The Rettig-Gallant garden in Paso Robles is serene, charming and a water-saver

Tucked beneath the oaks of Paso Robles is a serene garden with the calmness of a walk through the countryside. The garden looks effortless but only because of careful planning and the use of low-water plants and flowering bulbs.

Before Debra Rettig-Gallant landscaped her yard, Mother Nature had planted one large oak tree in the front garden area and several more throughout the property.

Then Rettig-Gallant took over. To help with drainage on the property, a dry creek bed was created that runs through the front yard and down the side of her property, emptying into the Salinas River bed. There are large boulders throughout the creek bed to give a realistic and natural appearance.

At one point the walkway to the front door passes over the creek bed with a small bridge.

Planted throughout the landscape are tulips, daffodils, snow drops, and marigolds. Hollyhocks are placed every so often in the front yard and appear to self-propagate throughout the garden.

In the middle of the walkway is a large cement fountain, dry for the winter due to freezing. It will soon be filled, to the delight of birds and squirrels living in the surrounding trees. Especially beautiful right now are the three pear trees flowering with bright white blossoms.

A bright pop of welcome spring color, snap dragons, pansies, and primroses are planted along the walkway just before you step up to the front door. Emerald-green grass trails around the house and is used as more of an accent to the garden than a lawn area.

There are several landscape islands sprinkled throughout the lawn. One island features three white birch trees surrounded by boulders, marigolds, roses, and drought tolerant grasses. In another island at a corner of the yard is an iris bed with deep purple irises just starting to bloom.

Well-groomed lavender is placed sporadically throughout the front yard to add summer color and a wonderful lingering scent. Also with a sweet scent is a jasmine vine planted along the wall outside a side door of the house. On a wooden pergola over the same door is a wisteria that is several years old and blooms each summer.

Following the dry creek bed to the side of the house, a large rose bed has been planted and is flush with dark green and maroon leaves. Across the roses are sage and rosemary bushes, and towards the back of the property is a small metal rotunda completely covered with climbing rose vines.

It isn’t just the plant choices that make this garden so special. Rettig-Gallant has also mastered the art of hardscapes. Boulders and rocks have been placed to accent the plants, and hidden in the landscape you will also discover an angel statue or two.

For added color and interest, a gazing sphere has been placed on a pillar toward the side of the garden. Along the front of the yard more spheres are set on the ground along a pathway.

Although most of the plants are low-water use or seasonal (such as the flowering bulbs) a drip system has been installed to help out with water needs during dry periods. Even along the driveway rosemary, daffodils, and other low-water plants frame the view of the Salinas River.

As spectacular as Rettig-Gallant’s garden is during the day, at night it is equally enchanting. Solar powered lights are used to up-light her oak tree, birch trees, and numerous other features in the garden. In addition to the up-lighting there are beautiful tulip-shaped glass decorative lights that are also solar.

Fortunately Rettig-Gallant has placed sitting areas throughout the garden, because at each corner you will want to sit and stay away. It truly is charming, peaceful, and serene.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 6:46 AM with the headline "The Rettig-Gallant garden in Paso Robles is serene, charming and a water-saver."