Garden Grows Good Neighbors

Patricia Sutton cherishes the 16 delphinium plants that grow alongside poppies and lilies in her 4-foot-by-16-foot parkway. And so, it seems, do the dozen or so youngsters who live on her small street in Costa Mesa.

Sutton says she owes the success of these vivid bloomers to the courtesy shown by the neighborhood kids--and their skateboarding, ball-bouncing friends--as much as to her organic fertilizer and homemade compost.

Here’s her story:

“Delphiniums are annuals--they only last through one planting, then they’re gone. I will baby these and cut them and they may last six months, thanks to the children in my neighborhood.

“The kids who live on this block and their friends try really hard not to damage these plants. There are five boys, who range from 5 to 8 years old. And I know it’s hard, while they’re skateboarding by, not to run into them.

“They have always been respectful of the parkway’s plants. Once I planted miniature pumpkins, and I will soon be planting Canterbury bells. I like to talk to the children while planting. Sometimes they do the planting.”

“Been There, Done That” is a recurring feature in Saturday’s Home Design that highlights how our readers accomplish their home and garden projects. If you want to share your experiences--or even to brag a little--call (714) 966-7883. Or send photographs along with your name and phone number to Home Design, The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or ocsocalliv@latimes.com.