Author Archives: Denise

more camas, please

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Denise

This last Sunday of April has been misty and rainy, the same conditions since mid-week. Until the rains returned last Wednesday, I personally felt we had gone too long without rain (almost a week). But I know the farmers were … Continue reading →

Posted in Bulbs, journal, Oregon garden | 9 Comments

Rosy Rhodocoma capensis

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Denise

I’m not sure when the rhodocoma started blushing pink. In fact, before this morning I didn’t even know to expect such a phenomenon, but trusted resources have this to say: San Marcos Growers: “Upright growing clump forming (tussock) grass-like plant … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon garden, Plant Portraits | 9 Comments

my own private tulipomania

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Denise

There’s a lot of the traditional horticultural canon that can be grown well here at the moist Oregon Coast in zone 8b/9a that I’m skipping so far– hellebores, roses, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, hostas, maples, Oriental poppies, peonies, clematis to name a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bulbs, Oregon garden, pots and containers | 5 Comments

Annual Manzanita Plant Sale April 21, 2024, 11 am – 1 pm

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Denise

Not to add unnecessary drama to an already exciting event on the Oregon Coast, but judging by last year, the plants do leave the sales tables fast…very fast! Come early for the best selection! Support the greatest little garden on … Continue reading →

Posted in plant sales | 5 Comments

new to me; Fritillaria persica and others

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Denise

Last spring a local nursery had planted whiskey barrels with Fritillaria persica. Which jarred me into the realization that I could too, that fritillaries were a green light on the Oregon coast. This March it is such a kick to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bulbs, journal, Oregon garden | 8 Comments

March mixes it up

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Denise

The month of March, fittingly named for the god of war, here at the coast is a pitched battle between winter and spring. Winter battles for supremacy lobbing hail, snow, and night-time freezing temperatures, but it’s a dead-ender’s ploy. Spring … Continue reading →

Posted in blog, climate, Oregon garden | 7 Comments

orange in the garden

Posted on February 16, 2024 by Denise

It’s February. How about another color study, this time in orange? Color theory has orange as vital, energetic, happy, but on this cold windy day I’m appreciating its warmth. I’ve promised Billie a walk but am procrastinating heading out into … Continue reading →

Posted in clippings | 6 Comments

studies in scarlet

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Denise

For this February 14th holiday that takes a circuitous route from honoring a 3rd century martyr to exchanging tiny messages on candy hearts to ask: who do you love? And not a red rose in the bunch, just some photos … Continue reading →

Posted in cut flowers | 4 Comments

Oregon Coast garden in February

Posted on February 4, 2024 by Denise

I apologize up front for the contrasty results of my point-and-shoot on this brilliantly sunny morning, but it will be too dark for photos within the hour under these temperamental skies. (This is as far as the working collaboration with … Continue reading →

Posted in climate, Oregon garden | 8 Comments

rainy day thoughts on fences

Posted on January 26, 2024 by Denise

Having inherited a boundary fence in the back garden, I think about it quite a bit. It’s been an insistent presence since we moved in, devoid as the space was of anything but fence, grass and bark mulch. Fences in … Continue reading →

Posted in climate, design, Oregon garden | 8 Comments