Author Archives: Denise

Moir Garden, a Hawaiian succulent garden

My one-year-old granddaughter Domino is already a seasoned traveler. She obtained a passport not long after birth and had it stamped for Tunisia by three months. Her parents are committed vagabonds, so her budding wanderlust is no surprise. Recently Domino … Continue reading

Posted in garden travel, MB Maher, succulents | 3 Comments

wet and cool in a temperate rain forest

I get it, most local people I talk to are ready for sunnier days. This day has flushed sunny, rainy, and sunny again several times, all before noon. The 90″ of rain that makes this temperate rain forest possible, a … Continue reading

Posted in climate, Oregon garden | 9 Comments

mid-May 2024 Oregon Coast

Morning is always my favorite time in the garden, with the plants softly exhaling into the warming air while the sun slowly traces its way through tree canopies and clouds. The surrounding town is quiet while I study the garden … Continue reading

Posted in cut flowers, journal, Oregon garden | 10 Comments

more camas, please

This last Sunday of April has been misty and rainy, the same conditions since mid-week. Until the rains returned last Wednesday, I personally felt we had gone too long without rain (almost a week). But I know the farmers were … Continue reading

Posted in Bulbs, journal, Oregon garden | 9 Comments

Rosy Rhodocoma capensis

I’m not sure when the rhodocoma started blushing pink. In fact, before this morning I didn’t even know to expect such a phenomenon, but trusted resources have this to say: San Marcos Growers: “Upright growing clump forming (tussock) grass-like plant … Continue reading

Posted in Oregon garden, Plant Portraits | 8 Comments

my own private tulipomania

There’s a lot of the traditional horticultural canon that can be grown well here at the moist Oregon Coast in zone 8b/9a that I’m skipping so far– hellebores, roses, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, hostas, maples, Oriental poppies, peonies, clematis to name a … Continue reading

Posted in Bulbs, Oregon garden, pots and containers | 5 Comments

Annual Manzanita Plant Sale April 21, 2024, 11 am – 1 pm

Not to add unnecessary drama to an already exciting event on the Oregon Coast, but judging by last year, the plants do leave the sales tables fast…very fast! Come early for the best selection! Support the greatest little garden on … Continue reading

Posted in plant sales | 5 Comments

new to me; Fritillaria persica and others

Last spring a local nursery had planted whiskey barrels with Fritillaria persica. Which jarred me into the realization that I could too, that fritillaries were a green light on the Oregon coast. This March it is such a kick to … Continue reading

Posted in Bulbs, journal, Oregon garden | 8 Comments

March mixes it up

The month of March, fittingly named for the god of war, here at the coast is a pitched battle between winter and spring. Winter battles for supremacy lobbing hail, snow, and night-time freezing temperatures, but it’s a dead-ender’s ploy. Spring … Continue reading

Posted in blog, climate, Oregon garden | 7 Comments

orange in the garden

It’s February. How about another color study, this time in orange? Color theory has orange as vital, energetic, happy, but on this cold windy day I’m appreciating its warmth. I’ve promised Billie a walk but am procrastinating heading out into … Continue reading

Posted in clippings | 6 Comments