The teachers’ garden

Along Hawkins Street in Hollister is a historic home surrounded by a garden full of flowers, herbs, vegetables and more. A low fence surrounds the front of the property, intentionally designed to allow the community to catch a glimpse of the garden as it changes throughout the seasons. 

David and Susanne Pribyl have been caring for their home since they moved there in 2013. Often neighbors and high-schoolers walking by stop to admire their garden and ask questions. The couple, both former teachers, are more than happy to share their knowledge. 

The two met while working at Gilroy High School, where they taught biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology and more. Their garden has become a passion project—Susanne said that after decades of teaching biology, they felt it was time to start doing some biology. 

“A lot of people mistakenly believe that this is a huge amount of work,” Susanne said, explaining that during the growing season, it can be rather hands-off for weeks at a time. Plants wrap around the half-acre property, all connected to an extensive drip irrigation system.

“We’ve actually been complimented by the Water Department,” David said. “They say they can’t believe how little water we use, because we water at 5:30 in the morning and only water for 15 minutes. It goes straight to the roots—no evaporation.”  

A couple crates of pomegranates sit on the steps of their house. When there’s a boom in a crop, often a basket like this is set near the sidewalk to share with neighbors.

Being active in the yard and enjoying the literal fruits of their labor has had a positive impact on the couple’s health. Plus, Susanne adds, the peaceful garden is a creative outlet for her.

A view of the Fairy Garden which was recently added to the yard. Here, solar powered “fairy lights” are placed among herbs and flowers. When asked when they think the garden might be finished, David said, “Gardens are never finished. Nature teaches you—the hard way—what works and doesn’t work and you have to be willing to change and evolve.” 

David said they love all the wildlife (birds, insects, animals, etc.) for whom the garden is a habitat. Here, the egg case of a praying mantis sits between some vines.

Varieties of sage are found throughout the garden, as it’s a great source for pollinators. While pointing out the Amistad sage along the side of the house, Susanne said, “Everybody should have it in their garden.”

Amidst trimming the roses, Susanne embraces her husband of 42 years in their garden. “Our home and yard is a labor of love for both of us,” she said, “and when we manage to accomplish something beautiful together it’s the best thing in the world. It brings us closer.”