0 Garden Vignettes

As promised, here are a few vignettes from our garden at home.

Why all the garden interest? I'm hosting a garden party in October and am already thinking that some improvements are in order!

This area in particular could use some help. I haven't touched it in five years. Somehow, it has been on "automatic pilot!"

I'm not talking about a serious over-haul...

but adding a few plants here and there as needed.

In front, alongside the driveway, the 100 year old redwood holding court.

The hydrangeas are thriving underneath.

My favorite St. Francis watches over the squirrels that live above.

Opposite the redwood, the other side of the driveway is all white roses!

Yes, landscape design is on my mind. Not only am I hosting a garden party in October, I'm also designing a complete rehab for my friend Maureen's yard. Oh, and there is a surprise in store regarding our wine country home and garden.....To be announced soon!

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

I'm also joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for the first time, for Feathered Nest Friday.

0 Plants That Thrive in a Mediterranean Climate

The garden and landscape in Asti is a little trickier than most to keep looking good, mostly because we aren't there all the time, but also because of the Mediterranean climate.

The front lawn is a perfect example. It was once an area that I couldn't get much to grow. Even my attempt at a lavender field failed.

Now with the lush lawn and fire pit, we love to sit here in the evening and watch the sun set.

With temperatures soaring in the 100's in the summer, the green grass is a nice respite.

There is also a grass area across the driveway with olive trees.

They thrive in this hot, dry climate.

When I planted the front lawn, I also planted more olive trees. Olive trees, white roses and rosemary. The tried and true plants that love the sun and also our well water.

When we bought the house, we were told that our well had significant amounts of boron, a natural occurring element that is toxic to most plants.

No problem, we'll just plant the few plants that don't care about boron!

Boron is supposed to be toxic to grapes, but our Concord table grapes are thriving!

The kitchen garden is a little trickier! Tomatoes grow, but zucchini, not so much.

Herbs also are growing. The boron doesn't seem to be toxic to them.

So far, by process of elimination, I have narrowed down a handful of plants that will grow in Asti's Mediterranean climate:

Olives, figs, Italian cypress, rosemary, lavender, roses, and a few veggies.

Tomorrow, I'll feature our garden at home, so stay tuned!

I'm joining Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

I'm also joining Kim for her WUW party at Savvy Southern Style.

On Friday, I'm joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Be sure to visit these blogs for lots of indoor and outdoor inspiration!