Travel to different regions inevitably means discovering new-to-me plants (like a Loquat in Berkeley, and a Schefflera in San Diego). A recent vacation “lunch stop” in Carpenteria, California – along with a brief detour to take in the ocean view – lead to a parking lot full of trees with these amazing blooms… (more…)
May your feeders be busy and bright.
I tend to avoid the mall this time of year, too much of all that is annoying. If I have to shop a non-nursery situation I tend to head to one of our neighborhood shopping districts, there the shops are mostly locally owned and in between the stores I can still step outside and get some fresh air. Recently I headed to the “Pearl” an area slightly north of downtown Portland proper. Standing on a corner, waiting to cross, I had a moment to appreciate the understated plantings up above me… (more…)
Apparently Christmas is in a week. You wouldn’t know it by me. Every year, I think a) I’m really going to be on top of my game, or b) maybe nothing this year. Don’t get me wrong, I like the season and the decor and the chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But it’s a lot of work, money, and then Mister. Maybe by next year he’ll be better. It could happen.
Have we complained enough? It’s been wet here in Portland, way beyond the norm, as in over 10.22″ since the beginning of December, where as normal would be 2.80″. Before the month is over (there’s nothing but rain in the forecast) we will have set an all time record for monthly rainfall. Weather like this is not conducive to time spent outside. We rush out of the house and to the car, then reverse. Or – should the dog need to go out – it’s a purposeful stroll, no gawking. All of this is to say what I’ve seen of my garden is from the house, or briefly while walking the dog. I am thankful for these vantage points that keep me somewhat connected. (more…)
Last week I meant to get around to the topic of plants that are still looking good in there garden. Of course, if you avoid going outside because of pesky record rainfall, tornadoes and stuff, you’d never know. We’ve had day after day of 2-3 inch rain, followed by more of the same. And a tornado in Battle Ground WA, twenty miles north of where we live. Unusual for these parts, but not unheard of.
I first stumbled upon the concept of a crevice garden in 2011 when I visited John Kuzma’s garden in SW Portland. Back then I wasn’t exactly sure what I was even looking at, I did however recognize that style of planting was beneficial for drainage-loving plants, like Agaves, so I filed it away as something I wanted to know more about. (more…)
My friend Gail had a passel of aunts: Ada, Etta, Ida, Oda, and Uda. If one was Ima, I’d fit in the group–as in I’m a fair weather gardener. Oh sure, I get prepared with the mulch and the frost cloths and the ideas. But when it comes time to employ them, it’s too cold out there. I skid to a stop at the threshold as ably as Pumpkin–and this after she’s begged to go outside for an hour straight. It’s a rinse and repeat situation with that pooch.
My move to Oregon, back in 2004, coincided with my (now) husband and I becoming engaged. To celebrate the news his Aunt and Uncle took us on a wine tasting adventure through Oregon wine country and as a wedding gift assembled a mixed case made from our favorites. That was eleven years ago, a return visit was overdue! (more…)
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