The Garden Conservancy hosted a morning visit to three spectacular private gardens on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. Carolyn and I both participated. It was a gorgeous morning in the city. The first garden we visited was at a property with extraordinary views of the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. The juxtaposition of the vibrant blue Bay water and the lush green garden was spectacular.
The private garden was next to a public space that the homeowner has maintained over the years. Not only has he made an oasis for himself, he created one for the public.
I loved the red Japanese Maples that were interspersed with the greenery of the other plant materials.
Efficiency of space in city living is important. This brilliant gardener even used the foundation walls and overhangs to grow succulents, orchids and Staghorn ferns.
The second garden we visited was a gem of a small cottage garden. While standing in the garden hearing the birds and feeling the coolness of the morning air with the sun shining on the garden, you could not believe that you were in the middle of big city. The sculpture above was a beloved piece made by the owner’s late husband.
The garden also included beautifully planted pots. I walked away realizing how little space one needs to create a garden.
The third garden we visited was again quite small and very contemporary. Metal sculptures and heated sitting rocks made for a zen-like experience. It was hard to capture in the bright morning sun, but again inspired the use of all space available in city living.
If you are not involved in The Garden Conservancy, join now. It is a wonderful organization doing wonderful things.
