It’s a sunny All Saint’s Eve around these parts. But rumor has it, that’s all done. It was so gorgeous while it lasted. I meant to take a photo of the Ashe Magnolia in its fiery glory, but by the time I got back to it the following day, the wind had had its way. Photo for illustrative purposes only. There’s no time for careful light-condition planning. See explanation of my-life-not-being-my-own-these-days bellow.
Just a quick note to wax poetic about Clematis tibetana var. vernayi, Zones 5 – 9. She’s a beauty. And quite vigorous. (more…)
The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon holds a giant spring sale–and also a smaller Fall Sale. Oh, there is still a gaggle of crazy gardeners vying for fabulous plants, but the fall sale is a little more mellow than spring’s Black Friday crush. And a great feature of the fall event is an opening lecture by a groovy plantsperson. This year, the incomparable Sean Hogan of Cistus Nursery with a talk on his top 40 plants. (more…)
Okay. I understand the concept of continued maintenance. But dear lord, am I ever going to look out there and not see a mess? Is it like that for everyone? Or is this my particular mental health issue? Our youngest kid had a birthday in July. We celebrated at a favorite haunt, Santa Fe Taqueria on NW 23rd in Portland. Yes, that’s an Oregon Weedery sign in the background. Across the street the other direction, the perpetual line at Salt & Straw Ice Creamery.
I was in the neighborhood, sorta, so it’s not really my fault. And look at these sweet plants. (more…)
This is nuts. It’s been a year of extremes–all over the world, and all in the wrong places. It’s rough on a gardener’s constitution. Don’t you think? (more…)
Sometimes I marvel when I look back at all the photos. I also worry a little that I missed a lot by constantly taking pictures instead of just using my eyeballs. But that’s not right, because I wouldn’t remember if I hadn’t taken the snap. I dunno. There must be a good balance in there somewhere. What say ye? (more…)
And a belated Happy Canada Day to our good northward neighbors as well. Wishing everyone wonderful celebrations with friends and family–and plants to make you swoon.
Way back a million years ago, in May, we did a short trek to Santa Barbara. I thought I’d seen it all after going to Huntington Gardens in San Marino, CA. However, see that picture atop this post–that’s the garden at our Airbnb in Santa Barbara. The one below is Huntington Gardens. How about that?
It was a little family trip with my husband Bill, daughter Megan and SIL Justin. Justin had signed up for a 50 mile foot race near Los Angeles, which I can’t explain, but it still seemed a good opportunity to make a long weekend of it. Our son, Elliot, couldn’t come at the last minute, and it’s probably just as well. He wouldn’t have been gaga over the gardens. But Megan and I were crazy happy.
I count Aralia californica aka Elk Clover in the cheap thrills department. This baby was planted two years ago and it grew to four feet its first season. It’s winter deciduous, lending to its fresh, airy look come spring and into summer. Mine is sandwiched between our tropical-themed patio garden, and the shade bed under the apple tree. It makes the transition with aplomb.