Hardscape is everything that is not plants. The deck, stone patio, metal trellis, and granite pathway. When you create a garden, it is useful to consider not only the cost and appearance of hardscape, but how it changes and ages over time outdoors. Also, where did the material come from? Did you find it on the street? Or was it dug out of a riverbed three thousand miles away? Ultimately, how does it make the garden feel?
There is an epic canyon in the middle of San Francisco. One of the last free running trickles or creeks, Islais Creek, still charges down from the hills of Mt Davidson out to the bay and Third Street. Listen for the great horned owls and wander the grasslands blooming with soap root and lupines. Heres a map and other creatures to look for:
This is a scavenger hunt for kids in the hills:
This ones for them kids by the slow runnin creek:
So if you are seeking healing spirits butterflies are a pretty good friend to have. They know all about transformation, and the casting off of skins that don’t quite fit anymore. These guys are called mawahopai in Paicoca, they are the big blue morphos in the selva. They are gathered for a conference eating flat yucca bread.
If you can hold still and not be too full of yourself then the eyes start to open. It looks something like this, but FIVE eyes?! Really!?? Yup, this probably after the design boa swallow you whole.
Mission Azul 