Author Archives: Denise

Wednesday vignette 10/26/16

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Denise

Some images from my visit to the Los Angeles County Arboretum last weekend. I love that the botanical garden is big enough that they send jeeps out near closing to offer guests a ride back. “Lucky” Baldwin’s Cottage emerges as … Continue reading →

Posted in garden visit | Tagged , | 5 Comments

rainy day schedule and its effects on big, jagged leaves

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Denise

That makes two drizzly Mondays in a row. Did our collective obsession with California winter rain last year have the unintended and adverse effect of scaring it away? Drought does bring out magical thinking in me. I’ve given up on … Continue reading →

Posted in Occasional Daily Weather Report, Plant Portraits | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Digital Nature at the Los Angeles County Arboretum 10/21 & 10/22/16

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Denise

When: 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22, 2016 Where: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Tickets: $16 adults and $14 children 5-12. Information: 626-821-4623, www.arboretum.org. Read more here. Digital Nature opened … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, garden visit, MB Maher, photography | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Bloom Day October 2016

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Denise

This October the garden has already turned its back on summer, and all but the grasses have been cut back. I’m curious to find out how long the summer grasses can be supporting players to the winter-blooming aloes before the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day, succulents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

TBT: Shocking Pink

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Denise

October seems a little early for the Cactus Geranium to start blooming after its summer dormancy, but it is, which occasions bringing up this old post from January 2011 in its honor. Sometime during the night, the buds of Pelargonium … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits, pots and containers | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Unforgettable Fire! Natural Discourse 2016

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Denise

I usually have at least a hazy impression of the origin lands of the plants in my garden. Drawing from the five mediterranean climate regions for low-rainfall plant inspiration and choices as well as arid and semi-arid regions keeps my … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, climate, science | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Occasional Daily Weather Report; hot stuff

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Denise

I’ve got my seed packets of scarlet flax in hand, ready to sow for spring bloom, some interesting cool season cabbages and greens on order, and I can’t stop thinking about hot soup. I’m ready. And like waiting for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Occasional Daily Weather Report | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Wednesday Vignette 9/21/16

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Denise

The aeoniums are losing that shriveled and squinty, “Anybody seen my sunglasses?” look they acquire over summer, plumping up again for their favorite season that’s just ahead. An old post from January 2013 “comparative aeoniums” shows them at their happiest. … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits, succulents | 5 Comments

Occasional Daily Weather Report 9/20/16

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Denise

We’re having a spell of clammy, sultry weather, the kind that will boost passionflowers another foot in growth seemingly overnight. Passiflora hybrid ‘Flying V,’ was a gift from Max Parker, who blogs at Hook and Spur. ‘Flying V’ is a … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, Occasional Daily Weather Report, pots and containers | Tagged | 4 Comments

Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward’

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Denise

I recently picked up a gallon of Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Fast Forward,’ which may or may not be the answer to a pink muhly lover’s prayers. The PR is it’s more uniform and blooms earlier, possibly as early as August, depending … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits | Tagged | 6 Comments