San Jose gardens get by with about 15 inches of rain a year. During the drought years, we had half of that or less. So this year’s rain has been a gift to South Bay gardens, not only delaying the time when we would typically begin a watering routine but adorning our gardens with more blooms, taller plants, and, yes, lots of weeds.
My nepeta (cat mint) self-seeded throughout the garden to the sensory delight of our felines. The original plant is twice as tall this year, hiding those sneaky weeds below. They have met their match!
California poppies spread throughout the garden, showing up in pots, along the curb garden, and elsewhere to my delight. The profusion of color is uplifting. I’ve been relocating the self-seeded sweet peas to the other side of the sidewalk so that they don’t overtake the perennials I’m trying to grow. First, I pulled out small volunteers or transplanted them, and then I bought another packet of seeds to hedge my bets during the transition. It worked partly due to the rain, and now the perennials are getting a foothold with the space and an extra helping of rain.
I cut back the stems of the Freesia last week, leaving the leaves to dry out before cutting them back to the ground. Rapidly taking their place are gladiola and love-in-a-mist. Last October, Mike dug out several gladiola bulbs, and I replanted them together in the curb garden to maximize the effect. They’re just starting to come up as the poppies go to seed.
Over the years, people have asked if my garden is a lot of work. While it can be hard on my aging hips and lower back, I don’t think of it as work so much as a pursuit. I’ve had the luxury this season to spend two or three hours a day outdoors, deadheading, weeding, and pruning as I observe all the gifts of nature.
The garden attracts lizards, birds, squirrels, butterflies, and praying mantis. The scents of spring are intoxicating, and the refreshing cool greens soothe me.
Rain-filled water tanks permitted us to plant guilt-free strawberries and tomatoes, and for the first time in many years, I planted five coleuses in a repurposed pot once used in the back garden.
Annuals are heavy water users, so I’ve limited myself to one box and a shade-loving spot at that. I’ll share photos after I clean up the pot. Otherwise, I will continue to plant and tend to native and drought-tolerant plants, knowing that this year’s rain is a gift without any promises for the future.
Gardening Nirvana 
Gorgeous, beautiful, A Maz ing. These are just a few of the words that come to mind. You do a fabulous job with the yard. I bet the birds and bees love it too. Can’t wait to see your pot.
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You always plant a smile on my face, Amy. Thank you. I see two or three varieties of bees when I’m in the garden and I silently thank them for their hard work. We have a wide variety of small birds as well, and of course crows and Mourning doves. The birds are currently eating lavender seeds in the evening. I try capturing photos, but they blend in. It’s good protection for them. Are you able to feed the birds again?
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Yes, I am feeding again and I love it. I have loads of song birds. AND I AM SORRY but I just do not like the crows. I KNOW they are smart and beautiful but they are destructive, conniving bullies. They chase everyone away, they make a huge mess in the bird bath and steal my suet cages. As far as I know there is nothing to be done about the little beasts that won’t also chase everything else off so I ignore the little buggers until I can’t then I go out on the porch and yell which I’m sure frightens the neighbors indoors.
I read somewhere that using the seed cakes instead of seed might keep them away but I don’t know how to deter them from the suet which brings a variety of woodpeckers to my feeders. So I will continue to put up with them. At least they mostly stay away when I am outside with my coffee and that lets the other birds come around.
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You made me giggle, Amy. Crows are big, smart and from what I hear, a quick study. Once they show up (thank you for the food and water, ma’am) they’re not going to want to leave. I think our cats deter them from the back garden. I see them walking up our neighbors driveway, but they never land in the back yard. I’m glad you can enjoy your coffee outdoors with songbirds for company, and after scaring your neighbors indoors, you can enjoy the peace and quiet as well. 😉
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So vibrant and colorful, your neighbors must love having your garden to enjoy (and no work!) The rain has led to a very lush effect. My favorite is the sweet peas and poppies ‘co-mingling’ – gorgeous!
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Thank you, Eliza. I like the co-mingling as well. The sweet peas usually give up the ghost with the first heat wave, so I enjoy them while they last. It’s nice when neighbors make a point of telling me how much they enjoy the garden. Green lawns are still very much the norm here, even though we live in a semi-arid climate. I hope that gradually changes.
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The local government needs to offer rebates for tearing out lawns and putting in xeric landscaping. It was very successful in SoCal. Are there any such initiatives in SJ?
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Eliza, yes! We took advantage of it through our San Jose Water rebate program several years ago. They have several programs with the price per square foot changing over the years, depending on how bad the drought was. I’ll find the link and will share it. I’m curious myself as to how long it’s been. Thank you so much for your interest.
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November 2015, so it will be eight years this fall. https://gardeningnirvana.com/2016/02/24/the-economics-of-going-native/
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Wow! What more can I say?! ❤️
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Thank you, Jane! Wow works for me. 🙂
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Beautiful. It looks like my garden, with the nasturiums, blooming sage, poppies and sweet peas! Happy Cali is so good to see!
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I love that we both have similar plants in our gardens, Cindy.
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Your garden is balm for the soul. I was attracted to this post by your title for the part of South Africa where I live endures prolonged droughts and any bit of rain is gratefully received. These photographs are an inspiration.
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Anne, thank you for reading and for taking the time to comment. I’ve heard that South Africa has similar climate challenges. I’ll pop over to see what you’re up to on your blog.
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Your garden is absolutely gorgeous Alys! I love all the Californian poppies and the blues of the lavender and sage at the back. Your neighbours must be so envious! Has anyone else in your area got rid of their front lawn? You are certainly a good example! 😃 And you are right about the garden being soothing, and how just being outdoors and watching the creatures enjoy it too makes it worth the work. I also don’t see it as a chore. Happy gardening Alys, and good luck with the strawberries! 🤗
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Thank you, Cathy. I know you share the passion and it shows in your beautiful gardens and vases. We have three neighbors that have converted lawns: one has a wildflower meadow, another put in a modern looking succulent garden, and the third has an all-edible garden. They’re uniquely beautiful. Sadly, green lawns are still the norm OR they’re replaced with plastic “lawn” instead. I guess it’s challenging to change the cultural norms, but I’m encouraged whenever I see a conversion.
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Well, at least a few are setting the trend. 👍
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A gift is right. Your gardens are spectacular. Holy cats! Wowsah, even. 😉 Also, I love your approach to gardening, one that honors a climate where rain is not a given.
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Thank you so much, Laurie. I’m always happy to see a “wowsah” from you. Much appreciated.
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Glorious! What the rain can do to bring the planet to life! I’m happy for you and your garden, but equally happy for the wildlife too. I don’t even want to think of how many displaced critters are managing in Alberta, as the flames continue to devour boreal forests and homes. Things are a mess here. I can’t even go outside because of the smoke that fills our city. It’s nice to see a happy garden this week. TFS !! 💛xK
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That’s heartbreaking. I think of the animals every time I hear of wildfires. Im told many of them are able to escape, but it’s hard to imagine with the speed and magnitude of the storms. I’m really sorry you are also choking on all that smoke. It’s bad for our lungs.
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hmmm, don’t know why that came up Anonymous.
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That lush green and beautiful colour just go to show what things would be like with more regular rain. I love your bountiful garden, but do you ever get trouble with an HOA wanting you to have a stupid tidy green lawn and if flowers are allowed, all the same colour? I hope not; grass must be one of the most pointless garden plants in existence.
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We live in a single family home without those restrictions, but many a condo or townhome have been chastised for just that rule. A lush green lawn was once a status symbol, but in reality it’s misplaced. Mono-cultures are bad for the environment. Lawns require water, fertilizer, sometimes pesticides and constant mowing and they do little to attract beneficial wildlife. We removed our lawn several years ago and I’ve never looked back.
I’m enjoying this garden bounty every day and I will not take it for granted. Thank you, Kate!
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That garden is the envy of all of us that love gardens. You have done an impressive job with mother natures help, of course. It’s just beautiful.
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Thank you, Marlene. Honestly, Mother Nature gets a lot of credit. Sorting out what will grow and leaving the rest behind in the local nurseries gets you half way there. Amending the soil with my own compost, water at the roots, and there you have it. xo
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Such a beautiful garden Alys. You’ve done quite a job. Interesting you have gladiola coming in soon. I adore them but I don’t see a lot of gardeners growing them. A few of mine have started forming flowers. Enjoy!
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Thank you! Interesting comment about gladiola; I think they’re magnificent and plan to buy and plant even more this fall. I’ll watch for yours in a future post.
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What an incredibly beautiful garden – wow!
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Thank you so much!
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I would love to have a garden like yours – and somewhere to sit amongst the flowers. Here in my region of New Zealand, we have had far too much rain. This last week we had 2 glorious almost summery days when in fact in a few days time it’s Winter!
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Are you on the north or south island? I know you’ve had a tremendous amount of rain up north, and flooding too. It’s a terrible shame. I’ve always had some sort of garden, even during my renting days. I would tuck pots into corners near my door or on a balcony or walkway. It’s such a joy to have a full-sized garden to grow in.
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I’m in the upper part of the north island, in the Auckland region. I just read today we have already had 91% of our annual rainfall…and winter is just kicking in.
My grapevines took at battering during the cyclone and my arborist friend just sorted them out. Hoping they do better next year (I didn’t plant them, a previous tenant did). My flat is fortunately up off the ground, around 8 steps up…
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I’m relieved to hear that those eight steps up have kept you dry and safe. Going in to winter with so much rain is daunting. I’m sending hopeful thoughts your way.
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What a colorful, lush oasis of blossoms, Alys! Your potted succulents are spectacular, as well. I always look forward to your beautiful garden photos. The gift of rain has been such a blessing for you and your garden this Spring! May is typically our rainiest month in northern Illinois. This May, we are experiencing moderate drought conditions. So, I am carefully hand watering the new perennials that I have added to my garden. I like to think that we are both in our gardens at the very same time, Alys. Happy gardening!💗
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Thank you, Dawn. You say the nicest things. It’s been an amazing season, with the heat just starting to round the corner. I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t receive a typical May rain. The world is indeed upside down. It’s fun to think of ourselves gardening at the same time, Dawn. I love that. Happy gardening my friend. 🌺
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