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Sun and Rain

We’ve had intermittent rain these last few weeks but found time to work in the garden and visit an open-space preserve. On colder days, we seek out the sun’s warmth by standing on the sidewalk with the sun on our shoulders for a few moments before returning to various tasks.

Mike soaking up some sun under stormy skies

Another winter of unusually heavy rains means lots of beautiful new growth and plenty of weeds. It’s easy to get the weeds out of the ground now, but it’s amazing how quickly the surface soil dries at season’s end. Unlike large parts of the country, San Jose is semi-arid, with most of our rainfall between November and March. After many years of drought, getting so much rain has been a gift.

I did some rearranging on the deck, moving a few succulents to make room for a potted Yarrow.

Together, we wrangled a huge pot from the deck to the area just in front of the deck and to the right of the steps leading to the garden. As the new plants in front of it fill out, it will look like part of the planted landscape. It’s too large and prickly to transplant easily, but since the pot has drainage, the plant is free to set down roots.

Last year, I dug out some overgrown grasses and planned to put down pavers to make a path. After meeting with a vendor and receiving the first quote, I soured on the idea. Then, I came to my senses and realized plants are more fun anyway. We’ve cleared a few overgrown shrubs and replaced them with beautiful, native, or water-wise plants.

Front garden, old and new: California poppies along the walkway

This year, hellebores, hostas, and carnations, also known as dianthus, are new to the garden. They’re tucked in with a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and deter weeds. I can vouch for the first part of that equation, but weeds, cockroaches, and ivy will outlive us all.

With the garden tasks settled for now, Mike suggested a drive up to Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve. It’s been almost a year since we’ve been up that hill. I thought we had dressed warmly, but a cold wind blew through our layers, so we didn’t stay long.

I enjoyed seeing the cows with a few calfs and grazing horses. There were dozens of ground squirrels everywhere we looked, and they seemed unphased by our presence.

It will be nice to visit again when it’s warmer. April is just around the corner, and by May, we often suffer through our first heat wave. We’ll see how it goes.

22 thoughts on “Sun and Rain”

    • Thank you, Judy. I enjoy the design aspects of color and scale, along with an increased awareness of sun, shade, and water needs. It really is a balance. My confidence has increased over the years; as you know, there is always something to learn.

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  4. I’m with Judy! So different from our landscape in the Northeast, and I really enjoyed seeing it. Your yard looks lovely, Alys, and I especially liked reading about how sensitive you are to the ecology of where you live. May you get more rain, but not too much.

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    • Thank you for your kind words and observations, Laurie. I’ve never really thought about the differences in landscape styles before blogging. I remember my Dad’s garden in Ontario, Canada, thriving for a few brief months before the snow fell. Here, our garden centers are open year-round, but my friend in Canada told me they are only open for a few months there. It makes sense, of course, but it’s another reminder of how fortunate I am to have a garden in this zone. Our lot is small by East Coast standards, so any little area of brown dirt is an invitation for something green in its place.

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    • Thank you, Cathy. My kitchen window faces the deck and those pots, making for a lovely view. Succulents are such hardy plants. They put up with cramped roots longer than they should, but every few years, I move them into the ground or larger pots, and they develop thick trunks. I keep joking with Mike about a roof garden because I’m running out of places to plant. A gardener can dream, eh?

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  7. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so green. How refreshing. While you’re having more than usual, we’re having less than usual moisture. The world is topsy-turvy. Question, what is the ground cover on the front yard?

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  9. How lovely everything is. We have cooler weather for now but like you by mid May it will be hot. By June/July muggy and humid. Sigh!! I’m pulling weeds today. I’ll think of you as I do. 

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  10. Rain is always a treat when you have been through a long drought like the one you experienced. I love your front garden, Alys. That seat must be the perfect place to contemplate the garden and watch the world go by. I am in awe of your sunflowers!

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  12. Oh, how I love visiting your beautiful garden, Alys! You and Mike have really been busy in the garden. What fun to have garden centers open all year long! Our garden centers are just beginning to open now in the Midwest. I love your Hellebores! I’m planning to add Hellebores to my garden for the first time. Heartfelt thanks for a peaceful walk through your garden in early April, dear Alys! So much inspiration and beauty!! 🩷

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