Monthly Archives: October 2011

this week on AGO

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Denise

A new garden in Los Gatos, California, by Jarrod Baumann of Zeterre Landscape Architecture, re-explores formalism in the landscape and proposes that modern materials like steel do not necessarily equal chilly results. Not when forged with a plant lover’s sensibility. … Continue reading →

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seeing double

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Denise

At Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery in West Los Angeles yesterday, I was surprised to find double blooms on a couple of popular summer tropicals, abutilon and mandevilla, something to keep in mind for next summer’s containers. (Abutilon for shade, mandevilla for … Continue reading →

Posted in plant nurseries, Plant Portraits, pots and containers, shop talk, succulents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Occasional Daily Weather Report 10/28/11

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Denise

Days in the mid to high 70s (Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion), nights in the low to mid 50s. Finding just the right angle of morning sun and then holding absolutely still for maximum absorption is a morning’s work for Evie. … Continue reading →

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the uninvited

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Denise

we are all on watch, just a little on edge here. closer and closer to the gloaming, only the fiercest colors now pierce the gathering dark while shy creatures creep out of hiding, feeling emboldened to assert their elemental natures … Continue reading →

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Chionanthus retusus

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Denise

The Chinese Fringe Tree. A deciduous tree beloved by both gardener and birds for clouds of bloom in spring. Followed by those indigo autumn berries. Now about 15 feet in height, at maturity reaching 20-25 feet. True story: The fringe … Continue reading →

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Lipstick Traces

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Denise

Artful smudging. Irving Penn’s 1986 ad for Loreal. Artless smudging. Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic,’ Variegated Paddle Plant.

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Gardeners’ World by Julian Barnes

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Denise

Hearing the news this week that Julian Barnes won this year’s Man Booker prize for his novel The Sense of an Ending had me searching for my unread copy of Barnes’ Arthur & George buried somewhere in a disgracefully cluttered … Continue reading →

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Garden Party in Westwood, CA Oct 22 & 23

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Denise

With speakers the likes of such SoCal horticultural heroes as Bart O’Brien from the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, which is hosting this inaugural event, Lili Singer, Emily Green, John Greenlee, all whose talks will be spread across both days, … Continue reading →

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Anatomy of a Pot of Tender Plants

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Denise

There’s some great names in the plant world, and Cussonia is up there with some of my favorites. And for pure enjoyment, no history of the name is necessary, just an appreciation for vowels and syllables. Also lends itself to … Continue reading →

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flowers for tori

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Denise

A single nerine stem of congratulations for being the first woman artist whose new album simultaneously listed in the Top 10 of Billboard’s alternative, classical, and rock categories. A listen to the new Night of Hunters can be found at … Continue reading →

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