Here is how you
can get started:
Finding a Space
For your new garden, take a concentrated walk
around your property to fi nd the spot with just
the right ‘atmosphere’ for what you are seeking
to accomplish. Is it a comfortable location to
spend time? You’ll be considering sunlight ver-
sus shade spaces, the wind direction, the views
into the garden from your house, along with
the sights you’ll see while being in your garden.
Is the ground fl at enough, is it sheltered from
the afternoon winds enough, and will your soil
require lots of amendments?
Seek Inspiration
With your garden goal now in mind, start col-
lecting inspirations.
With sunny Spring days before us, take a
drive to our beautiful local garden shops and
home improvement centers. We gardeners love
walking the aisles of flowers and rows of hues.
Each year, I’m delighted to find so many new
varieties of plants available to experiment with.
What’s a Fritillaria Imperialis Rubra Maxima any-
way? It’s worth Googling to find out.
Searching the World for ideas has to be the
most fun of all. My vacation travels often focus
around visiting gardens. I always come home
inspired with too many crazy ideas, like repli-
cating Medusa’s Grotto or Monet’s Garden.
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SPRING 2020
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