Author Archives: Denise

Stipa ichru

The Peruvian Feather Grass may save the world from Mexican Feather Grass, Nassella (formerly Stipa) tenuissima. Whether the world needs saving from the rampant reseeder MFG depends on your point of view and where you garden. (More on that here.) … Continue reading

Posted in Plant Portraits | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

an overgrown corner

When my boys were 5 and 10, respectively, I would have gladly had that moment last about 10 more years. And I knew it at the time. Just stop the clock, please. Gardens are all about change, too, and I … Continue reading

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

last of the poppies

I’m just now starting to see photos of poppies in bloom showing up in gardens in colder climates, but by June the annual poppies are usually finished here. In my garden, as June continues the mild, overcast weather of May, … Continue reading

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

Stipa barbata

Stipa barbata last night before sundown, appearing bioluminescent in the dwindling light, whipsawing back and forth in the late afternoon breeze like some flagelliform creature in an aquarium. Still photos really can’t do it justice. I need to work on … Continue reading

Posted in Plant Portraits | Tagged | 4 Comments

don’t forget the lilies

Lilium ‘Black Charm,’ whose first bloom opened June 1st. Against the backdrop of my increasingly scrubby, grassy, agave-filled garden, lilies look like something that glided in on a red carpet. When they’re in bloom, I always crave more. Beautifully easy … Continue reading

Posted in Plant Portraits | Tagged | 8 Comments

Wednesday vignette 6/1/16

The curse/blessing of the freelancer is a job cancellation, like I got today, on the platform just about to board a train to downtown LA. Financial concerns aside, I’m always thrilled to play at home for the day, like joining … Continue reading

Posted in pots and containers | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

beyond the lawn; part 2

“Leave, my friend (for it is high time), the low and sordid pursuits of life to others, and in this safe and snug retreat emancipate yourself for your studies.” — Pliny the Younger Another house on the Garden Conservancy Open … Continue reading

Posted in design, garden visit | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

potted@lazybones: the start of a beautiful relationship

If you jump out of bed on weekends and race past the old, cat-clawed couch in the living room to head outside, scanning for the perfect spot for your shiny new Fermob table and chairs, then you probably already know … Continue reading

Posted in design, garden ornament, plant nurseries, plant sales, pots and containers, succulents | Tagged , | 4 Comments

beyond the lawn; notes on 2016 LA Garden Conservancy Open Days

Since the 5/7/16 tour, Gov. Jerry Brown surprised us all by announcing that mandatory water restrictions are now suspended except for agriculture. Water use policies will revert back to the local level. So pat yourself on the back for enduring … Continue reading

Posted in climate, design, driveby gardens, garden travel, garden visit, pots and containers | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Bloom Day May 2016

Welcome to the jungle. (Okay, so it’s a dry jungle.) This will be an abridged Bloom Day post, looking at the telescoped view through my office doorway and describing the big stuff that stands out in the frame. Rudbeckia maxima … Continue reading

Posted in Bloom Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments