Author Archives: Denise
Closeup (Salvia semiatrata)
Of a triangular, dark green, corrugated leaf, of a delicate, jewel-toned flower in cobalt blue, calyces of plummy purple. You bring it home, where it sprawls, hides its flowers, sprawls some more, and starts numerous fights with its neighbors. So … Continue reading
Posted in essay, Plant Portraits
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Fun with Fishhook Senecio
Some backstory, which begins improbably enough with tulips. The two plants would seem to have nothing whatsoever in common, but that’s the joy of backyard Frankensteinian horticultural experiments, where you’re mad scientist in chief. And if you get up early … Continue reading
Posted in essay, Plant Portraits
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Overheard in the Garden
Me: Come see what I’ve done! Him: (standing on porch, looking blankly at radically transformed garden) Just tell me. Me: You’re kidding, right? Can’t you tell? Him: (squints, nervously shifts weight from one foot to the other.) Me: Well, for … Continue reading
Posted in agaves, woody lilies, Ephemera, garden ornament
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Winter Warmth
After a day of rain, the cow horn agave and New Zealand wind grass rub up a fire:
Posted in Ephemera
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The Subject Is Roses
Ever since I found a souvenir of a lost rose while digging last fall, I’ve intended to tease out my complex relationship with roses (aka blog about it.) The souvenir was the crumpled, muddied tag of the tea rose ‘Souvenir Pierre … Continue reading
Posted in essay
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Sunshine Conebush
A U-turn-worthy sight driving in the rain to a job in El Segundo (Southern California zone 10). I’m guessing this is Leucadendron coniferum, the Sunshine Conebush, from the Proteaceae family. Someone clever had it backed by a deep russet-colored stucco … Continue reading
Posted in Plant Portraits, The Hortorialist
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Call Me Mr. Agave
(Also answers to “Big Blue”) Note the congestion of pups destroying his fine lines. The vigor of an Agave americana is an awesome thing to behold and has been known to rupture any pot that dares contain it. Said vigor … Continue reading
Dragging Gen X & Y Into the Garden
Interview on Nest in Style with Duane Kelly, recent buyer of the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, wherein he gives a detailed answer providing possible theories as to why Gen X & Y don’t seem so hot to take on … Continue reading
Posted in essay
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Poor Man’s Jewels
Aeoniums and Helichrysum petiolare, very common in these parts. Matte and fuzzy riffing off each other, spangled in morning dew. I’ve always felt plants more than hold their own in the world of precious objects. Lucky for my family, there’s … Continue reading
Posted in succulents
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The Trouble With Etsy
Yesterday morning, in the shower, I wondered if men were writing the code and starting up sites like Etsy, and if women were thereafter predominantly the ones selling their wares in this virtual bazaar. There’s no point to a lengthier … Continue reading
Posted in essay
Tagged Amelia McDonnell-Parry, craft, Etsy, handmade, Industrial Revolution, labor, Liza Lou, Slate Sara Mosle, Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
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