Garden Photo of the Day

Small Garden, Big Color

Bright annuals and lots of containers make this garden shine

Today, Michelle Derviss is sharing the incredible colorful entry from her garden in Novato, California, which is in Zone 9.

A flower-packed container with ornamental sages (Salvia), lime green ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana alata, annual), and million bells (Calibroachoa, annual).

Zooming out a little bit, the container is massed with other beautiful pots filled with plants.

Iochroma (Zones 8–10), the tall shrub in the back, is loaded with purple, trumpet-shape flowers, while a variety of succulents and flowering plants make a grand display in front.

Zooming out shows this planting in context, anchoring a corner of the house, while the lawn and sitting area provide space to walk and enjoy the beautiful display.

The entrance to the garden. What a wonderful display.

One last view from another angle. This beautiful garden is a reminder that you don’t need acres and acres to make a wonderful garden. This small space is packed with carefully chosen plants for a display worthy of any botanical garden.

 

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Comments

  1. nwphillygardener 08/14/2019

    What a vibrant mix of blooms! Can anyone help identify the plant which produces that low carpet of large acid yellow with outer petals tinged with orange? It's shown in several of the photos, and mentioned (but not named) in the description of the cobalt blue pot.

    1. nwphillygardener 08/14/2019

      oops…. not the blue pot, but the Ipomea shrub

  2. User avater
    meander_michaele 08/14/2019

    You obviously have a magic touch in keeping your container plants almost maniacally happy and blooming their little heads and hearts out. I'd love to know your secret!

  3. User avater
    pattyeckels 08/14/2019

    Absolutely beautiful! And I lobe the walkway in the last picture. Are they pebbles?

  4. btucker9675 08/14/2019

    I'm overcome with garden envy once again - what a beautiful, colorful, happy garden. You must have hummingbirds and butterflies in abundance!

  5. User avater
    simplesue 08/14/2019

    All those color and you got them to all work together beautifully. It's very stimulating to look at yet relaxing at the same time! Your garden is a spectacular work of art! Love it!

  6. User avater
    simplesue 08/14/2019

    Ha! I just looked at the photo with the white gate again and just noticed the 3 large honey bee decorations! Clever!

  7. Cenepk10 08/14/2019

    Whenever I see a post from California, Pacific Northwest or New England, I have to beat down the jealousy & this is no exception. This garden makes my heart flutter. Loving the energy, colors & exuberance. Just OUTSTANDING!!!!

  8. carolineyoungwilliams 08/14/2019

    Michelle, I love your use of bold colors. Not only do they pop, but they grab my attention and hold. Your garden is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

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