Author Archives: Denise

Brachysema praemorsum ‘Bronze Butterfly’

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Denise

All I could remember about this beauty was the name ‘Bronze Butterfly’ and that he was a California native, but I was only half right. Brachysema praemorsum ‘Bronze Butterfly’ is from Australia. Takes the harsh conditions of the front gravel … Continue reading →

February Bloom Day/Foliage Day

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Denise

This will be a hybrid post, a muddle of the two categories, by no means an exhaustive inventory of what’s in bloom and leaf here, early spring in zone 10. There’s salvias, annual poppies, succulents throwing out the odd flower, … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits | 2 Comments

Hardenbergia violacea

Posted on February 13, 2010 by Denise

I seem to be on a roll with the trailing and tendrily crowd lately, and this little evergreen Australian vine is in bloom around the neighborhood so he definitely rates inclusion. There’s two blurs of purple as I drive out … Continue reading →

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Trailing Succulents

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Denise

Yes, along with the fishhook senecio, there are quite a few that will spill and drape. A couple I have on hand that I especially enjoy include this crassula, which can’t be beat for a refined, airy, cumulusy presence and … Continue reading →

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Cobaea scandens and Friends

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Denise

Just a friendly tickle from Cobaea scandens. Teucrium fruticans azureum has nothing whatsoever to worry about, nor does the solanum or ballota. Helleborus lividus can rest easy. Cobaea: Rumors of my expansionism are greatly exaggerated. That’s allegedly 30 feet. That … Continue reading →

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Closeup (Salvia semiatrata)

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Denise

Of a triangular, dark green, corrugated leaf, of a delicate, jewel-toned flower in cobalt blue, calyces of plummy purple. You bring it home, where it sprawls, hides its flowers, sprawls some more, and starts numerous fights with its neighbors. So … Continue reading →

Posted in essay, Plant Portraits | 2 Comments

Fun with Fishhook Senecio

Posted on February 9, 2010 by Denise

Some backstory, which begins improbably enough with tulips. The two plants would seem to have nothing whatsoever in common, but that’s the joy of backyard Frankensteinian horticultural experiments, where you’re mad scientist in chief. And if you get up early … Continue reading →

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Overheard in the Garden

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Denise

Me: Come see what I’ve done! Him: (standing on porch, looking blankly at radically transformed garden) Just tell me. Me: You’re kidding, right? Can’t you tell? Him: (squints, nervously shifts weight from one foot to the other.) Me: Well, for … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, Ephemera, garden ornament | Leave a comment

Winter Warmth

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Denise

After a day of rain, the cow horn agave and New Zealand wind grass rub up a fire:

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The Subject Is Roses

Posted on February 6, 2010 by Denise

Ever since I found a souvenir of a lost rose while digging last fall, I’ve intended to tease out my complex relationship with roses (aka blog about it.) The souvenir was the crumpled, muddied tag of the tea rose ‘Souvenir Pierre … Continue reading →

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