Author Archives: Denise

what’s new…and what isn’t

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Denise

Burrowing into plant and seed catalogues isn’t a bad idea at the moment. Mail ordering plants and seeds is eminently doable even in a pandemic crisis, and if you’re hanging out a lot at home, so much the better for … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, Plant Portraits, pots and containers, succulents | 4 Comments

sunday clippings 3/8/20 (save Prospect Cottage)

Posted on March 8, 2020 by Denise

Artist, filmmaker, and gardener Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, England, needs some crowd-sourcing love. If it’s one of those places you dream of one day visiting, you might want to consider helping to secure its future by donating what … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, Bulbs, clippings | 5 Comments

Wednesday’s plants

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Denise

In the interest of keeping a better garden record…

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, clippings, journal, Plant Portraits | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Palm Springs flyby (and a glimpse of Sunnylands)

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Denise

Notwithstanding the recent visit to Palm Springs for Modernism Week, I still have yet to visit nearby Sunnylands, the so-called Camp David of the West in its heyday, when it was the private residence of the Annenbergs, Ambassador Walter Annenberg … Continue reading →

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

(in anticipation of spring) cleanup

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Denise

I asked Marty to drill drainage holes in this metal cart yesterday. Without drainage it was fairly useless, accumulating water and leaves and making a slimy brew of them all winter. When I returned home late in the afternoon, Marty … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, journal, pots and containers, succulents | 5 Comments

bloomday February 2020

Posted on February 16, 2020 by Denise

I could describe February as the Month of Tiny Flowers in my garden except, honestly, that pretty much describes it year-round. You’ll have to narrow your focus (and expectations!) just a bit for a gander at the offbeat odds and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day | 5 Comments

a garden’s long-term care

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Denise

My mother turned 90 yesterday, and we celebrated this momentous occasion at her new living arrangement in a nearby board-and-care.  Getting her here took months of medical, legal, financial, and familial wrangling, all while taking care of her as she … Continue reading →

Posted in clippings, garden travel, MB Maher | 5 Comments

Modernism Week with AGO 2/20/20

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Denise

When: Modernism Week extends from February 13, 2020 to February 23, 2020 Where: CAMP Theater, 575 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California Why: Because…Palm Springs in February! Surrounded by like-minded, design-centric people also winter-starved for gardens, desert landscapes, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

new year resolutions are for travel plans

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Denise

The Mediterranean Garden Society is holding its Annual General Meeting in Morocco in October 2020, with the General Assembly held in the Yves Saint Laurent Complex in Marrakech. There will be pre- and post-meeting tours, including a visit to Taroudant, … Continue reading →

Posted in garden travel | 7 Comments

clippings, holiday edition 12/11/19

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Denise

The brick-red thunbergia vine that I was training up to the roof eaves was blown off its fishing line support during a Santa Ana wind event and collapsed on itself, losing about 4 feet of height in the bargain. With … Continue reading →

Posted in books, clippings, commerce, garden ornament | 5 Comments