Monthly Archives: February 2010
Trailing Succulents
Yes, along with the fishhook senecio, there are quite a few that will spill and drape. A couple I have on hand that I especially enjoy include this crassula, which can’t be beat for a refined, airy, cumulusy presence and … Continue reading
Posted in Ephemera, Plant Portraits, succulents
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Cobaea scandens and Friends
Just a friendly tickle from Cobaea scandens. Teucrium fruticans azureum has nothing whatsoever to worry about, nor does the solanum or ballota. Helleborus lividus can rest easy. Cobaea: Rumors of my expansionism are greatly exaggerated. That’s allegedly 30 feet. That … Continue reading
Posted in Plant Portraits
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Closeup (Salvia semiatrata)
Of a triangular, dark green, corrugated leaf, of a delicate, jewel-toned flower in cobalt blue, calyces of plummy purple. You bring it home, where it sprawls, hides its flowers, sprawls some more, and starts numerous fights with its neighbors. So … Continue reading
Posted in essay, Plant Portraits
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Fun with Fishhook Senecio
Some backstory, which begins improbably enough with tulips. The two plants would seem to have nothing whatsoever in common, but that’s the joy of backyard Frankensteinian horticultural experiments, where you’re mad scientist in chief. And if you get up early … Continue reading
Posted in essay, Plant Portraits
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Overheard in the Garden
Me: Come see what I’ve done! Him: (standing on porch, looking blankly at radically transformed garden) Just tell me. Me: You’re kidding, right? Can’t you tell? Him: (squints, nervously shifts weight from one foot to the other.) Me: Well, for … Continue reading
Posted in agaves, woody lilies, Ephemera, garden ornament
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Winter Warmth
After a day of rain, the cow horn agave and New Zealand wind grass rub up a fire:
Posted in Ephemera
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The Subject Is Roses
Ever since I found a souvenir of a lost rose while digging last fall, I’ve intended to tease out my complex relationship with roses (aka blog about it.) The souvenir was the crumpled, muddied tag of the tea rose ‘Souvenir Pierre … Continue reading
Posted in essay
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Sunshine Conebush
A U-turn-worthy sight driving in the rain to a job in El Segundo (Southern California zone 10). I’m guessing this is Leucadendron coniferum, the Sunshine Conebush, from the Proteaceae family. Someone clever had it backed by a deep russet-colored stucco … Continue reading
Posted in Plant Portraits, The Hortorialist
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Call Me Mr. Agave
(Also answers to “Big Blue”) Note the congestion of pups destroying his fine lines. The vigor of an Agave americana is an awesome thing to behold and has been known to rupture any pot that dares contain it. Said vigor … Continue reading
Dragging Gen X & Y Into the Garden
Interview on Nest in Style with Duane Kelly, recent buyer of the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, wherein he gives a detailed answer providing possible theories as to why Gen X & Y don’t seem so hot to take on … Continue reading
Posted in essay
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