Organic Mechanics Garden, an apartment dweller’s refuge: San Francisco Garden Bloggers Fling
Our second stop on the first day of the Garden Bloggers Fling in San Francisco seemed inauspicious: a security door into a tall apartment building on the edge of the Tenderloin, a downtown residential neighborhood with a somewhat seedy reputation. We walked single-file down narrow halls and a steep stairwell until we literally saw light at the end of the tunnel: an open door with sunlit plants filling the frame with greenery. At this point, the line of bloggers stopped dead as each blogger in turn paused in the doorway to take a photo of the surprising, hidden-garden scene ahead of her.
I understand the concrete-paved courtyard was devoid of plant life except for a single tree before the resident gardeners, Sean Stout and James Pettigrew, who own the design firm Organic Mechanics, got hold of it. If so, it must seem to the other residents as if the place was terraformed (geeky Star Trek reference).
Enclosed by the protective walls of the surrounding buildings, the garden has an overgrown lushness that obscures long views and creates intimate gathering spaces.
Paths wandering through the garden encourage exploration.
Numerous water features welcome wildlife to this urban eden.
This tiled bowl fountain, which spills into a small pond, has attracted a resident hawk.
A wider view gives a better sense of the surprise of experiencing such a verdant, park-like space in the center of a high-rise block.
See-through fences with rails of steel cable create a sense of separation. An arched arbor invites you to pass from one area of the garden to another. Here’s Daricia of A Charlotte Garden looking for her next shot.
An open gate says, “Come in!”
A closer look at the fence, which is simply made of wire strung through holes drilled in wooden posts.
Intimate seating areas abound, allowing many people to relax in the garden in virtual privacy.
The gardeners have a knack for repurposing castoff objects, from the humble, like a tire from a child’s toy truck…
…to the gothic, like this altar for prayer candles…
…to ordinary household objects, like this planted tool chest. Tucked into the garden, they make for fun discoveries as you explore.
Check out these abalone shell candle holders, which line the wall along a shady path. The pearlescent interior must be especially lovely when lit by the glow of a tea candle.
I have a thing for planted pipes in the garden. This one has a very small opening, so dainty!
This yellow rose was hogging the spotlight at one end of the garden.
What a beautiful space, full of playful discovery, that the gardeners have created to share with fellow residents — and Flingers.
Here’s one of the resident gardeners wearing a duct-tape top hat. I have to say that meeting the owners of these gardens is half the fun. Huge thanks to Sean and James for opening their garden to us.
Up next: A shopping trip at colorful Annie’s Annuals & Perennials nursery. For a look back at the vertically planted, hillside garden of sculptor Matt Gil, click here.
All material © 2006-2013 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
He seems to be quite a character with that hat. The garden is marvelous. It must be an oasis in this neighborhood.
It may be, Lisa, but you wouldn’t even know it was there from the street. I wonder if many other apartment complexes hide such treasures. —Pam
You got some wonderful shots of this special garden! I love seeing what others noticed in these gardens as it makes the memory of being there even more enjoyable! I saw the abalone shells but didn’t notice the tea lights in them. What a cool idea!
I loved those shell candle holders. If I had a beachier garden I’d be stealing that idea. —Pam
That garden was a treat! And you’ve shown me things I missed, which is what I love about reading the posts of other bloggers who were there. I don’t even remember that fence.
I’m always on the lookout for cool and inexpensive fencing ideas, Alison, so this one jumped out at me. Yes, it is a lot of fun to see other bloggers’ perspectives on the gardens we saw. —Pam
Love this, Pam. Going to send link to a friend who has a relative who lives in that area! Inspirational!
I’m glad you enjoyed the tour, Kathryn. —Pam
I love funky one of a kind gardens, and it is looking like I missed several of them by not being able to attend. I guess I will have to enjoy them through your words and images.
I have plenty more gardens to show you from CA, Les, and I hope you enjoy the virtual tour. And maybe one day you’ll be able to attend the Fling in person! —Pam
Great shots — that was a really fun and unique garden. Hard to believe it was so lush in there.
I know — jungle-like, in some ways. What a great place it must be to come home to after a busy day in the city. —Pam
What a cool couple to create such an incredible garden for all of the residents!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the fence too! love it all!
There were so many creative ideas on display, Heather. I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. —Pam
That altar takes my breath away. Using found objects can be so tricky but they really seem to have it mastered.
Yep, they have a knack for it, all right. —Pam
Oh MY! This place makes my heart sing! I love a secret garden almost more than anything. Hope I can see this one someday.
Secret gardens are wonderful discoveries, aren’t they? It’s important to incorporate that feeling of discovery in our home gardens too. —Pam
It was hard to believe how much was tucked into this garden. Everywhere one turned was something unique, asking to be photographed.