Monthly Archives: August 2013

Bloom Day August 2013

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Denise

Not too much of a change since July’s Bloom Day post, when I predicted the Persicaria amplexicaulis would own the garden in August, and the vibrant crimson spikes have done just that. This knotweed is the legacy of foolishly trialing … Continue reading →

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A Texas shoe story as told by Ronald Rael (Prada Marfa)

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Denise

rac·on·teur /ˌrakˌänˈtər/ Noun A person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way. Synonyms narrator – storyteller Way back in January I breezily announced “ambitious plans to produce transcripts of the lectures” given by the illustrious group of artists … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, design, garden visit, succulents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

InterCity Succulent Show and Sale August 17-18, 2013

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Denise

Mr. Ripple and friends cordially invite you to that holy of holies in the world of desert plants, The InterCity Show and Sale next weekend, August 17 and 18, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Agave ‘Mr. Ripple’ Agave potatorum … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, plant nurseries, succulents | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

gilding the jasmine

Posted on August 10, 2013 by Denise

Plant Delight’s 2013 fall catalogue has just been released and offers this gold-leaved jasmine, Jasminum officinalis ‘Frojas’ (Fiona Sunrise Jasmine) that I’ve been tormenting for a couple years. Mr. Avent suggests pairing it with colorful shrubs like loropetalum or smoke … Continue reading →

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swirly skirts and aloes

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Denise

On the Xericworld forum you can expect to find some of the most technical discussions around on desert plants, but photos of a fashion shoot among aloes and agaves? That was a surprise. From the March 2012 issue of You … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, MB Maher, photography | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Pennisetum ‘Princess Caroline’

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Denise

I’m still debating whether to include this grass in next year’s garden, but it’s occurred to me that what I consider its vices might be virtues for someone else. Say you can’t grow phormiums and you want a dark-leaved one … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits | Tagged , | 15 Comments

monday clippings 8/5/13 (bromeliads and summer camp)

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Denise

It’s August and I’m craving a summer camp experience. Unfortunately, the summer camp bus left 40 years ago. So up there is my designated summer camp 2013. I admit accommodations are rustic and no-frills, but a short trip up the … Continue reading →

Posted in clippings, creatures, journal, Plant Portraits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

succulents make us do the strangest things

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Denise

I had to laugh when I saw Reuben’s latest project on this post, planting the frame to an old television monitor, which I think is incredibly classy and wish he’d sell to me. (Look at those aeonium knobs!) I completely … Continue reading →

Posted in garden ornament, pots and containers, succulents | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments