Garden Photo of the Day

Catherine’s San Diego Garden in Summer

After years of moving, a gardener settles into a city with ideal conditions for growing and creates a sensational outdoor living space

By GPOD Contributor
fuchsia in hanging baskets

Hi GPODers!

We spent the last couple days in PA, but today we’re heading out west to check out Catherine Dickerson’s flower-filled SoCal garden.

After moving every 2 years my entire life, we finally settled in San Diego 22 years ago. We live in a gardener’s dream climate, and have been making the most of it.

It’s such a delight to see everyone’s garden photos, and I’ve been wanting to share mine again. Here is our backyard in summer, formerly a basketball court and lawn with 5′ weeds.

fuchsia in hanging basketsMy husband is known as “the fuchsia man” by one of the grand dames of gardening here in San Diego. He has 30 hanging baskets, more in pots and the ground, that he tends daily, repotting the hanging baskets every November.

fuchsia in hanging baskets under pergola
The oldest is about 25 years old, several are in their early 20s. He designed the watering system so they get a little spray as often as the weather requires.

fuchsia with impatiensMore fuchsia hanging from a pine tree, complemented by impatiens. The vine along the top of the fence is a trumpet vine (Campsis radicans, Zones 4–9) that grows vigorously but never flowers. Not enough sun.

entrance to rose garden with arbor
My parents made this sun together in 1971. It was fun seeing them have such a good time together! My husband repaired it and my sister and I repainted it last summer. Good for another 50 years! The edge of our rose garden, ringed by volunteer lobelia, is on the right. The bright pink flower in the front left is an in-ground fuchsia that gets about 8′ tall. I grew it from a single sprig. Plants are amazing!

in-ground fuchsiaAnother in-ground fuchsia. We planted one small plant, and it has spread with enthusiasm!

bright pink and purple cineraria
These tall cineraria (Senecio stellata ‘Giovanna’s Select’, Zones 9–10) from northern California are special treasures. They reseed every year, expanding their beauty. The orange clivia along the fence are transplants from overgrowth in the front.

jacaranda tree
We bought this jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia, Zones 9–11) in San Diego when we lived in the LA area, and kept it in a pot. When my husband got transferred to San Diego 22 years ago, we brought it with us. Not the ideal tree over a pond, but we enjoy it (the tree was there first)!

garden pond with waterfall
Bill put the pond and two streams in about 16 years ago. It’s a treat to watch assorted birds drinking and splashing in the waterfall. The strappy leaves on the right are dark blue agapanthus that bloom late in the summer. The little blue birdhouse was made by a 5-year-old friend, and has been a happy home.

dark blue agapanthus
Here is our back slope, with the dark blue agapanthus in bloom. It’s my favorite! A little hydrangea is in the back left, a broken pot of impatiens is tucked into the wall in the front, and a lot of succulents are in the front right.

polkadot plant with bergenia and ajuga
The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya, Zones 10–11 or as an annual), bergenia and ajuga were absolutely smashed to smithereens last October when we had the pine tree trimmed. Almost obliterated. I feared they were goners. Now when I am discouraged, or a bit down, just say “Be like a plant!”

It’s a joy to share my garden with people who are as passionate about gardening as I am! Happy growing, everyone!

Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful garden with us, Catherine! With a garden us lush and flower-filled as this one, I’m sure it was worth the wait.

 

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.
Buy at Amazon

Rain Bird PATIOKIT Drip Irrigation Patio Watering Kit

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Complete 42-piece drip irrigation kit eliminates watering by hand
- Provides drip irrigation for up to 6 planters
- Easy to assemble: just attach to faucet, cut tubing and connect watering devices
- Attaches easily to your outdoor faucet or hose
Buy at Amazon

Gilmour 811673-1001 Sprinkler

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- 43-ft. spray distance (up to 5, 800 sq. ft. coverage)
- Adjustable collar for partial- to full-circle coverage
- Dial precisely sets spray distance
- On/off switch eliminates trips from sprinkler to spigot
Buy at Amazon
X
View 8 comments

Comments

  1. User avater
    musabasjoosue 09/25/2024

    What a beautiful garden oasis you and your husband have created! Thanks for the tour.

  2. User avater
    treasuresmom 09/25/2024

    Those agapanthus are really something.

  3. paiya 09/25/2024

    Beautiful garden - every vista. What is the source(s) for your husband’s fuchsias? In my country of origin, South Africa, many streets are lined with jacaranda trees, a feast for the eyes.

  4. btucker9675 09/25/2024

    Wow - this is a wondrous space and the fuschias are out of this world! The dark blue agapanthus is stunning. I wouldn't know where to look first if I was in your garden! Love the sun your parents made - what a perfect compliment to your lovely place.

  5. user-6824606 09/25/2024

    Oh how I wish I could grow Fuchsia as beautiful as yours are. You have certainly created an beautiful space now that you too have been able to put down roots.

  6. johnsonofmillcreek 09/25/2024

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful garden. You've created a sanctuary. Enjoy!

  7. [email protected] 09/25/2024

    I was just researching how to get my hardy fuchsias from their containers into the ground and stopped to look at emails. Your garden is stunning! I love hardy and annual fuchsias, and you and your husband have an amazing display! I grew several when I lived in Orange county, Calif. Now I'm in Washington state, where they grow beautifully as well. And the drive from our home in Cypress Calif. to Long Beach airport was unforgettable when the Jacaranda trees would carpet the street! Love your tree! Thanks for the great photos.

  8. User avater
    simplesue 09/26/2024

    Very nice water feature! Oh how I love you jacaranda tree tree!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Related Articles

The Latest

Mountain West Regional Reports
How to Clean Up the Garden Without Harming Beneficial Insects

Traditionally in our region, gardens were cleaned up in fall for practical and aesthetic reasons. By spring, with weeding, watering, sowing, and dividing all begging for attention, time can be…
Midwest Regional Reports
Noninvasive Alternatives to Privet Hedge

With origins as far back as the Bronze Age, hedges were used to corral livestock to protect crops, defend land from invaders, and, eventually, define the boundaries of property and…
Design
Gardening Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day 2025

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your love and appreciation than with a gift that nurtures her passion for the garden? Whether she’s…

Video

View All Videos
Design

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping—not because you’re likely to trip on something, but because you might be dive-bombed by a pair…
Design

4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder's Garden
Podcast: Let's Argue About Plants

Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage 
How-To

4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard
Podcast: Let's Argue About Plants

Episode 179: Most Beautiful Flowers