In “An Open Invitation” (web title: A Garden Design to Bring People Together), a feature in Fine Gardening issue 187, we explore Barbara Morrison and Ken Magnuson’s consistently colorful garden on California’s North Coast. Their gorgeous garden rooms are younger than you might guess, and the reason for this is quite dramatic.

In 2006, a squall-line microburst blew across their coastal acre, and 106-mph winds leveled their well-established woodland garden, toppling 38 coastal pines in a matter of minutes.

After many weeks of cleanup, the garden was nearly a blank slate. Ken and Barbara spent a rainy winter drawing, measuring, and imagining their new garden design, and in early 2007 they began to rebuild. This photo gallery shows the devastating aftermath of the storm and Barbara and Ken’s early work to put their garden back together. The progress they have made in just over a decade is truly inspirational!

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A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

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