CARMEL’S COTTAGE GARDENS – It’s time to add small trees, shrubs and vines.
When I plant my gardens, I start with some shrubs and small trees for height and bulk. They provide privacy where it is needed and reinforce the importance of your focal points.
Shrubs really call attention to the front door of this cottage. I can not even imagine it without them.
Some great shrubs and small trees for Carmel are:
Cherry Plum
Japanese Maple in every season
New Zealand Tea Tree
Abelia
Azalea
Breath of Heaven ( feathery foliage and a sweet smell)
Buddleia
Bush Daisy
Camellia
Cistus
Cuphea
Hebe
Hydrangea,
Mallow
Mexican Bush Sage
Potato bush
Princess Flower
Roses
Once upon a time..Tales from Carmel by the Sea 
Just gorgeous… we are in such a prolonged drought here (in Colorado) I couldn’t imagine having anything near as lush as those gardens!
Some lovely shrubs and climbers – gives me some good ideas. Very dry here, but many you have shown grow well in Melbourne.
My all time favorite is hydrangea, but there is not a one here you have photographed that is not beautiful. I especially liked seeing the Sweet Pea Shrub, Ablution -Chinese Lantern, and New Zealand Tea Tree. Great inspiration to me during these long cold winter months. You take the best photos on the planet.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your beautiful posts. We have been visiting Carmel for over 40 years and our dream would be to live there. You are living our dream!
Sent from my iPad
california dreaming……. namaste, Deb Rev. Deb Teramani 443-610-9628 Center for Spiritual Living Baltimore cslbaltimore.org
I searched for God and found only myself. I searched for myself and found only God. (Sufi Proverb)
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I’ve found myself at an interesting junction —- we love living here and have a micro-climate; I grow roses in the front but the backyard faces west, so gets afternoon sun, if we have it. However, for the first time seeing your garden and all the lovely pictures you’ve taken of it as it progresses and all the beautiful shots of others in Carmel, think you have far more sun than we do and I’m a tad, just a tad envious of that! Looking forward to seeing all the “new” things you bring to life in an area where most of us just don’t take the time to stop and look (or listen). Job well done, once again.
Beautiful Linda – stay warm in Kansas – have been thinking about you as I watch the weather report. Loved your “First Snow” – blessings, Lynn
Linda these images are absolutely breath taking, thank you for always sharing such beauty,
xo kathysue
This is so exciting. Can hardly wait for the next installment! Would you show more of the very first house is segment. I noticed it again about half the way thru but I’d love to see more.
I dream of going back to Carmel — one day.
Beautiful pictures!!! The colors are so bright and lovely! I wish my garden was like this!
Carmel is so magical ! Flowers are everywhere and they are just perfect. A lovely post Linda !
Thank you for providing pictures of the plants you recommended, AND labeling the images. This is very helpful and absent from most resources.