Today we’re in Northern California, enjoying the pleasures of Donna Vail’s riverside garden.
Living on the banks of a river can be a gardening challenge when the view makes you want to just sit and relax. But there is much to do in the Vails’ garden.
Flower carpet roses (Zones 4–11) on the banks of the Smith River.
A path is always nice to keep you out of the elements.
Petunias blooming under a charming birdhouse
Brachyscome ‘Radiant Magenta’ (Zones 10–11 or as an annual)
Birdbath with double-flowered lily blossom
Boxwoods (Buxus sp., Zones 5–9), maples (Acer palmatum, Zones 5–9), and weeping cherry (Prunus, Zones 5–9)
Geraniums (Pelargonium hybrid, Zones 8–10 or as annual) and weeping cherry
Geraniums along the river
Baby tears (Soleirolia soleirolii, Zones 10–11, or as an annual or houseplant)
A hybrid rhododendron with soft, buff-yellow flowers
Have a garden you’d like to share?
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Comments
What a gorgeous setting and good for you, Donna, for creating your own beautiful garden areas so your views both near and far are all a visual delight. You obviously have a well developed sense of artistry... as evidenced by the photo of the birdbath and colorful lily bloom and the other charming vignettes you photographed. Thanks for sharing your personal paradise.
Thank you. And you have an artistry with you beautiful words.
Put Donna's name in the search box & you can see previous submissions of her's. BTW, Donna, adore that rhodie!
I was so lucky to have moved into to this property with established Rhodies. But there wasn’t much else growing on the lot with flowers so I’ve had my work cut out for me.
Wow this is lovely! Especially love the boxwood walk!
Thank you. I just planted cat’s pajamas nepata between each one. Oh I can’t wait until they fill in.
I love, love your garden and its setting. What a haven in thesse time. Very calming. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy!!
I was my pleasure to submit these. Glad you enjoyed them.
Absolutely gorgeous. You have the ultimate “borrowed view” for your charming and well tended garden
A labor of love for sure. Plus I have the help of my brother and husband to do the heavier and harder duties.
I like your use of natural wood as a garden ornament. Such a relaxing garden, I can hear the water go by! Thanks for sharing!
Yes living along the river bank you get a ton of wood ending up on the property. So I’m trying to make good use of it and make it look nicer.
Your setting is spectacular. I can imagine wonderful days of gardening, then kayaking, then back to the garden. That rhododendron you showed is such a beautiful combination of my favorite colors. Thank you for sharing your garden.
It has been a dream come true to get this property. Glad you enjoyed the pictures.
What a beautiful garden in one of my favorite places! Went to school at Humboldt, and roaming up to your area was a favorite expedition. And one of my husband's favorite fishing spots. Are these pix current? I need to get busy, you have really inspired me!! All gorgeous- thanks!
Hi, yes the pictures are current. My property is in a sweet spot. I have two large boulder out cropping at either end the view. I have a 20’ swimming hole behind the house. And all the fishermen like to fish on the river across from me. Tourist and locals swim over from Ruby park and jump off the boulders. Wildlife is abundant. I have three beaver dams too. It’s magical.
ps. Deer? Doesn't look like you have a single pesky critter- Or perhaps you have a dog? Looks just perfect!
Deer are not abundant in my neighborhood. Yay. So no issues. Hard to keep a bird feeder out with all the bears. Most of the wildlife is in or a above the river. Beavers,, otters, seals, bald eagles, egrets, herons, ducks and more.
My, my, my! What an amazing setting and lovely gardens! I, too, love your use of the drift wood, your pots and plantings. Not sure which picture/planting was my favorite but I'm intrigued by the Brachyscome. I love the color and form and I'm not sure we see that here in Western North Carolina as an annual. Maybe I just haven't been looking hard enough because I certainly would use it. Do send more photos, please!
Oh the brachyscome here is blooming year around. What a plant. So close to the ground and no dead heading. As if the garden isn’t magical enough, living on the river is so exciting. I get to see regularly, bald eagles, beavers, seals, otters, ducks, egrets, herons and more!
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