Author Archives: Denise

don’t forget the lilies

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Denise

Lilium ‘Black Charm,’ whose first bloom opened June 1st. Against the backdrop of my increasingly scrubby, grassy, agave-filled garden, lilies look like something that glided in on a red carpet. When they’re in bloom, I always crave more. Beautifully easy … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits | Tagged | 8 Comments

Wednesday vignette 6/1/16

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Denise

The curse/blessing of the freelancer is a job cancellation, like I got today, on the platform just about to board a train to downtown LA. Financial concerns aside, I’m always thrilled to play at home for the day, like joining … Continue reading →

Posted in pots and containers | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

beyond the lawn; part 2

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Denise

“Leave, my friend (for it is high time), the low and sordid pursuits of life to others, and in this safe and snug retreat emancipate yourself for your studies.” — Pliny the Younger Another house on the Garden Conservancy Open … Continue reading →

Posted in design, garden visit | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

potted@lazybones: the start of a beautiful relationship

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Denise

If you jump out of bed on weekends and race past the old, cat-clawed couch in the living room to head outside, scanning for the perfect spot for your shiny new Fermob table and chairs, then you probably already know … Continue reading →

Posted in design, garden ornament, plant nurseries, plant sales, pots and containers, succulents | Tagged , | 4 Comments

beyond the lawn; notes on 2016 LA Garden Conservancy Open Days

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Denise

Since the 5/7/16 tour, Gov. Jerry Brown surprised us all by announcing that mandatory water restrictions are now suspended except for agriculture. Water use policies will revert back to the local level. So pat yourself on the back for enduring … Continue reading →

Posted in climate, design, driveby gardens, garden travel, garden visit, pots and containers | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Bloom Day May 2016

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Denise

Welcome to the jungle. (Okay, so it’s a dry jungle.) This will be an abridged Bloom Day post, looking at the telescoped view through my office doorway and describing the big stuff that stands out in the frame. Rudbeckia maxima … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

the exacting requirements of pitcher plants

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Denise

Growing sarracenia in a sink, as seen at Flora Grubb Gardens, is a not-too-subtle reminder of the one thing you must never forget to grow them successfully. Water, of course. These are bog plants after all. But there’s something else… … Continue reading →

Posted in plant crushes | Tagged , | 5 Comments

busy, busy

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Denise

It’s spring. Feeling a little pressed for time yet? Join the club. Some of what I’ve been up to the past few weeks include: Cutting sweet peas from my mom’s vines. Buckets and buckets. Mine planted at the community garden … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, clippings, cut flowers, Plant Portraits, plant sales, pots and containers, succulents | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

an abbreviated look at the 4/17/2016 Los Angeles APLD tour

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Denise

Of the eight gardens on the tour, divided into four in the morning, four in the afternoon, I visited six and drove by all of them. I’m including photos of just three gardens from this tour themed “The Watershed Approach … Continue reading →

Posted in design, garden visit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

a garden by Urbafloria

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Denise

It’s a rare opportunity for me to be able to provide before-after photos of a dramatic garden transformation Garden designer Jacky Surber of Urbafloria sent me this “before” photo after touring this garden on the Greater Los Angeles APLD Garden … Continue reading →

Posted in design | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments