Some days I want a garden here in El Paso that is
‘20 years in’.
You know what I mean, right?
How simple it would be if this garden had roses established just waiting for me, blooming riotously just to prove their place in our new domain- as if to say,
“Hey Lady, what are you going to do about it?”
And how nice it would be if the previous owner had walked outside over the years and realized things needed to be planted.
And then I have a little talk with myself and my heart remembers sayings from my father:
“Get after it.”
“We’re burning daylight.”
“Vamanos.”
“Well then, you better get started.”
And so I have.
New gardening ideas surface.
I am planting roses that are hot colored- like the colors in talavera.
So my new Tropicana rose (above) has big plans to show off someday.
For now the days of soft pink roses and traditionally weeded and manicured beds are not what calls to me.
It isn’t about the perfectly staged or aligned.
It is back to my roots.
It is back to Rancho Landscaping:), which I defined years ago in a conversation with my dear friend Anna, at a birthday group celebration held at my house.
I told her I had hit upon a name for how I garden and my kind of landscape design.
I called it rancho.
As in muy rancho.
As in Rancho Landscaping…
literal translation: ranch
my loose translation: imperfect, simple, humble, ‘dolled up’ for special occasions ,
daring, a little shy… jammed in the ground with high hopes and a smile.
This new gardening journey is about Rancho Landscaping,
and digging holes and planting as many wild colored things as I can find.
It is about bougainvillea and hot colored roses and lavender, and bright
gold lantana, and the hot colored zinnias planted in the raised bed
above.
And now I know it is going to all be ok.
Vamanos!
********
Though a tad late :), I am joining a wonderful
Garden Party with dear sweet hostesses.
19 comments:
Looking forward to more photos of your rancho gardening!
I understand your term - 20 years in. I've lived here in this same house for 51 years. It has seen a lot of changes. The yard and gardens have too. It's still not all 'established' but we're working on it!
You are doing wonderful with your rancho style!
Vámonos! You have re-inspired me to keep going on with our rancho gardening. We are cleaning out old pots and flower beds. Trying out a new zinnia pack I found at Tractor Supply. I’ll let you know! Ándale!
Yes! Rancho is a wonderful word with great meaning. For me it's cottagey which is also riotous and full. There's nothing like a garden that's a few years old but you and I will both get there. I'm so glad you wrote this!
I was just reading the definition again and you know what? Jammed in the ground with high hopes and a smile is exactly what we have to do here in our black clay!
Well, I like your Rancho Landscaping -- that about my way of handling a garden! And good on you for DOING it! Three cheers -- can't wait to see more!
Oh my gosh, this post might be one of my all time favorites! You are going to have your yard looking muy bonita muy rapido! I can’t wait to see your Rancho Landscaping in person!
JB
What a great post Laura. Girl, you will have yourself a Sanctuary before long I am sure. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
So true! There was zilch in this yard when we bought it 11 years ago, and it is humming right along now. It does take time!
It was hard for me to find my style of gardening when I moved from Oklahoma to Texas 30 years ago. Things that were easily grown there struggled here. It was almost freeing when I learned to love all of the lantana, sages and plants that thrive here. I just know that your garden is going to be beautiful and I can't wait to see it!
Tropicana roses are one of my favorites! I grew them when I lived in NYC but they don't grow up here on the mountain top, sadly. Roses in general do not love my harsh climate, but I keep trying!
I can totally relate to 20 years in! Love the direction you are taking.
I envy your warm climate! It is hard for me to remember what is coming up from year to year and am always afraid I've pulled out the wrong thing come Spring. Whatever you do will be beautiful. Whomever inherits it will be fortunate.
Good for you! I love your attitude and I am thrilled that you are planting what YOU love and not feeling bound or restricted by what someone else judges to be the "perfect garden". You go girlie!!!!! xo Diana
That's the spirit!
I get it though.....I have started so many gardens, left behind so many mature gardens it could make me weep. When we sold Pondside and bought this little cottage in the gardening Mecca of Canada we got the only property with nothing (nada!) but grass and one old lilac. Things are looking better and I am putting my stamp on it, but'twenty years in' is a nice thought!
I love, love the big colorful pot!!! I'm sure your garden will (eventually) be beautiful.
You will have a gorgeous garden soon!
Love your beautiful pot! Before you know it, your garden will be blooming. Happy Mother's Day!!
What a sweet post! I have not heard of rancho gardening, but I can picture it in my head. :) So fun to have found your style. I love cottage gardening with an ever changing garden. I say. let those seeds fly! Your rose and pot are gorgeous and definately brighten up your garden! Thanks for sharing with the garden party.
hugs,
Jann
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