Still Planning

Books help a lot in the planning stage and the library has been a great source of information. I am building muscles carrying books back and forth. I have spent hours pouring over pictures and information, making notes and visualizing the future of my yard. However, there is nothing like a field trip. Seeing plants and fountains and gardens in person is essential for me. So off I went.....

Jackie Worden suggested that I check out Terra Sol Nursery in Santa Barbara. She knows that I need a water source (fountain, birdbath) in my yard and that I love succulents. Both are in good supply at this nursery. I also found a worm can

and some benches that I like. On a rack in the office area I found seed packets from Botanical Interests seed company. Organic. Some heirloom.

From there I drove to The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. I walked the entire garden, making notes of the manzanitas, meadow grasses, vines and ground covers. I'm aware of benches and paths, of color and texture. I enjoyed an outdoor art exhibit, 'from ashes to art' to honor the May 2009 Fire - they sliced burnt trees and had visitors write on them, then constructed these art-poles.

Then a friend suggested we visit Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria. Seaside gardens is planted in sections so you get a real feel for different types of atmospheres. Asian, Australian, Mediterranean, CA Native, Meadow, and so on. Exquisite. If you get a chance, stop by to look for yourself. I'm going to have a meadow. I fell in love with this grass.

I kept my hands in my pockets and my wallet in the car. It's hard to maintain this planning discipline. For me, it's essential to get the water structure in place before I plant. It's look, don't buy for another month or so.