A Tribute to Rose Folly's Garden

17 years ago

I meant to write days ago but it's that time of year(you know what I mean)

You know that a group of us met at Paula's a week ago. I just wanted to say a few words about her garden. You know she rarely posts photos and only some of us have been there. I think the best thing about gardens and the reason why I love visiting other people's gardens are thier reflection of the gardener. In Paula's garden I am struck by the beauty of order. I'm not talking about rigidness, over-tidiness or anything of that sort. I'm talking about a clear vision, a serene comfortable feeling of order. It starts at the wonderful distant view of San Franciso Bay and the mountains beyond and completes in the satisfying rightness of the placement(and choice of) of roses and other plants. I just find it so restful. There is also scent in all parts of the garden from jasmine, citrus and rose. All the hardscaping and fences are built to perfection and of the best materials and workmanship(including copper trellises made by her husband Tom). Anyway I don't want to go on for too long and I'm sorry I don't have photos either. I just wanted to say something. Perhaps you might want to add something nice about a garden you've seen recently.

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Comments (8)

bluesibe
17 years ago
Pam, I think you summed up Paula's garden and vision. It is a very quiet and serene garden and Paula is able to have a wonderful garden using a plan and restraint.

I so enjoy going to my friends' gardens and seeing the changes from season to season or year to year. And, it is always fun to talk roses with friends and not be afraid of boring them to death.

And again, I feel very lucky to have fallen into GW and gained a rich bouquet of people in my life.

Carol
michaelalreadytaken
17 years ago
It's hard to describe, isn't it?

It's a combination of a magnificent rose garden in a magnificent setting--each complementing the other--the garden immediate and luxurious--the vista endless and vast--simultaneously energizing and serene.

I think gardens are the same as works of art: music, books, paintings-- they either suspend disbelief or they don't.

Paula and Tom's garden does in a big way and I was pleased to be there, pleased to yak with, or at, everyone there.

Many thanks.

MichaelAT

P.S. : I never did find out who made the brownies--thank you!
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zeffyrose
17 years ago
PAm----that was lovely------Oh how I wish I could come to Ca. and visit all you wonderful rose people that I've had the pleasure of meeting here on the forum.

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jon_in_wessex
17 years ago
Pam, thanks for describing Paula's garden - it is high praise indeed from one who knows.

Of course, your words describe Paula herself - and that's as it should be, because a true garden shows the gardener. Because of that, I bet there are a few traces of wonderful quirkiness, passion and red-headedness to be found there, too!

I agree with Carol about the pleasure of friendships made here - whatever the physical distance. I'm delighted to see Michael adding his wit and good taste to the mix! And to know that this is a group of great and developing gardeners, not just collectors and exhibitors, with an understanding of that art.

Love to all of you,
Jon
lori_elf z6b MD
17 years ago
I had the pleasure of visiting Paula's garden about two years ago and I was struck by her vision and ability to bring her ideas to life. It was evidient that she had a vision and was not just plunking plants in place, and everything was done with thought and care. Yes, and with those beautiful views too! I hope to return some day and see how it is developing and maturing. It was great meeting wonderful friends too, I felt so fortuneate.
patricianat
17 years ago
After meeting Paula, I am sure the garden was well planned as is her whole life and she has dedicated that to being kind and thoughtful, always cognizant of others' feelings and what a wonderful person she is, a real lady, just as I expected. She is gracious and charming person. I would expect no less in her garden or life. I would love to have the pleasure of seeing her garden. My gret is that no one got pictures. Michael, where was that camera?!?
rosefolly
17 years ago
Dear friends, thank you all. I am moved beyond my ability to adequately express it.

I am too close to my garden to see clearly if I have managed to convey anything beyond a love of pretty colors. I can see what others have done in their gardens, but my hopes interfere with my vision when I look at my own. I have tried to convey a sense of order and beauty in a chaotic world, a place apart. Pamela, your kind words tell me that in part at least, it is working.

I'd like to follow up on Jon's comments about friendship. For me the best thing about this electronic revolution is not the ability to gather information, useful though that is, but is instead the friendships we have formed through the internet. Whether it is Pamela and Carol and MichaelAT here in California, or Zeffy in Pennsylvania and Lori in Maryland, or Jon off in the ancient kingdom of Wessex, or indeed, the many other friends I have met here who have become part of my life, I most likely would never have encountered any of you without such a thing as Gardenweb. My life would have been the poorer for that.

Rosefolly

P.S. The brownies are Karen's. By popular demand she is not allowed to bring anything else to a potluck these days. Pretty much all the other baked chocolate has fallen away once people have tasted her brownies.
seattlesuze
17 years ago
It was such a pleasure visiting Paula's garden. Of course the view was stunning, the care meticulous, and the graceful design fits their multiple uses perfectly. For me, a garden is at its most beautiful when there's fragrance, beauty, stimulation and something yummy to eat while wandering. Paula and Tom's garden fulfills every element. Settled firmly and happily in my memory is my first experience of ripe kumquats picked straight from the tree. Aprille and her little girl had arrived at the tree just before me and the three of us popped kumquat after kumquat (love that word!), laughing at the sour tastes and marveling at the sweet. Thank you, Paula and Tom, for a splendid and unforgettable afternoon in the very best of company.

Sue

A Tribute to Rose Folly's Garden

Comments (8)

bluesibe

michaelalreadytaken

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