Gillian's Enchanted Garden

Compromise makes for happy marriages and happy families. For Gillian and Dennis Martin it made for a happy garden, too. Dennis wanted flowers and lush beds in their El Niguel garden; Gillian wanted it to attract birds and teach her grandchildren about the beauty of nature. They both wanted a garden to provide an environment of tranquillity and that’s exactly what they have.

I've walked past their garden many times with my loyal basset hound, Coco. The first thing I noticed was the artificial turf. I have it installed in my backyard but had hesitated about using it because I thought it might look too perfect. While it does look pristine, it actually highlights the perfection of this garden. Everywhere you look there’s something interesting—especially the giant foxgloves. Plant little six packs late in November, says Gillian.  Fertilize, and bait for snails—that’s all there is to it. But I think her personal touch has provided some of the magic.

The home welcomes you with an expansive porch that slows your heart rate even before you step in. The pots, all shades of celadon—a pale, almost watery green—are showcased in groups and consist of mixed plantings. A simple rule of thumb is the reason these look so great. Each large pot should have a tall plant, middle-sized fillers and trailers. This is such a pleasing effect and much more appealing than containers that are all the same. The trick is to use plants that have similar sun, water and growth requirements.

The side beds are also beautifully planted. Tall pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Sheen’ provides the background; upright buxus and African daisies fill and highlight. Again, three levels of plants with contrasting leaves and coordinating flower colors make the bed interesting and unified but not too contrived.

When I asked Gillian if she would share her garden with our readers, she was happy to do so and almost shyly said that the back was in its spring glory. 

Small vignettes enchant visitors at every turn, utilizing a collection of repurposed found objects, collections and garden art. This is a space that takes time to see.

Behind the back gate hangs a birdhouse-turned-mailbox containing letters or little gifts from the garden sprites for Gillian's grandchildren, who visit frequently. Fairy gardens and decorative bird nests add still another layer. An artist has hand painted vines and a little bird to adorn an otherwise ordinary garden gate.

Anyone who lives in South County knows space is at a premium, and most of us have to contend with a stucco wall. While it is easy enough to plant a hedge, it’s not as easy to creatively make the whole thing disappear. Vines, softly billowing tall plants and objects accomplish this. One especially clever addition is a large wrought-iron mirror, leading the visitor to believe there’s another view to behold instead of a boring stucco wall.

Several water features, including a spa, also attract birds. Migrant warblers and orioles join the regulars, such as hummingbirds, finches and wrens. Instead of using feeders, Gillian scatters fully digestible seed twice a day to attract birds. She says her method discourages such night critters as rats and squirrels because the seed is all eaten by the birds.

Really, the best way to enjoy this garden is to see it for yourself. I hope you enjoy the attached photos and find some inspiration for your own garden.