Author Archives: Denise

April garden journal

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Denise

Because the Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer’ I had previously tried to establish here had failed to thrive, I assumed that it was dead, not dormant, when I replanted this rocky area in November. Which was fine, because I was going in … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, plant nurseries, Plant Portraits, succulents | 10 Comments

Yucca ‘Magenta Magic’

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Denise

Seems like only yesterday we were all very excited about Yucca aloifolia ‘Blue Boy,’ with enticing photos whizzing by with some regularity on blogs and public garden websites. So much exciting potential for dry gardens! In my garden, they never … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, succulents | 8 Comments

introducing Nicotiana mutabilis

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Denise

The back of the garden is a bit crazy right now, what with the miscanthus, the flowering tobacco, Eryngium pandanifolium, Roldana petasites, kangaroo paws and others jostling to claim their allotment of soil and sun. And if that wasn’t enough, … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, plant nurseries, Plant Portraits, pots and containers, succulents | 5 Comments

the White Agave is in bloom again

Posted on March 27, 2021 by Denise

Agave celsii var. albicans ‘UCB’? Agave mitis var. albidior? The nomenclature continues to be shifty with this agave, so let’s just call it the White Agave. I can’t think of another agave that can also claim that common name, but … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies | 7 Comments

Coachella Valley Desert X Exhibition Extended to 5/16/21

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Denise

Fantasizing about road trips is starting to move closer and closer to actually planning road trips. Here’s a possibility, a visit to the Desert X exhibition to coincide with California desert wildflower bloom. From Desert X’s website: “For Nicholas Galanin, … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, garden travel, MB Maher | 2 Comments

clippings 3/23/21

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Denise

The poppies self-sown into the new gravel area have grown so tall I wasn’t sure if they were my old standbys, the smaller statured Papaver setigerum. Blooms opening this week confirmed that indeed they are, but just gaining a bit … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema Botanica, clippings, journal, succulents | 8 Comments

recent garden distractions

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Denise

Does the world distract me from my garden or the garden distract me from the world? The balance has been different at various times in my life, so I like that the relationship is flexible. Spending most of my days … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, journal, Plant Portraits, pots and containers, succulents | 9 Comments

pandemic garden project

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Denise

My latest time sink and a great antidote to the pandemic fidgets. It’s a little rough and a lot rustic, part of the perpetual quest to get plants massed in one area for ease of care, especially now that warm … Continue reading →

Posted in journal, pots and containers, succulents | 7 Comments

Bloom Day 2/15/21

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Denise

We’re horrified at the predicament of friends and family across the country as the Polar Vortex busts out of the Arctic again, flooding points south with its extremely frigid air. Holy cow! How is everyone doing? We’re nervously checking power … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day, Bulbs | 5 Comments

thank you, Annie!

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Denise

There were worrisome rumors, and then came the confirmation in the Spring 2021 catalogue that arrived in the mailbox this week: Annie Hayes, of Annie’s Annuals and Perennials, is retiring. You may need to grab a box of tissues or … Continue reading →

Posted in plant nurseries | Tagged | 12 Comments