Our Home & Landscape in 1999, When We Bought The Property
This week, on May 7, 2024 to be precise, marked our 25th year here on the property we affectionately now call Domaine de Manion. At these junctions in life, one must take time to pause, reflect, and honor the journey. In our case the last 25 years.
When my husband John, and I found this property tucked away down a private easement, and set atop the highest hill and coastal ridge that overlooks the ocean and horizon, we were excited. On this hill you could experience morning pastel orange glowy sunrises and spectacular ocean horizon sunsets in the same day. Surrounded by working nursery properties with multiple greenhouses, it was a true rural setting. I suspect this property was at one time a working orchard property with remnants of sickly avocado trees, but thriving mature macadamia trees flanking the side perimeters.
This neglected property needed a lot of work, and the cute bungalow house, originally built in 1930 was charming, but badly needed an update and possibly a remodel. There was no real garden to speak of, just a bit of scruffy, tired landscape, nettle, and foxtail.
That didn’t matter, we were up for the adventure. We wanted to make this property beautiful, functional, and further enhance this natural setting. Creative ideas began flowing for the property, some that worked, and some that didn’t. Little by little, the property started evolving, and responding to tender loving care.
Back & Side Of Our Home in 1999
I knew I wanted to start gardening for the first time, and get my hands in the dirt. We were told our soil was sandy, yet very fertile from our surrounding nursery neighbors. I have been very fortunate to have had a long time gardener, worth his weight in gold, that has helped me put the garden together and bounce ideas off. In the beginning, he would roll his eyes when I shared with him a garden idea or garden experiment I had. Now, he only smiles, and says “let’s do it.”
Slowly, but surely, garden room by garden room, the garden and really the whole property started to evolve. Local and out-of-town garden clubs started asking to come for a tour. It has been a joy to share Domaine de Manion with others, as well as our family, and friends.
The Beginning Of The Boxwood Garden
A Children’s Playhouse On The Property Became Our Chicken Coop
I could write a book, or at least several chapters on the evolving of this property, but instead I thought to share a timeline with you. I can’t even begin to estimate over the years, how many miles John and I have walked on this property, or hours spent in creating it as it is today. Just that it has been a fun passion. “Life itself is the proper binge.”—Julia Child
Domaine de Manion Timeline:
May 1999, John & I Bought The Property.
Spring 1999, Began Planting First Boxwood Garden
August 2000, John & I Were Married On The Property
Spring 2003, Had Our First Flock Of Chickens. Started Composting & Using Rain Barrels
April 2006, Planted Our Syrah Vineyard With The Help Of Our Mira Costa College, Vineyard Management & Production Class. Gave The Property, Domaine de Manion Name.
Fall 2008, First Vineyard Harvest. Started Traveling To France & Gathering Ideas For Creating “Provence” At Domaine de Manion.
Fall 2009, First Vintage Bottling
2009-2010 Home Remodel and Building of Barn
Spring 2010, Creation of Secret White Garden
Spring 2013, Seeded Eco-Lawn In Back Of House And Front of Barn
Spring 2015, Created Enclosed Potager On North Side of Vineyard and Fountain Garden Parterre
January 2016, Recognized By Miracle-Gro & To Ride Their Rose Bowl Parade Float Representing California Home-Grown Gardeners With Four Others
May 2016, Planted Privacy Landscaping On North, West, South Property Perimeters
September 2016, Started Hosting Cooking Classes
March 2022, Build 12’ x 55’ Bocce Ball Court & Retaining Wall For Garden
Spring 2022, Created St. Francis Rose Garden
Fall 2022, Our Record Grape Harvest Yield Of 1400 Pounds
Summer 2023, Lost Entire Grape Harvest From Cool Spring, Rainy Summer, & Mild Fall
May 2024, In A Blink Of An Eye, It Is 25 Years Later.
Now a few photos of Domaine de Manion this Spring 2024, and a recent fun cooking class.
Yves Piaget Roses Greet You at Domaine de Manion
Fountain Garden & Bocce Ball Court
South Garden & Chicken Coop at Domaine de Manion
West Side of Barn at Domaine de Manion
Spring Syrah Vineyard at Domaine de Manion
All Smiles At The “Springtime Menu For Celebrations” Cooking Class
Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie
