By Mary Cristy

Horticultural consultant and landscape professional Craig Murray believes “There are two things money can’t buy: true love and home-grown tomatoes.”

But for 10 years, Murray’s The Garden, off Dori Lane in Los Altos Hills, has kept the community up to their eyeteeth in plump and juicy home-grown tomatoes.

The Garden occupies a one-acre site that draws artists, reporters, photographers, musicians and lovers of luscious organic produce — for the calming environment as well as the fresh food.

“A garden allows you to fall in love with life,” Murray said.

Local artist Marilyn Nelson goes there to shop and paint. “Craig lives his passion; and in so doing, he sparks the creative drive in each of us. The Garden is a place you love to be. You meet like-minded people,” she said. “The magic is that such a thing even exists in our troubled world.”

Murray’s enthusiasm is palpable. “I get the biggest thrill out of creating it. Then I watch the bonds that grow, and recur year after year, when people meet and greet again to compare notes and swap recipes.”

Murray’s nightshade (tomatoes, eggplant and peppers) of all shapes, colors and sizes grow in neat rows against a multicolored backdrop of flowers.

The Garden has been compared favorably to French impressionist Claude Monet’s in Giverney. A returning tourist pronounced herself “enchanted” and said, “This is even more beautiful!”

The April 2003 issue of Sunset magazine, distributed in the 14 Western states, featured an illustrated article that grew out of the recommendation of two of their employees, longtime patrons of The Garden.

Beauty and peace are only one aspect of this success story. Another is that “the climate and soil here are ideal for nightshades,” according to Murray. His scientific knowledge as a horticulturist is invaluable, “but there’s intuitive knowledge that comes only with years of aiding and abetting nature, and learning to fine-tune a near-perfect plot,” he said.

Murray starts his seedlings in a greenhouse, then moves them outdoors when they are l2 inches tall and the danger of frost is over. Rock, dust, mulch (from cover crops grown through the winter and plowed back into the soil), compost and other nutrients are added as he assesses the need. He includes plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds for an added tender touch.

This attention to detail assures home-grown tomatoes to die for. The final Garden includes purple and white eggplants, alizarin crimson, and bright red peppers as well as yellow tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and herbs, especially basil ( a boon companion to tomatoes), and pumpkins.

Perhaps Murray’s most satisfying moment came recently when he dropped by for a visit with his parents. He flashed a typical Murray grin when he told how he found Mom and Dad side by side in the kitchen “canning their son’s produce to enjoy through the winter. I canned 36 quarts last winter, but this is the first time my parents did it. I got a kick out of how happy they looked working together over a hot stove.”

Throughout the summer, Murray and friends cook out on a gas stove in a sheltered area of the garden where tomatoes go fresh from vines to saucepans.

“A party atmosphere prevails, and we have a great time,” Murray said.

Redwood City artist Yvonne Garden, currently painting in Paris, wants to introduce Murray to painting.

“He’s a born artist,” she said. “His juxtaposition of colors in The Garden would work beautifully on canvas.”

Los Altos Hills photographer Karen Smith, who imprints her photographs on gift note paper for friends, agreed. “He has an artist’s eye for color and composition,” she said.

“I expect to see him on his own television show before long,” another patron commented. “He’s incredibly talented. And he’s a great cook!”

In season, The Garden is available to vegetable-lovers during daylight hours. A small stand in front accommodates local patrons.