Author Archives: Denise

a rainy spring/early summer

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Denise

In this notoriously rainy slice of the Oregon coast, 2022 rainfall has exceeded all expectations and delivered above average inches fall, winter, and spring. And how! And like a starving person led to a banquet, I’m probably the only one … Continue reading →

Posted in climate, journal, Oregon garden | 8 Comments

planning the perfect getaway

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Denise

Intermittent photo contributor MB Maher is off to Turkey — some of us make it a habit to travel frequently; for others (raises hand), it’s a rare event. With the PNW continuing to unspool cool, rainy days in May, all … Continue reading →

Posted in inspire me, MB Maher | 4 Comments

a multiverse of springs

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Denise

Thanks for the comments regarding successfully flying commercially with plants. I do feel even more emboldened! With my two little gardens, one in frost-free zone 10 and the other in zone 8b, I feel like I’m tumbling in and out … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, pots and containers | Tagged | 5 Comments

scenes around the bay

Posted on May 10, 2022 by Denise

Mitch visited a couple weekends ago and took this photo of the daffs on our table. I indulged in armloads of them for the house when I chanced upon a grower a few miles south of Tillamook off highway 101. … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, MB Maher | 7 Comments

coastal Oregon garden report 4/13/22

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Denise

We returned to Oregon March 18 and have since finished up removing the remaining sod in the backyard, an additional area approximately 8×20 feet, bounded again in landscape timbers. There is a small area of turf left on the east … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Bloomday March 2022

Posted on March 16, 2022 by Denise

To save some repetitive photos, the aloes are mostly over, the grevilleas, passiflora, and anisodontea continue, and now these shaggy brutes are making their blooming appearance this week, the tree dandelions, Sonchus palmensis. This is a plant with a big … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day | 5 Comments

garden miscellany 2/28/22

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Denise

A quick garden report then we can all get back to doomscrolling. (Here’s a list of solid, experienced relief organizations that can help.) Another atmospheric river is hitting the Oregon coast, but here in coastal Long Beach we’re climbing into … Continue reading →

Posted in clippings, journal, pots and containers | 6 Comments

clippings 2/21/22

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Denise

Seen on T-shirts and protest signs around the world, now multimedia artist Patrick Martinez has worked Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos’ words to electrifying effect in neon (which comes from the Greek word for “new”). A sign of and for the … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, clippings | 3 Comments

Grevillea ‘Poorinda Blondie’

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Denise

One of the so-called “toothbrush” grevilleas, I planted ‘Poorinda Blondie’ in November 2020, and its wingspan is now just over 6 feet. Height is roughly 4 feet, approximating a V-shape. (I can’t remember if I bought it in a gallon … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, Plant Portraits | 4 Comments

catching up with the zone 10 garden

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Denise

We arrived last Friday, and other than sleeping, I don’t think a broom has left my hand since. The informal team of neighbors and friends who took turns watching over the garden since we left the second week of October … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, journal, pots and containers, succulents | 6 Comments