Author Archives: Denise
For the Vase
We had ferocious, 30-knot winds Wednesday. All night the old wooden house was buffeted and storm-tossed, creaking and groaning like she was about to slip her foundation moorings. The wind chimes clanged like alarm bells. I couldn’t sleep past 4 … Continue reading
Lysimachia atropurpurea
Some plants never live up to their catalogue descriptions. Never mind their growth habits or cultural needs, they simply fail to live up to the gushing prose that purports to describe what they actually, physically look like. This is my … Continue reading
Agave ‘Kissho Kan’
Dwarf Variegated Butterfly Agave. Slow-growing to only a foot. Translation “Happy crown” or “Lucky crown” On the West Coast, these formerly pricy, collectible agaves are really dropping in price. If I see one in a 4-inch pot, I swoop. I … Continue reading
Into White
A simple garden with acres of sky. Fearing I had carelessly brought in more white flowers than is sensible, it turns out it wasn’t much of a white-out after all, except maybe with the camera. For me, it’d be impossible … Continue reading
Tending the Front Garden
Couple weekends ago I worked in the front garden. Removed a few bricks for Sempervivum ‘Spring Beauty.’ Then weeded the Spanish poppies from the bricks and cleaned out this agave of pups and old leaves. Why’s it such a big … Continue reading
Corgi in the Grass
You never know what creatures lurk in the tall grass. (Obviously trying to camouflage those ears amongst the aloe.)
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The Third Harmonic
It’s that time when the garden vibrates to the frequency of Alstroemeria ‘The Third Harmonic.’ The flowering stalks, when upright, graze my chin, and I’m 5’8.” This is a two-year-old clump, and it’s a good 5 feet across already. These … Continue reading
This Year’s Folly
As I’ve written in posts like “Type G Personality,” it seems every summer has its folly. This year looks to be no different. The chains are hung. I’m using the word “folly” to mean a project of dubious merit, not … Continue reading
Rehmannia ‘Snow Glow’
Chinese Foxglove, Rehmannia elata, a robust, easy plant for Southern California, full sun/light shade, zones 9-10. About 2-3 feet in height. Hated the mauvey color of the species, which sounds so petty, I know. This is the variety ‘Snow Glow.’ … Continue reading
Fringe Tree in the Rain
Not a title to elicit amazement, you’re thinking. But I’ve never seen the fringe tree, Chionanthus retusus, in full bloom, branches and flowers weighted down by rain. It can be tricky to get good views of this tree in bloom, … Continue reading