As I was walking around the garden, picking up debris left by the recent rains and strong winds, raking up leaves that have fallen from my deciduous trees before they drop in the pool, I started reflecting on how the garden has grown in the last 12 years that we've lived here.
My fledgling food forest is filling out, feeding us our seasonal favorite fruits and vegetables throughout the year. We are also starting to have enough produce to regularly share with family and friends. It has kept us healthier and saved us money. It has given us a lot of satisfaction that no money can buy. It is our refuge and sanctuary from the outside world.
Throughout the years, I have always focused on my edible plants. I have talked about my pomegranates (Punica granatum), persimmons (Diospyrus kaki), collard greens, grapes various perennial and annual herbs, etc.
But today, I noticed the “other” plants that are here for purely ornamental reasons—for my pure enjoyment. Some of the plants I purposefully planted, some came voluntarily.
A few years ago, a palm seedling appeared at the pool's edge. It stayed small for a couple of years, then started growing slowly. It is in a perfect spot that makes it look like I intentionally planted it there. I know that it will grow much taller, and I will have to get rid of it, but for now, I am keeping it for my pure enjoyment.
(Washingtonia robusta) Mexican fan palm is native to semi-arid landscapes ofNorthwestern Mexico, includingBaja California. It has become an invasive landscape plant. The dead fronds can create a fire hazard, so I keep up with pruning them out as soon as the leaves start turning brown. It also helps to maintain its attractive look.
I have a few (Nandina domestica) Heavenly bamboo. I planted these for their drought tolerance, beautiful red seeds and multicolor leaves in the fall and winter. I also love the heavenly name.
The Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lemonii) is a drought-tolerant perennial shrub with the typical marigold pungent odor. It practically blooms all year and is the only flowering plant here. My husband says it smells nice so it is definitely a keeper.
I took a few more pictures of the “other” plants. But for right now, I am keeping them for my pure enjoyment.