Monthly Archives: September 2011
Foliage Follow-Up September 2011
I just noticed today that seedpods had formed on the little manihot tree. M. grahamii is hardier (zone 7b-10) than M. esculenta, which is grown for its starchy, edible tubers, with a possible future in biofuel. The Melianthus ‘Purple Haze’ … Continue reading
Bloom Day September 2011
No use in dancing around the fact that my Bloom Day posts can be a bit repetitive. Seems it’s the same cast of characters every month. But if you’re in zone 10 and lack the space for big herbaceous drifts … Continue reading
Posted in Bloom Day, Plant Portraits
Tagged ' Amicia zygomeris, Anigozanthos 'Yellow Gem', Athanasia acerosa, Crithmum maritimum, Dahlia 'Chat Noire', Echium gentianoides 'Tajinaste', Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns', Limonium peregrinum, Mirabilis jalapa 'Limelight', Rose 'Bouquet d'Or', Russelia equisetiformis, Salvia 'wendy's Wish', Teucrium 'Fairy Dust'
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Grace Notes
I hadn’t noticed until last night that Bulbine frutescens was blooming again among the fallen seedheads of grasses and dyckia. Amazing how the outlines of plants can clarify a mood I’ve been in. I was just writing to my brother … Continue reading
Old Lights Made New
In the angle of the eaves where the house intersects with the bath house, the space cried out for a light. A hanging light or three. I’ve had these three glass shades for many, many years, but every time I … Continue reading
Dahlia ‘Chat Noir’
I’m fairly certain now that the identity of the one and only dahlia I’m growing this summer is ‘Chat Noir.’ September’s heat has really kicked it into gear. Some additional support was added a couple days ago. Otherwise, as far … Continue reading
L.A. Lawn
Emily Green, in the September 9, 2011, edition of The Los Angeles Times, discusses many of the hidden costs related to keepings lawns, including the health risks to those often hired to maintain them in Southern California, in her piece … Continue reading
1stdibs
In a piece in yesterday’s New York Times, Steven Kurutz introduces readers to the “marketplace for design and antiques” known as 1stdibs. And the next thing I knew, about three hours were somehow sucked out of my day. “Set of … Continue reading
Garden Puzzles
Working with a small garden can be a bit of a puzzle. This powder blue Agave potatorum, or ‘butterfly’ agave, was planted a couple years ago deep in the recesses of the gravel garden, much too out of the way … Continue reading
Chasing Plants
Post-Internet I’ve noticed plant desire has turned into a thinner and weaker strain now that it’s so easily satisfied. The really big desire, the kind that used to build up unrequited for years and years, is as analog as a … Continue reading
Posted in agaves, woody lilies, garden travel, plant nurseries, Plant Portraits, pots and containers, succulents
Tagged Annies Annuals, Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum', Cistus Nursery, Digging Dog Nursery, Mathiasella bupleuroides, Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, Mildred Mathias, San Marcos Growers, The Dry Garden North Oakland, Yucca aloifolia 'Blue Boy', Yucca aloifolia 'Purpurea'
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Occasional Daily Photo 9/3/11
Asteeelia, you’re breaking my heart… But only because you’re so constantly, shimmeringly gorgeous. Ever-gorgeous is what you are. Allow me to sing your praises. This large pot of Astelia chathamica ‘Silver Spear’ has sat in the center of the back … Continue reading