Patty Root Smith’s Garden

This south facing one acre garden was started in 2002, two years before the house was finished. I have easy access to the beach with paths one on each side of the property. There is a 500 gallon tank that collects ground water.

I have many beautiful unusual plants in the garden. The first tree I planted is Magnolia officinalis var. biloba which I purchased at a plant auction at UBC. Because I am interested in evergreen plants to give texture and a framework to the garden, I have used Ceanothus Pt. Reyes as a groundcover under the cedars, and have planted shrubs like Rhaphiolepsis, Helwingia and Podocarpus to border the pathways.

I am an artist, and have had great fun creating things which I have picked up while beach combing over the years. I built my garden shed which has a green roof, and the table on the patio is still usable after 18 years.

I’m enjoying my garden as it matures.