One of My Favorite Surprises in the Malcom Jungle
I knew Mari and Andrew’s garden was stunning, but to see it through the wide-eyes of over 800 visitors on Saturday certainly gave me a whole new vision of their ambitious space. After seven years of intensive development, including hand-excavating a sunken patio space, building a series of raised concrete beds, and planting, planting, planting, this garden was ready for it’s close up! I’ve only been a part of Mari and Andrew’s garden for the last six months, offering guidance in Mari’s monthly garden coaching sessions. Truly, it’s the Malcoms who made this garden into an unbelievable wonderland!
When I arrived about mid-day, the sun was still filtered by a mild marine layer. The day wasn’t too hot. The filtered light highlighted the textures, forms and colors in ways bright, glaring sunshine never could. Every one of Mari and Andrew’s intricate vignettes shown to perfection. From antique Finnish boot driers by a stairway to a bottle filled with bindweed to a fig tree laden with fruit to a thyme lawn highlighted with antique bottles and Mari’s signature succulent plantings. All was breathtaking. And, those aren’t my words. They’re what I heard over and over from people on the tour, along with comments like:
Antique Umbrellas provide a bit of shade
“I almost skipped this garden, but everyone I’ve met at other gardens has told me this is the ‘must see’ garden on the entire tour.”
“I was here earlier today, and I had to come back. I’m skipping some of the other gardens just to take some more time in this one.”
“Wow! This is a very ambitious garden!”
and so on….
In between answering questions about the garden and directing traffic through it, I managed to snap a few photos of this beautiful space. Enjoy them! (more…)
