Mucking In

The Olivenhain garden of New Zealanders Maury and Heather Callaghan in Southern Californian is an “expanse of lawn and beds of perennials” with a tall, fragrant banana shrub and burgundy-leaved smoke tree “creat[ing] a luscious and unexpected, colour combination” in the spring. Profiled in the San Diego Union Tribune, the Callaghans are delighted with their San Diego garden, and rightfully so. “It is a surprise every year,” Maury says, “No matter where you look, it continues to change.” The garden isn’t all that has changed; the owners have become knowledgeable and active participants in the process. “I’ve changed more as a gardener than anyone I know,” Heather, who is a Master Gardener, says.