Tag Archives: Brachysema praemorsum

how Alison got her stripes back

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Denise

So very glad to find a moderate-sized phormium, a true 4-footer, I was willing to overlook the fact that many of this New Zealand Flax’s leaves age into a dull olive green, losing the pale bands that are the inspiration … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies, Plant Portraits | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Bloom Day February 2014

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Denise

I wonder if I’d get tired of a garden with nothing but chartreuse flowers for months on end. I suppose it’s possible. Helleborus argutifolius. Tough and beautiful, doesn’t complain, doesn’t expect any special treatment. All stellar attributes. Incredibly promiscuous in … Continue reading →

Posted in Bloom Day, succulents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

the spell of the present

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Denise

Though we may occasionally argue about what a garden is, I think we can all agree that what a garden does is cast a “spell of the present.” I loved this eminently quotable piece from Diane Ackerman a couple days … Continue reading →

Posted in books, creatures, Occasional Daily Photo, succulents | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Foliage Follow-Up February 2011

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Denise

This Salvia canariensis var. candissima from Annie’s Annuals is furrier than the species and has been incredibly difficult to photograph. Ever since I read a recent trashy news story on how beauties like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe shaved their … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Portraits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

July in the Front Garden

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Denise

The Spanish poppies, P. ruprifagrum, are still blooming, but if I pull out the wayward stalks with their seed capsules leaning every which way, I can manage to get some photos of the other plants that live here. This narrow … Continue reading →

Posted in agaves, woody lilies | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments