Author Archives: Denise
the uninvited
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
Chionanthus retusus
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
Lipstick Traces
Artful smudging. Irving Penn’s 1986 ad for Loreal. Artless smudging. Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic,’ Variegated Paddle Plant.
Posted in design, succulents
Tagged Irving Penn, Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic', photography
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Anatomy of a Pot of Tender Plants
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
Posted in Plant Portraits, pots and containers, succulents
Tagged Annie's Annuals & Perennials, Araliaceae, Cabbage Trees, Cottage Gardens of Petaluma, Cussonia gamtoosensis, Cussonia paniculata, Delosperma sphalmanthoides, High Country Gardens, International Garden Center & Floral Design, plantzafrica, Support Your Independent Nursery Month, Tufted Ice Plant
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flowers for tori
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
winter whites
I know it’s only mid-October, but I’m already dreaming of winter whites. Evie sports her winter coat year-round and so is always exquisitely attired. And frosty astelia gets the juices flowing for more winter whites. But the winter whites I’m … Continue reading
Bloom Day October 2011
The highest temps all summer hit last week, an unwelcome intrusion into fall planting season. Limbing up the big smoke tree a few weeks ago allowed a lot more light into the back garden, setting in motion some deadly domino … Continue reading
Posted in agaves, woody lilies, Bloom Day, Bulbs, Plant Portraits, succulents
Tagged Dahlia 'Chat Noir', Digging Dog Nursery, Grevillea 'Superb', Nerine sarniensis, Persicaria amplexicaulis, Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Purple', Rudbeckia triloba, Salvia canariensis var. candissima, Salvia madrensis, Selinum wallichianum, Thunbergia gregorii
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the gardening beatle
I think it was George’s son Dhani Harrison who let slip in the Martin Scorcese documentary “Living in the Material World,” (last week on HBO) that the family sometimes called George “Capability,” jokingly comparing George to the great 18th century … Continue reading