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A Gardener's Notebook: The latest incarnation of my column detailing the trails and tribulations of my garden. Join the list and ask your own questions about gardening Subscribe

When the garden work is over it is finally time to enjoy yourself amidst the beauty you have nurtured. Yesterday, we hosted the baby shower that had been the focus of my garden work for the last month. If the compliments I received are any indication, the work was well worth it. Despite the 90+ temperatures everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and many marveled at the small little piece of Eden we have created here in the middle of the urban San Fernando Valley.

Surprise

Our guests were very amazed to find such a lush and shaded garden in the middle of the sun-soaked valley. Most homes here opt for the more easily maintained square of lawn than the planting beds and paths we have. Of course, if we had only lawn the party would have had to take place indoors. No one can withstand the direct beating of the sun that we have been experiencing lately. While the day was hot, the shade of the trees kept the rear garden 5-8 degrees cooler than the more open front garden. A slight breeze offered relief every so often, as well. As we escorted people out to their cars parked in front after the party we were hit with the full force of the afternoon sun and realized juts how miserable it would have been. While I often complain about the deep shade in the garden and the difficulty I have in finding colorful plants that will thrive amidst it, the previous owners left us with a blessing on these hot, hot August days.

Final preparations

There were a few final preparations last Friday, leading up to the big day. A quick trip to the nursery netted 11 bags of Cocoa mulch This is the first time I have used this mulch although I have heard a lot about it. I dressed 3 large beds and I must say it looks and smells wonderful. Many people at the party were amazed at the chocolate smell when they entered the garden. To some it was more subliminal. They had smelled something nice but couldn't tell what exactly it was.

I would have liked to dress the beds more deeply than the 2-3 inches I put down, but time and finances prevented heavier application. The rich red-brown color dressed up the beds nicely, though, and really helped to spiff things up. The mulch is rather light and you probably wouldn't want to use it in windy locations. Even during our Santa Ana winds we are in a relatively protected spot so I don't think I will have trouble with wind. Once I wetted the mulch with a hose it seemed to knit together fairly well. It does loosen up again as it dries, though. I have seen a few messages about the cocoa mulch growing mold in wet conditions. I will report on this further, especially after we get our rains this Winter.

Even though the party was a bit tiring it was very fun to have so many people sharing a special day with our friends while also enjoying our garden. Hosting an event like this can be a wonderful way to learn just how special your garden is. Sometimes we need a little outside validation so we aren't always looking at the work that has yet to be done.