Author Archives: Denise

August keeps its cool

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Denise

August can be a rough month. In either of my gardens, I’ve never had to deal with summer rainfall, flooding, plants getting pummeled by rainstorms like some of the East Coast and South are suffering under. And coastal Los Angeles … Continue reading →

Posted in climate, Oregon garden | 5 Comments

thank you, Garden Fling 2024

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Denise

A quick thanks, a few photos, and a short introduction to the Garden Fling, in the off chance a reader of AGO has never heard of this special garden tour. Since 2008, the garden tour now known as the Garden … Continue reading →

Posted in climate, garden travel, garden visit | 10 Comments

July 2024 Bloom Day

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Denise

It’s like a switch was flipped and a jolt of electricity hit the garden. July is potent stuff. Things are really starting to move and shimmy and shine now that the grasses are blooming. More July bloom reports are collected … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

long summer days

Posted on July 7, 2024 by Denise

After three years, these long summer days still amaze me. These photos were taken at 9 p.m. last night! On the 4th fireworks were useless until well after 10 p.m. — but that didn’t stop the neighbors. Loud booms are … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, Oregon garden | 7 Comments

Three years in a zone 8 garden (toddler phase)

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Denise

I broke my shovel yesterday, the trusty decades’ old one I brought up north. There’s a metaphor there somewhere. It’s seen a lot of action, especially this spring/early summer. The back garden has left behind that deliciously expectant phase, like … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, Oregon garden | 6 Comments

June 13, 2024, Oregon Coast

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Denise

Even without much heat, it feels as though we’ve reached that turning point when spring finally retreats and summer growth gains the upper hand, if only by virtue of sheer day length. It’s light out til 9:30 p.m. now! In … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, Oregon garden | 10 Comments

a couple promising zone 10 dry garden plants

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Denise

Domino’s garden in Los Angeles is slowly taking shape, with everyone pitching in to keep it weeded, mulched, and watered while new plants settle in. (We have availed ourselves of mulch from Griffith Park’s generous compost facility, carload after carload, … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits | 7 Comments

Moir Garden, a Hawaiian succulent garden

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Denise

My one-year-old granddaughter Domino is already a seasoned traveler. She obtained a passport not long after birth and had it stamped for Tunisia by three months. Her parents are committed vagabonds, so her budding wanderlust is no surprise. Recently Domino … Continue reading →

Posted in garden travel, MB Maher, succulents | 3 Comments

wet and cool in a temperate rain forest

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Denise

I get it, most local people I talk to are ready for sunnier days. This day has flushed sunny, rainy, and sunny again several times, all before noon. The 90″ of rain that makes this temperate rain forest possible, a … Continue reading →

Posted in climate, Oregon garden | 9 Comments

mid-May 2024 Oregon Coast

Posted on May 18, 2024 by Denise

Morning is always my favorite time in the garden, with the plants softly exhaling into the warming air while the sun slowly traces its way through tree canopies and clouds. The surrounding town is quiet while I study the garden … Continue reading →

Posted in cut flowers, journal, Oregon garden | 10 Comments