You may have heard that we got an unusual bit of snow here in the Pacific Northwest. This is a rare event, and many of us have no idea what to expect in the aftermath. There are a couple opinion camps on snow itself. Those who abhor it--they've often moved here from...
Last week, I tried to tell the story of our new paths and patio. In truth, I got a little sidetracked. And then there's the pesky issue of the snaps. For Pete's sake: how do people get photos that do not include hoses, buckets, and tools dropped in their tracks? Not...
To think of the plants I've babied along, knowing in a dim corner of my brain that its days are numbered. But once the synapses fire in earnest, stand back. Mind you, I don't always record the before scenario--because once I get it in my head it's okay to get the ax,...
We're getting a terrific break in weather out here in the Pacific Northwest. It's perfect for gardening--coolish, cloudy mornings, and sunny afternoons. Yesterday, we had rain, and it's supposed to last a few days--much to the chagrin of William, the household...
Get your Sputnik on here. Pronounced: Miss-SHOW-ee-a. Hah, I've been saying it wrong all this time. It pays to do a little research--which in fairness, I do. Constantly. But with a catalog of some 34,000 plant and growing, it hard to keep an eye on everything. Of...
I love a challenge, especially when combined with bargain hunting. Last week, gardening pal Alan posted on Facebook asking if anyone knew a good source for metalwork to use in the garden. Say no more. In the early days of trying Craigslist, I couldn't find anything....
I thought I'd let a couple of our nurseries describe the varied colors of this fabulous plant, after all they say it much better than I could: "This ever-colorful evergreen's leaves keep growing in yellow-orange-red-green marbled patterns..." - Cistus Nursery "New...
I cannot get over the thrill of plants emerging in spring, tender vibrant leaves bursting forth from earth. And it happens every year. How is nature so smart? Also every year, I'm taken by surprise when I swoon over flowers. I claim I garden primarily for foliage. But...
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...
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...