Going going gone

apples, Anna, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

Years ago while visiting a friend in the Marin Valley north of San Francisco I had an apple picked fresh from his tree. It was the best tasting apple I had ever had and I placed the idea of having an apple tree in the next yard I landscaped in the back of my mind. Eight years ago in my backyard Zen garden I planted against the fence and espaliered my first apple tree (Anna) . My first apples were about 5 years ago....a total of 2-3. Each year the bounty has increased and this year I have enjoyed a green or green blushed with red apple each day for a couple of months. I am at the end of the harvest. I will pick the last few on the tree and make them into an apple tart a la Julia Child.

Welcome to my Zen garden!

copper fountain, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

This is my back yard. I decided to turn it into a Zen garden after visiting the Japanese Gardens in the Huntington Library and Gardens and because my yard is very narrow. (8 ft. by 40 ft.) It is also where Sophie hangs out all day when I am gone. I want it to be peaceful for both me and her and anyone else who enters. There are certain elements to a Zen garden: Vertical elements like rocks, trees and fountains point upwards toward the sky and thus represent air. Horizontal elements such as moss and flat rocks represent the earth. Fountains and rivers or creeks obviously represent water and there we have the basic elements of life. You will always find a Japanese maple in a Zen garden and often camellias. The blossom of a camellia drops to the ground while the bloom is full reminding us that life can end any time and that sometimes it can be cut short. I also have fruit trees: a peach and 2 apples. You can see one of the apple trees espaliered against the fence. Both have fed me well this summer. The garden is small but so peaceful to be in at the end of the day or just to lunch in. Sophie is a lucky dog to spend time alone here. I hope you, too, enjoy your visit.