Small Space Garden

My sister lives in Silicon Valley, because that is where her work is. She would rather be living on a farm, or at least an acre or two in the country! She is an avid gardener, ecouraged I think, by the years she lived in England.

However, the style of the neighborhoods where she lives is big houses with postage stamp sized yards. So that limits the amount of gardening she can do. My sister is a determined girl! She has taken the small space she has and turned it into a beautiful example of le petit jardin.

While I was visiting last week, I took these photos of her fron garden. It is a wonderful, colorful space. She has managed to use her small space very well, don't you think?


This is her front door & steps. (Please ignore the two plants in plastic pots. I bought those to bring home with me.) I can tell you that sitting on those steps with your morning coffee is a real treat!



I took this photo of the garden from the sidewalk.





Here is the rose garden in the parking strip between the driveways. There are a gazillion daffodils and tulips here in spring. The dahlias here have tons of buds, but no blooms yet.





This is the small color garden under the Japanese Maple tree.




The gladiolas (mostly finished blooming) at the other side of the garden.





Finally one of the "dinner plate" dahlias which IS blooming now. This beauty was at least 8" across! Sis said they get as large as 12" later in the season!



My sister is yearning for property. She had retired from her career, which was a stressful one. I am praying that her dream comes true. She & I are secretly planning how we can move her family here, near us, where she can have her gardens! Her husband is a city boy, and not quite ready for it, but WE WILL PREVAIL!

I hope you've enjoyed this small garden tour. It's a preview to a much larger one that's coming soon!

Green thumbs up! Chris