Archives

Loch Lomond opened to the public Friday, March 1. The opener brought clear blue skies, warm temperatures and some afternoon wind.

He told me that his was a one-of-a-kind garden. Unique in such a small space. He asked if I would I be interested in visiting some time. I love being invited to tour all types of gardens, but I had an inkling that the garden of Rich Merrill, former Director of the Horticulture Dept. and Professor Emeritus at Cabrillo College, would be something special.

Walking around my neighborhood, I see neon-red fall foliage at every turn. Japanese maples covered with vivid red, bright orange or yellow leaves steal the scene wherever they grow. Surrounded by greenery, Canadian redbuds are popping with burgundy and yellow color. Flowering dogwoods look like they’re on fire.

You know spring is coming when you see daffodils starting to open. You know spring is coming when plum trees begin their glorious show. And you know spring is coming when you begin to think of all those garden tasks that still need your attention.

A garden has many purposes. It's a place to grow delicious tomatoes and mouthwatering fruit picked ripe off the tree. It's a place to read your favorite book on a comfy chair in the shade. It's a place to watch birds and butterflies when they visit the flowers you've planted just for them. It's a place to go when you need to get away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life. And it's a place of healing.