Tree Lover's Garden

The Haberman Garden

An ambitious gardener purchased a fixer house on a tree-less plot over a decade ago. The transformation into a lush, private paradise proves what one resourceful, creative and spontaneous woman can do. The gardener envisioned a natural, meandering and informal look anchored by tough plants, such as Euphorbia, bamboo and Hebe. She said, "I like stuff I can count on." She began by planting trees for structure, privacy and bird cover.

Because the house sits close to the street, the owner achieved privacy by planting the parking strip with trees and drought-tolerant plants. Akebia overtakes the privacy fence. Keep to your right around a bend, up the stairs under the arbor to the goldfish pond, waterfall and owner-built Gaudi-like bench. Recycled tiles form the mosaic. Sit and enjoy this serene spot. When raccoons destroyed the water plants, the owner capitulated and said," nevermore, nevermore..."

This intrepid gardener maneuvered a Bobcat to carve the rockery from a grassy slope. Asian pear trees, Mimosa and Himalayan honeysuckle are under planted with donated, propagated and "bargain bin" perennials. Along the north property line, Quaking Aspen trees, laurel and bamboo conceal a neighbor's garage. Be careful climbing the thyme-threaded steps to the breakfast area and veggie bed.

Behind the shed an old green tool box stores compost. Kiwi loops hopefully towards the containers of kitchen herbs and tomatoes on the rear deck. Exiting along the narrow western path, you pass ferns, "collected from mom's old farm," climbing hydrangea and Clematis montana. Off the kitchen window, the gardener planted a maple tree -"it's in an awkward spot, I realize, but I need its cheerful greenery." Ceramic pavers are a mother/daughter art project.

Between the front of the house and the fence, the owner assembled a flowing passage from collected brick, river rock and broken concrete. A kitchen fork is her preferred weeding tool.

Irrigation? A hose.

With time, patience and hard labor, this fixer property no longer lacks personality!

NOTE: Limited wheelchair access. Uneven pavers and multi-level in some spaces.