Author Archives: Denise

garden clippings 1/15/19

Posted on January 15, 2019 by Denise

I feel like I’m posting on my little garden all the time, but that’s predominantly on Instagram these days and less so on the blog. So since the 15th of each month traditionally calls for a Bloom Day report among … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day, clippings | 3 Comments

walking by the driveby agave garden

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Denise

Oh, yes, I do keep a sharp eye on developments at the “driveby agave garden,” a local garden I stumbled on in 2012, even if I don’t blog about it. Maybe I’ve become a little squeamish about privacy concerns since … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

architecture vs. landscape architecture

Posted on January 3, 2019 by Denise

In December 2018 the Los Angeles Times triumphantly announced “L.A. architects, designers named among the ‘best of the best’: The 2019 AD100 list.” How exciting to make Architectural Digest’s “list recognizing 100 top talents worldwide in the field of design, … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, design | Tagged | 6 Comments

homage to the banana

Posted on December 27, 2018 by Denise

Of Ensete, Musa, and Musella, the three genera of bananas, I’ve grown just one. Above is Musa ‘Siam Ruby’ in more plentiful irrigation times in my garden around 2010 — just like the Dude’s rug, those big leaves really pull … Continue reading →

Posted in design, edibles, science | 6 Comments

garden clippings 12/18/18

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Denise

I noted Solanum pyracanthum on sale at nurseries in late summer, which makes sense for this heat-loving tropical from Madagascar.  (Except when it’s not a heat lover, like at this moment in December when it’s thriving in my garden.  What’s … Continue reading →

Posted in clippings | 3 Comments

Gardenlust at the Huntington

Posted on December 15, 2018 by Denise

One of the items on my wish list this holiday is the recently published book Gardenlust by Christopher Woods.  And what better way to vet a book than to hear the author himself describe it, which I was able to … Continue reading →

Posted in books, design, garden travel | 5 Comments

holiday backyard boutique 12/1/18

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Denise

You’re motivated and ready to tackle this holiday business head on and get an early jump on shopping, but you’re shying away from all that mousey click, click, clicking and maybe more interested in combining shopping with some fresh air, … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, commerce, design, MB Maher, pop-up, pots and containers | 3 Comments

nerines for November

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Denise

What is up with the lack of interest in nerines in the U.S.? They have long, cuttable stems, the blooms last much longer than tulips, as in weeks rather than days, and they flower at a time of year when … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day, Bulbs, pots and containers, succulents | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

the many and varied forms of Echeveria agavoides

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Denise

‘Lipstick,’ ‘Red Edge,’ ‘Maria,’ ‘Romeo’ — browsing nurseries and plant sales I’ve come across lots of named forms of this most agave-like of echeverias. This page from the World of Succulents has descriptions and photos of these varieties and many … Continue reading →

Posted in pots and containers, succulents | 12 Comments

thursday clippings 11/8/18

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Denise

Some pretty pictures for Thursday. The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, closed since 2014 to address leaks of up to 5,000 gallons of water a day, is open for business again. But if you want to … Continue reading →

Posted in clippings, garden travel, MB Maher | Tagged , , | 3 Comments