Morning Tea

Every morning starts off with a cup mug of tea downed in my private corner of the garden looking out onto the hill behind my home. 

My private sitting area is bordered by two native California Sycamore Trees. In the foreground are drought tolerate Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo although not really bamboo). I use Nandina extensively throughout the garden for it's color, foliage, exceptional heartiness and bright red berries that birds love. Nandina looks best when planted in groups, In the rear are privets which were already in the ground when we bought our home and were well established. They have been allowed to grow naturally and have done well under low water conditions. They have a short but awesome flowering period when grown naturally.