Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn' Manzanita

Spotlight on:  Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn' Manzanita

April 2017, after the winter rains of 2016, the apple green leaves of Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn' Manzanita illuminate the garden in the spring.

What it looks like underneath -  In June 2017, the same (above) Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn' Manzanita, just two months later, began peeling, showing its rich burgundy colored bark.  The surrounding leaf fall happened simultaneously with the peeling bark, and the Manzanita shed all of its old growth in one orchestrated event.  The amount of water received during the winter no doubt boosted this process.

May 2018, a year after the bark peeled, this (above) Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn' Manzanita is once again healthy and vibrant, and a valuable jewel in the garden.

Willow Glen, San Jose - Boulders, Grasses, & Groundcovers

This lovely garden in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood was re-designed and planted in October 2016 to take advantage of the winter rains. The original hardscape, lawn, and all trees were retained, and low water grasses and boulders were added. Moss and lichen covered Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders added structure, while Mendocino Reed Grasses and Autumn Moor Grasses added softness to the front entry.

Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders were used to display hand carved pumpkins during Halloween, October 31, 2017.

A large Sonoma Fieldstone boulder, with unique features, was added to the entrance between the driveway and the walkway.

A close-up of one of the large Sonoma Fieldstone boulders, with its unique features.

A mix of large, medium, and small Sonoma Fieldstone boulders were 'planted' in the soil throughout the garden.

Moss and lichen covered Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders amidst Mendocino Reed Grasses and Autumn Moor Grasses.

Moss and lichen covered Sonoma Fieldstone Boulders amidst Mendocino Reed Grasses and Autumn Moor Grasses.

Moss grows naturally in pockets and cracks in this Sonoma Fieldstone Boulder.

Mendocino Reed Grass (Calamagrostis foliosa) and Yerba Buena (Satureja douglasii) groundcover fill in bare spots around rocks & boulders.