There are many kinds of gardens. Ours is like a big living room. It is full of art (I’m a painter), pottery (my husband is a potter), places to sit, sun and shade, a kid’s playhouse, water toys, grandkids and their pets, flowers, umbrellas, a big old swing, lots of pillows and decorations, and as much color as possible. We even made a palapa shade structure and turned our shed into a little hang out, which is delightful in the rain. But it wasn’t always that way. And this is why.

Every gardener faces challenges. Ours just happens to be that our Eco-model manufactured home sits on asphalt, surrounded by a 6’ tall chain link fence. When the previous place (a small and dilapidated trailer) was replaced with a comfortable energy efficient home, our complex requisitioned part of the adjacent parking lot to create more outdoor space. But our 99’ long asphalt jungle was not only dirty; it was so hot we nicknamed it our “blast furnace.” We have young grandkids and their pets to protect, so we took action...and endeavored to create a garden.

Fairly early on we decided to paint our asphalt with free paint from the landfill. Recycling old paint is a great way to help the environment. Plus we knew this was a bit of an experiment. We had no idea if we could even paint asphalt in the first place. It turns out that porch or deck paint worked best and really did dramatically reduce the heat rising off the surface. We can actually walk out back in bare feet now! We also got a little creative by adding faux bricks (which we stamped on with a masonry screed) and a whimsical little painted creek. We sketched out the whole plan on site with kids’ large sidewalk chalk.

We actually do have two precious patches of dirt where the asphalt was removed with a diamond blade saw. One of the patches is slightly raised up to one foot high. Even this small elevation change helps to create interest. Circulation was key so we added stairs and stepping stone pathways. Rocks anchor us to nature, so we added two dry creeks.

We wanted even more planting spots so we built a redwood planter that sits directly on the asphalt and then proceeded to try another experiment: Hugelkultur. This is a German permaculture method of layering logs and sticks and leaves in the bottom of a planting bed. Then add soil. This is one idea that works and holds in the moisture!

Another area of our yard seemed too bare, so we created a planting bed directly on our driveway with heavy

wall blocks and then filled it with topsoil. We learned that you can plant on top of an impermeable surface. And even a few plants or flowers can make a barren space feel alive!

Another strategy we used to create some shade was to train our grapevine (which IS planted in the ground) to grow on wires attached to our roof. We feed these wires through a large eyebolt and tie it down to a cleat. We can easily lower it for pruning.

We have two water features. One is a flat, still birdbath which wasps especially like, along with birds, of course. The other is a bubbling fountain topped with a ball shape. The hummingbirds love this fountain for drinking and bathing. It is great fun to watch them “float”, “surf” or “roll around” on the ball with wings outstretched.

Planting our space has been challenging because of the extreme heat and exposure. And yes, we did lose some plants. Also, I DO relocate plants constantly until they find the perfect home. But we have way more successes than failures thanks to lots of trial and error and asking other gardeners for help. The two trees we planted and larger evergreen shrubs are now adding some shade relief to our new plantings. We have both native and non-native plants; many of which came from the Arboretum Plant Sales. To make it in our garden, plants must be “tough as nails.” A short list of some of my favorites include: gaura, bulbine, salvias, redbuds, creeping manzanita, geranium, calandrinia, cat mint and calendula. Salvia Mystic Blue Spires blooms all summer and is a hummingbird favorite.

Gardening has transformed a horrible, boiling wasteland into our sanctuary and oasis. We use and enjoy our backyard every single day. It is full of flowers, shade, seasonal interest, pollinators, and life. And thanks to a little hard work, taking some chances and trusting in the incredible resilience of Nature...now, we wouldn’t change a thing!

See More Photos of Debbie Tucker's Garden Renovation!