Temperatures cooled dramatically late last week, making it much more pleasant to work outside. Roofers overhead made it unpleasant to spend time inside. So I got started in earnest on my fall garden clean-up. While it wasn't a bad summer overall, the garden is still looking a little sad, partly due to neglect on my part, especially in providing supplemental watering, and partly as a result of lots of extra feet treading through it, not to speak of the dust and debris that's accompanied the ongoing work on our house.
I started in the front garden, clearing out masses of dead peppermint geranium (
Pelargonium tomentosum). The heavier-than-usual winter and spring rain promoted a major growth spurt, with the vines tumbling down the moderate front slope to mingle with succulents. When the rain stopped and the summer's heat came on, a lot of it died.
![]() |
| I didn't take a "before" shot so you'll have to take my word for the fact that there was a tangle of dead peppermint geranium engulfing the base of the Arbutus and several feet beyond where the area slopes down |
After 2 nasty run-ins with fire ants on my back slope I'd completely avoided the area for well over a month. When I ventured down there again this week, I could smell molding lemons when I was just half-way down the stairway. Once again, I failed to take any before photos. Although I did take precautions against fire ants, these were ineffective and I picked up a couple of dozen stings for my trouble but at least the moldy fruit is gone.
![]() |
| I still need to cut back the dead growth of the Euphorbia 'Dean's Hybrid' but that's a project for another day. In addition to clearing out the rotting fruit, I picked several bushels of lemons to lessen the load on the tree's branches. I gave the bulk of what I picked to the roofers, with some also going to friends but plenty of fruit remains on the tree. |
![]() |
| I also cut the bedraggled Centranthus ruber under the lemon tree down to the ground and cut back the crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) that was threatening to strangle the Pittosporums marking the property line between us and our neighbor on the south side. I cut away some of the ivy that always threatens to engulf the area and cut the Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) down to less than 12 inches. I love the poppy but it's too big for that area and now than the Ceanothus arboreus is finally assuming tree-like proportions, I'm afraid the poppy needs to go. I bet that'll make the fire ants really mad! |
![]() |
| Meanwhile, I made zero progress in cutting back the ivy and honeysuckle that dominate the steep upper area of the slope. Benefiting from the plentiful rain and the mild summer, both plants have recovered and have now taken back most of the area I previously cleared. |
After more than 2 years in place, the parrot's beak vines (
Lotus berthelotii) I used as a groundcover along the pathway extending from the south side of the house into the back garden were overgrown and twiggy. I pulled them all out this week.
![]() |
| I took this "before" photo when I was already part way through the process |
![]() |
| You couldn't even see many of the flag stones here before I went to work. I've also cut back the shrubs on the left (Agonis flexuosa 'Nana'), which appear to be suffering from thrip damage. |
![]() |
| I cut out some of the dead undergrowth and trimmed back the Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt' on the right |
![]() |
| I pulled the grasses (Sesleria) I'd planted under the rosemary years ago and made a first stab at trimming the rosemary |
In all, I filled 3 jumbo green bins and, since that was picked up yesterday, I've almost filled another bin. A friend and I have plans to make the rounds of at least 2 nurseries in Santa Barbara this weekend so I'll be on the look-out for fresh
Lotus bethelotii, among other things. I have a list of plants I "need" but I'm not going to lay any odds on the prospect of my sticking to that.
I hope you have something nice planned for your weekend too! I'll close with a photo of our new roof, which was finally completed yesterday.
![]() |
| It took nearly 2 weeks but the new roof is done! The crew was diligent about cleaning up their debris, which I appreciate. Our new wood flooring has been ordered and the siding is going up on the addition to the kitchen as I type. The contractor thinks we should be done by Thanksgiving. Fingers crossed. |
All material © 2012-2019 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
