As you can see from the lead photo of this large hedge of variegated buckthorn (Rhamnus a. ‘Variegata’) variegated leaves can be a useful tool to add beautiful, easy contrast to your plant design. In this short post, take a look at the “hue effect” variegated leaves play in visual contrast to different leaf color […]
Lantana: Showy Perennial. Use as Trailers, Mounds, Low Shrubs and Topiary
Lantana is a popular plant in the SF Bay area. Its staying power owes to its constant bloom, showy flowers, and the fact that this plant in all its forms is enjoyed by hummingbirds and butterflies for habitat gardens, and is a drought tolerant, happy plant, well suited to our Mediterranean climate gardens.
Wisteria Vine: Rethinking Its Place in Small Home Garden Design
Vine choices in the garden, does it matter? And Wisteria is a giant. A vine known to swallow landscapes and buildings (I saw this first hand just outside Buenos Aires, Argentina). But, what about Wisteria’s potential and place in a small space or garden? (Lots of photos below.)
Real vs Fake: These Strong Forms Make Impressive Artificial Desert Plants + Cacti
For a semi-arid touch we visited Sedona, Arizona. The plant palette going from Phoenix to Sedona included desert and high desert natives and was a good representation of iconic desert flora.
I found myself back from the trip looking at my Arizona photos because such nice memories before turbulence (Coronavirus + personal stuff) helps me feel better and is A HEALTHY ESCAPE.
Sedona, Arizona: How Home Landscaping Reflects the Natural Environment
We’re just back from a week-long trip to Sedona, Arizona where arresting views of red rock canyons is a feast for the eyes and provides an incredible and unique backdrop for home owners. (Lots of photos below!!!) If you haven’t been to Sedona, this high desert paradise is a 2-hour drive from Phoenix (an easy […]
13 Blockbuster Plants for the February Garden!
Did you catch the Oscars last weekend? I did too…and it got me thinking about the Blockbuster Oscar worthy plants for the February garden. With Valentine’s day almost here, mid-February is an important time to consider what Oscar worthy specimen plants you might enjoy having in your garden or in a container.
Best Substitute for Weeping Willow Tree in Mediterranean Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for a tree that captures the weeping habit of the infamous weeping willow (Salix babylonica) but without some of the headaches, including invasive roots and high water needs, consider the Mayten tree!
Fall Plants in the Garden
A u t u m n is so SPECIAL.
The light changes drastically from summer, the waning daylight hours, leaves changing color, flowers peaking and fading. The leaves under feet. Preparation in nature for winter months all around us.
The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden. Palo Alto, California
A wonderful 2.5 acre garden worth visiting in Palo Alto, CA is The Gamble historic Garden. A free, self guided tour takes about an hour and there are benches and many places to sit and enjoy the day if you have the time. You can also head inside the Gamble house, we found a nice little horticulture library within.
Flowers: Plan Now for Winter Blooms!
I’ve got many blog posts queuing up. This one, though, is a topic for you if you love flowers and want to see more color in your garden – Winter-Spring-Summer and Fall. Maybe even all 12 months…