Welcome back to another view of Nanci Kerby’s incredible garden in Napa, California.

This is a wild, informal garden that relies on generous planting and self-sowers to create a relaxed atmosphere. At the end of the path, just in view, is an arch covered with grapevines.

A closer look at the grape arch. It is a simple wire framework, now loaded with grapes.

The garden itself is a riot of different plants. The grape arch is at the right of this photo.

This photo is of the same part of the garden, but later in the season. With its combination of many different plants in the same space, this garden changes dramatically through the seasons.

We know from her earlier contributions to the GPOD that Nanci loves roses. Here they form a beautiful backdrop to this garden.

Easy to grow in nearly every climate, zinnias and sunflowers are classic cottage-garden annuals. They always create a warm, nostalgic scene in the garden.

In the spring, sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus, annual) join the grapes on the arch! Sweet peas are a much-loved plant for the beautiful fragrant blooms, but they can be a bit fussy to grow in some climates. They hate hot weather, so careful timing is necessary in most climates to ensure a good bloom in the cool of the spring. To learn more about growing sweet peas, check out our guide to growing them.

 More sweet peas.

The bunny of the garden in the spring, surrounded by tulips and self-sowing borage (Borage officinalis, annual).

A honeybee stops by to visit the borage flowers.

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.

If you want to send photos in separate emails to the GPOD email box that is just fine.

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

You don’t have to be a professional garden photographer – check out our garden photography tips!

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

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

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

Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.

Buy at Amazon

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

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

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm

Buy at Amazon

Water Right PSH-100-MG-1PKRS 400 Series, 100-Foot, Olive Green

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

- Slim, lightweight design, is made with toxin-free polyurethane and utilizes industrial grade, lead-free fittings
- 3 Pounds
- 1200"L x 0.43"W
- Manufactured in the USA

Buy at Amazon