Color Crazy

The Southern Street Gardens

This gardener's love of color and artistic flair are apparent upon arrival. The driveway retaining walls are splashed with vibrant floral mosaics. Container plants and young boxwood lead the eye towards the front walkway where an orb garden welcomes the visitor. Orbs of all sizes, colors and materials bask in the summer sun. Christmas balls dangle from the redbud tree that the gardener has lovingly tended since it was a wee stick.

Five years ago the front yard was a drab hard pan lawn; today, it's a salvaged garden that delights the eye. Concrete pavers and chimney bricks, recycled from the original house, form the central pathway. Interspersed among pink Rhododendrons, red roses and a peach tree are Alice-in-Wonderland treats: hand-painted butterfly feeders, with nectar-filled sponges, teacups from grandma's china collection glued onto copper pipes, recycled tiles, handmade birdhouses, a colored bottle collection. Rest upon the honeysuckle-shaded bench under the cedars and enjoy the burbling fountain behind you. Over your right shoulder, a formerly dark corner comes to life with another of the gardener's creations: found driftwood supports a brightly painted birdhouse.

Don't bypass the gargoyle downspouts as you approach the herb garden, flanking the western side of the house. Hummingbirds hang out here. Look for jasmine, tangerine sage, an olive vine and pink Escallonia.

The former estate was subdivided, and the five homeowners share a communal garden planted with edibles used as ornamentals: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, and apple trees. The centerpiece is a cherry tree grafted with three varieties. Rosemary fills the gaps.

The gardener describes her style as "Northwest Funky," but funky can also be very enchanting.