Our First Strawberries and Figs

Photo by Jody Gabara

We ate our first strawberries last night in a salad. For dinner we had mixed greens, feta and candied walnuts with a champagne vinaigrette. Of course, bread, my downfall, with olive oil and Italian seasonings sprinkled on with sea salt. 

Photo by Jody Gabara

Our figs are just beginning to bear fruit now. Pretty soon, we can make all kinds of recipes.

After a Day at Mission Bay

Stan, me, Carly and her boyfriend Justin went to Mission Bay on Saturday. We took our kayak and had a picnic. It was so much fun. Maggie was exhausted from all the swimming, she fell asleep while Stan was cleaning up. Carly put a hat on her, she looked so cute!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Dad! Thank You for everything you have done for me. You have been the best father in the whole world. I can't wait to celebrate your 91st birthday with you on July 8th. 

Love you, Jody

Our First Birdbath

Photo by Stan Gabara

This was our first birdbath in our garden, it has lasted about 15 years. Over the years we found that birdbaths are a great way to display succulents. Now we have a combination of them with both plants and water.

Apples

Photo by Stan Gabara

Our Anna Apples look so beautiful with all the colors on them. Can't wait to make some delicious recipes. How about an apple pie, apple tarts or just a baguette with warm brie and apples?

Sweet Peas

Photo by Jody Gabara

The sweet peas were beautiful, like every year. I always plant more because I think they won't grow and they do. You would think I would learn by now. I love how they smell and are so fragile. I wish they would last longer..

Birds

Photo by Jody Gabara

This beautiful yellow bird was checking out our garden, hope he liked it. Found the cutiest doves in our staghorn fern. The mother and two babies were a nice surprise.

Photo by Jody Gabara

Stained Glass Fairies

These are the fairies that I made out of stained glass 7 years ago for the garden.

Photos by Jody Gabara

Elephant Garlic (Allium Ampeloprasum)

Photos by Jody Gabara

Elephant garlic is a plant belonging to the onion genius. The flavor is milder than garlic. These are often left in flower gardens as an ornamental.

This photo looks like a bird

Wreath

Photo by Stan Gabara

 A rose outside our kitchen window was in bloom and it was a perfect picture.

Miniature Garden Containers

Photo by Jody Gabara

It's a fun project to try and put together a miniature garden. Finding the container, flowers and accessories is simple but rewarding...

                                            Have Fun!

Photo by Jody Gabara

                                                       

Photo by Jody Gabara

Blue Star Creeper

Photo by Jody Gabara

I love the ground cover "Blue Star Creeper". It resembles baby's tears but has small blue flowers. It's a great plant for paths or in miniature gardens. This is one of my favorites...

Paths in the Garden

Photo by Stan Gabara

                                                                              

A path divides your garden into different sections. You can use brick, gravel, flagstone or wood chips. Even mulch will do the trick. It separates your vegetable garden from the flowers. Whatever plants you want to stand out. It's being creative and using your own design..

Photo by Stan Gabara

Repurposed Furniture

Photo by Jody Gabara

Finding the right furniture for outdoors creates a place for all of your favorite collectibles.

Photo by Jody Gabara

                                                       

Outdoor Antiqued Furniture

Photo by Jody Gabara

Photo by Jody Gabara

We found the first dresser at a garage sale and the other cabinet at Goodwill. To make it look distressed, we painted and sanded them and changed their knobs. They add that one of a kind treasure to your backyard.                                                  

Fairies in the Garden

Photo by Jody Gabara

Fairies add whimsy to the garden. It's fun collecting different ones and finding the right place.

Photo by Jody Gabara

                                                         

Photo by Jody Gabara

                                                         

Poppies

Photo by Jody Gabara

Our poppies were amazing this year. We tried to grow every color.  Don't forget to save the seeds for next spring.

Photo by Stan Gabara

                                                      

Bottlebrush

Photo by Stan Gabara

The Callistemon or common name "bottlebrush" is grown as a evergreen shrub or tree everywhere in Southern California. It has dense spikes or round clusters of bristlelike stamens. Hummingbirds are attractive to the flowers. It's a great addition to your garden.

Maggie

Photo by Jody Gabara

Maggie, our labrador, was waiting patiently for Stan to finish a wall in our garden. She looked so cute resting her head on the brick. She's our favorite fan of the garden. Always there for support...

Flowers from our Garden

Photo by Stan Gabara

We have a lot of different flowers this year, they look so good when placed in a container. This weekend was fun to visit with friends and enjoy the garden. Three day weekends are the best...

Photo by Jody Gabara