Speaking of weeds...

This baby tree on the left has popped up along the narrow path leading to the back of the house. The problem is they grow to be the size of those big trees in the background of the picture on the right. The trunk will completely block the path if I let it go. I know from seeing them around the neighborhood that they sprout easily even in very sandy, dry soil. They can also grow almost 6 feet in a year when they're young. Since I'm trying to stay as far away from Round-up or other weed killers, I'm trying to get as much of the root out as I can. I've noticed that they can rejuvenate from a tree that has been cut back severely. Post a comment if you know the name of this one. Also let me know if they are invasive or just prolific.They do look very attractive if planted in a suitable location.

What is this weedy conifer?

I found five of these little plants in a cluster at the front of the yard. The previous gardener says she didn't put them there. She also says that she would get all kinds of seeds blowing in from San Francisco. I rather like them. I thought I might give them some room to grow. It'll give that area some texture. Please post a comment if you know what this is, especially if it is known to be invasive.

Before: Weeping Tree and Roses

These Tea Roses are absolutely beautiful. Wait until you see how many more this yard has. That weeping tree in the back is supposed to be trimmed from underneath to keep it thinner. Right now it is starting to crowd out some of the pretty annual flowers that were planted under it.

Bulb Garden Before

This is the backyard bulb garden. There are supposed to be over 160 bulbs planted there. The previous gardener loved cut flowers. They'll start popping up when it rains. The Daisies are reseeding well.

What is this Spikey Stemed Plant?

Post a comment if you know what this is. I found it hiding under the giant Rosemary Bush you see hanging down from above. It's only about 6 inches now. It looks like something that was probably put there on purpose.

Front Yard Before Pic

This is the view of the front yard from across the street. The previous gardener did a great job of laying the foundation for a lush green garden. She had a lot of smart ideas but wasn't able to keep up with it in recent years.
The soil is the dark, moist and nitrogen rich. It's the nicest soil I've seen so far in all of Alameda or the East Bay.

Before Pictures from My First Professional Garden

Here they are! The Before Pictures from my very first professional gardening job ever!

This is the front yard . You can see that the Periwinkle has turned invasive and is crowding out some of other potentially beautiful plants. It's going to be a big job getting that stuff under control.