everything on the property.
The reason for this method is that it is built on wood which will break down, holding moisture and providing nutrients for plant growth. It is the ultimate in garden recycling! This planting area is a part of my new Permaculture food forest. 

I had help to build some terracing to better handle my sloping property. This is a view from my deck.

I added fruit trees almost before realizing what I wanted to create. In this area, I planted  'Pink Lady' and 'Granny Smith' Apples to be near an Apple of a forgotten variety, a 'Burgundy' Plum, a 'Bleinham' Apricot, a Nectarine, Peach, male and female Kiwi and Pomegranate. I had already planted 3 Figs, an Apricot, Quince and 4 'Meyer' Lemons in the front of my garden.
When it was clear that I intended to create a Permaculture environment, I began to add more vegetable starts, began underplanting the trees with Roses, Salvias, Lavender, Bee Balm, Lemon Verbena, Scented Geraniums and Herbs. I dug swales to catch water where I could. I planted 3 Leptospermum laevigatum and a 'Ray Hartman' Ceanothus as a wind break on one side.
My neighbors had Oak trees trimmed and the chips were saved for me. I felt secure in using them in my walking areas through the garden because they were from local healthy trees. My nephew-in-law spread them for me in a very respectful manner, as well as being a joy to be around.
I have some minor chores to do before putting the garden to bed for Fall and Winter, except for putting in some late vegetables and doing regular maintenance. I plan to continue in January, 2015. I hope to add a lot more vegetables and companion plants to act as natural fertilizers and pest control. I do have 4 bird baths and want to install a moving water feature and insect habitat.
It is wonderful to finally understand and implement how I want to live on this piece of Earth.

With this knowledge, my answer to how I want my garden landscape business of 31 years to shift, is clear. I will continue a full-service business at this time, but am adding Project Management and Garden Coaching. I have enough experience in these areas to offer my services to clients who would benefit from having their outdoor projects handled for them or simply learning how to properly care for their own gardens or having their maintenance crews guided toward better methods. I set my intention toward these positive changes.

Off to the garden, this Labor Day!

I will leave you with my new favorite Rose. It has not stopped blooming since I discovered it at the nursery in the "woe-begone" sale area and planted it! It is a climbing "Mermaid". Wear gloves!

A Return

I have not blogged for quite some time. It has always given me pause for thought when it came down to writing. I wondered if I would be arrogant in thinking that people would care about what I had to say. Would it be important enough, entertaining enough or meaningful enough?

I am thinking about what I have been doing since my last post. It is probably not so important to reminisce, as to talk about where I am, now. 
I am a grandmother to a toddler named James. I think he has the perfect parents who are loving, responsible, insightful and patient. They all bring to me great joy and promise. James is a great teacher, as children  can be!

In art, I stand on the precipice; teetering as I have for so long. My biggest wish is that I could be spontaneous with the abandon of children. I have returned to a painting that I began well over a year ago. There are many mysteries within it that I am attempting to unlock. I  created a sewing studio and have again enjoyed my foray into the world of textiles, design and embellishment. I look forward to being more active in it during the quiet months.

 I just cleaned my metals studio and am itching to get back to fabricating silver. I love patterning and forming it. It feels like revisiting an ancient life.  atelier1450.etsy.com

In business, which this blog is meant to be about,  I still experience many of the frustrations that I have previously written about. I now approach the age of 62; just numbers, but my body is feeling somewhat worn. I am considering changing my business practices in order to stay in the garden in ways which will allow for me to work within my beliefs. I am disappointed in methods used out there in the garden design and maintenance world. I am guilty, as well. I am more disappointed in people who accept those methods as good garden care. I understand that many crews can be a "bargain" and that is a draw, but it is our responsibility to treat all life with care and respect.

In earlier blogs, I voiced my concerns and shared areas of interest that I began to pursue. I have added Permaculture to that list and have been introducing the concept and its implementation into my own garden. 

It all began with the help of my dog, Galahad's best friend, Caspian. He is not a garden's best friend!

As an overview: I started with the desire to incorporate edibles, which required the removal of Vinca and dog nests! Caspian dug up herbs that I planted and replanted for several days. It was our game! My dog watched and learned!  It took a few months of weekends to re-create my front garden and I learned to wait for it to speak to me. My spine is compromised from many years of work, so my progress was spotty. I created a Lemon area; 3 Meyer Lemons, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Cucumber and the companions; Tegetes lemmonii, Lavender augustifolia, Rosemary and Scented Geraniums. I added Roses to climb and ramble and Wooly Blue Curls and more. My original plan to buy no more than 5 plants; failed! I planted the random pots that sat in the garden for 2 years including those given and willed to me by a friend who I now dedicate my garden to.  I planted Squash, Swiss Chard, Fig trees, Okra and Eggplant.

 I repaired  a little fountain

 and made certain that I planted enough to supply the bees, butterflies and birds with food, which has kept my dog, Galahad, quite busy!
Then; the daydreaming began.....

I staked off areas for terracing and planted 2 fruit trees. The rest was still sorting itself out. But the intention was beginning. I poured over books, videos, blogs and articles about Permaculture. A seed was sprouting. And it is definitely growing.

To be continued...

January 2013

My goodness; almost a year has gone by since I wrote my blog. And what a year it was. Through the good grace of my daughter and son-in-law I was able to end the old year and begin the new in a positive fashion. The downhill slide is turning into a gradual uphill climb. What a difference!
I wait for Spring while still enjoying the rain and colder weather. It has been a time for rest and the climate gives its permission. I am gathering and storing energy needed for the remaining months of the year.
 I fill days off making homemade broths and fermenting Cabbage and making Yogurt; necessary for my healing diet. This year is the year to change my health so that I can be and do what I dream of. I have lived reclusively, other than being with people in my business realm. I am feeling that it is almost time to re-emerge.

I am working on the balance that I was searching for last year.
I am up and emotionally ready for my work days; ready for landscape projects to open up for me. Bring them on! In addition, I am occasionally painting again and expanding my interests. I want to learn to quilt and taking that a step further, I want to dye my own fabrics with nature's colors found in the woods and in the kitchen. I see my quilts (still in the thought process) being non-traditional. I will find my way. I have so many books and resources to spark my imagination. I want to hook rugs also. I spent many years in front of a sewing machine and now, 30 years have gone by. I am slowly reintroducing myself to my Elna machine. I am not moving swiftly into these endeavors, but at least I am gearing up. It feels like I am finding the balance at last and a calmness that drives me.
I look at my garden in Winter and all of the pruning, weeding, cleaning and repairs needed to be performed. It is a privilege to take time and simply begin with anything. I do frown when I think of all of the Vinca that needs pulling up, however. I need to rethink parts of my garden as we will need to prepare for water conservation. I think; more negative space and more edibles.
There is time enough tomorrow to pull on the gardening gloves; tonight I have books to peruse!