Aging Gracefully

About

We moved into our old, neglected carriage house and garden in 1987. Even though I did not know a rose from a peony, the garden had the air of a magical place. It was thrilling to be surrounded by an old pergola covered with ficus, a reflecting pond filled with mud, cracked ornamental walls, empty urns, and weather-aged statuary with Carrara marble hiding underneath the patina.

The bones of this piece of history were all there. Little did I know that over the next 39 years, I would be the one to try and rejuvenate this forgotten wonder. Reading about garden design, I experimented, planted, divided, replanted, lost, and gained. So much of my knowledge has come from sharing with others.

The garden has been a place of peace and joy, a space in which to contemplate, feel alive, and delight in the five senses. I am truly proud of the way our garden has given back over the years.

What started as a clump of Clivia is now hundreds, the odd hedgehog aloe that lived under the oak has yielded a multitude of pups, our agapanthus have graced the gardens of friends and neighbors from Berkeley to Napa, and our ancient acanthus is a spectacle in the spring, spreading its roots into nooks and crannies.

With California’s water shortages and raging fires, the garden has evolved into a drier version of itself. Succulents, grasses, and water-wise plants have edged out thirsty perennials. The true heroes of

the garden have not only persevered but have flourished. A regal beech, sculptural European oak, ancient boxwoods, magnolias, acanthus, elder hellebores and roses are a true testament to the grandeur of nature.

Enjoy! This garden was archived in the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens in 2022.

2026 Open Day:  Saturday, May 9

Hours: 10a.m. - 4p.m.