Beautification
Garden of the Month
1402 Tranquilla
The January Garden of the Month is awarded to Philip and Mary Phelps at 1402 Tranquilla. No matter the season, this garden is a show-stopper. The Phelps implemented and have been enhancing this oversize corner lot for over twenty years. Deciduous trees and Crepe Myrtles have dropped their leaves and reveal striking sculptural interest throughout the garden.
Three groupings of Crepe Myrtles preside over an unique flowerbed all bordered with earth-colored stone. One has a profusion of Artemisia (belonging to the Daisy family). With graceful silver leaves, this sun-loving plant is also ideal for a moon garden where the leaves catch the evening light. In the same flowerbed, Trailing Purple Heart cascades over the stone border. Purple Heart returns each year in our zone. It's ability to thrive with little care makes it a symbol of enduring love and resilience; a journey of growth and perseverance.
Holly, Youpon, Pittosporum, and Nandina shrubs are used as foundation plants and also spotlighted throughout the garden. Even on the coldest, darkest days of winter, these evergreens remind us that color and life still abound in this season. One beautiful example is a Holly plant with abundant red berries. It sits directly under a Youpon tree also peppered with red berries. Bluebirds, robins, mockingbirds and sparrows are among songbirds that feed on the berries. Cedar Waxwings flock to these plants and have been known to completely devour the berries in a day.
Typical of corner lots, one side of the garden is fully exposed. The Phelps have transformed this area into a park-like setting where giant Cedar trees grow parallel to the street. In this area, shade-loving plants are intermittently placed including Mahonia, a native woodland plant that offers year-round appeal. Its fragrant yellow blooms attract pollinators, and its dark berries appeal to birds that also take refuge in the foliage. Spreading Plum Yew's dark green needles contrast with nearby Aspidistra (Iron Plant). Oak Leaf Hydrangea—a four season plant—and Nandina showcase more variety in plant size and structure.
A bench sitting close to a charming wishing well takes the garden to higher level. Wishing wells are from European folklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. Spiritually, the well is a symbol of a thriving community. It is a perfect symbol for this garden as well as the many neighbors who appreciate our community.
Thank you for making Casa Linda Estates beautiful...one garden at a time.