Lan Su Chinese Gardens redux
You may recall, I posted about the Lan Su Chinese Garden before. I said that I hardly ever go–because I have a yearly membership, which means I can go any time I want. Hmmm. That doesn’t make sense, does it?
springtime plant lust
I’ve got it. How about you? What’s are you pining for? My problem is remembering what I want in the face of so many temptations when I actually do make it to the nursery. I’m dazzled by the abundance. And, of course, the pesky brain injury, blah blah, no help there either. (In truth, I was a tad ADD before the smack to the head; now I’m ADD supersized. Every place feels like Powell’s Bookstore.) I so envy people who can keep it all straight.
breaking news: Iris confusa
I meant to write about another topic. Actually, two other topics. And then I took pictures of this Iris confusa. You can understand why I had to post these, right? And here I thought I didn’t like Iris that much. When will I learn not to write off a whole category of plants? Does anyone else do that, proclaim disdain for an entire genus–and then get their well-deserved, yet happy comeuppance? I hope I’m not alone.
A groovy plant: Rhodocoma capensis
Rhodocoma capensis aka Cape Restio is described by our friends at Xera Plants thusly: “Light textured perennial from South Africa, this species forms a 6′ fountain of stems like giant green feather dusters. Resembles bamboo and grass—though related to neither. Full sun in well drained acid soil–amend with bark, no fertilizer or compost. Regular H2O. Dies to the ground below 15 °F. Returns from the base in spring.”
plants on the move + some
I sometimes hesitate to show before and after photos of my former garden. It’s distressing for us gardeners to see the fruits of our love and labor laid to waste. Recently, though, I’ve been perusing old photos in consideration of my new garden. I was pleasantly reminded of what survived the transplant–and also of what I’d left behind and have since replaced. Honestly, I’m okay. I hope you will be too.
blades of garden: earning their keep
I admit, I’ve been avoiding the garden, Oh, it’s been warm enough to be out there, and I’m at least keeping my bird feeders full. The problem is, every time I go out there, I see weeds. And I’m not done with my inside projects. So many test colors on so many wall. Ai yi yi.
The picture atop this post is from several seasons ago in my Alameda Hellstrip. I loved that combination, especially the Phormium, which is sadly no longer with us.
A visit to Lan Su Chinese Garden
I have a membership to the Lan Su Chinese Classical Gardens. Of course, that means I hardly ever go–because, after all, I can go any time I like. It reminds me of a million years ago when I had a free season ski pass at Timberline on Mt. Hood. Megan‘s dad was a part time ski-instructor there, and it came with the territory.
to Spurge or not to Spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites wows me every time. I hear it can be a little pushy, but well enough behaved in my gardens to date. It’s so unassuming and easy, but packs a terrific punch. (more…)
a plantsman’s picks for winter interest
I was lucky enough to attend a seminar by Roger Gossler at Portland’s Yard, Garden, and Patio show this past weekend. Roger is an avid and generous plantsman. Gossler Farms was our very first contributing nursery on plantlust.com. I knew we were lucky when they agreed to join us for our maiden launch, but oh my, I had no idea just how lucky.
I’ve got yard and garden plans, sorta (pics added)
On the time moving quickly front, I’ve got plans up my sleeve that I’d love to implement this season. For me it’s a matter of sorting out priorities, then figuring out which thing gets done first. I generally find if I just can get the ball rolling–a start anywhere philosophy–things can happen. Discovery is in the process right? Or does this fall into the 6 Ps category. Proper planning prevents piss-poor performance. Can I go with a little of both? That’s a thing, right?