End of Year Reflections

 Goal of this past year was to increase my garden beds, phase 2 project.

In September, I got busy digging and planted. I decided to take a gamble on October/November rains.

Planted drought tolerant plants in area that the dymondia was looking sad due to the drought. Yes, dymondia is drought tolerant, but it does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. 

Also extended a bed. I put in stepping stones and more drought tolerant plants. Luckily heavy rains came to the Bay Area early. Gamble is paying off with rains!  I'm looking forward to seeing the drought tolerant plants take off next Spring. 

Hidden Treasures

While amending my garden beds, I first discovered these tasty, sweet treasures. I didn't realize the flowers were carrots. 

And these were a total surprise since I didn't plant any potatoes this year. These gems were hiding in a corner by the upside down planter. I guess I should investigate what might be growing under that planter.

Gardening During Pandemic

Thank God for gardening! Between dealing with my demented mother and this pandemic, gardening has been my savior. 

I did a number of fairy gardens this year. This arrangement if my favorite! 

In 2009, I changed my yard from grass to dymondia, a drought tolerant ground cover. I started with plugs. I noticed that not only had it made an excellent ground cover, but it was starting to encroach the flower bed area and covered the stepping stone path.

So, I took care of that problem this past winter, 2020. To the bedding area, I removed some of the carpet roses and have planted different drought tolerant flowering plants--new to me. It's an experiment to see what works.

One of the plants is a California native called Sticky Monkey Flower. It comes in numerous colors. The first time I saw this plant was during a hike at Arroyo Seco. Yes, a true native plant! That plant's flower was orange. My Sticky Monkey Flower plant is planted under a volunteer oak tree since they love growing under oaks. I plan on adding a couple more Sticky Monkey Flowers to my yard this year.