Jezebel Plants
Jezebel plants. They are out there. Just waiting. They sneak in amongst all the other offerings of Spring. Heads up: its not worth it. I’m pointing fingers and naming names. (more…)
Reason # 438 why I love my job
Yesterday was fun. I went plant shopping for my own garden. The term ‘garden’ as applied here is more a romantic notion. The truth of the matter is I am finally getting my Front Yard planted; it’s been dirt for about 18 months. For more on this subject, look for my upcoming blog – Why Code Enforcement is Knocking at My Door.
A First Garden
When I first came to gardening I was a young mom at home. We had moved from the city of Orange to Corona. Here we could afford a first house. It was built the year I was born; 1953. It came with a septic tank and no sidewalks on a cul-de-sac with lots of kids. I had my own back yard, two small children and a dog to look after. Perfect, thank you God. (more…)
Mexican Lobelia – Lobelia laxiflora
Not to be confused with the blue flowered annual of this genus (Lobelia erinus), Lobelia laxiflora has been on my list of dependable water-wise perennials for quite a while. It is native to Arizona and Mexico. Commonly it is called Mexican Lobelia. This perennial is one tough cookie. (more…)
Toyon – Heteromeles arbutifolia
The town of Hollywood gets its name from a plant that grows all over the foothills wherein the iconic sign sits. This shrub produces large clusters of bright red berries in the winter season, hence the name Hollywood. (more…)
Designing with Color 101
I find the subject of working with color fascinating. My mom tells me when I was little, I didn’t so much spend my time drawing objects as I did putting dots of color next to each other. Color works a lot like music in my mind; I love the effect that one color has on another, creating harmony or discord, tranquility or high energy. The fundamental principal that nothing is designed in isolation is well illustrated here. Blue looks one way when it is partnered with purple, and takes on another vibe when paired with its complementary orange. There is a bit of science to color theory; a few rules that can be applied to produce predictable and pleasing results. (more…)
Confessions of a Plant Nerd
I am a plant nerd. As an adolescent I was a band geek, I lived for drama class, and I was unashamedly the president of my 9th grade science club. No way around it: NERD. (more…)
I have Bok Choy Growing in My Walkway
I do a lot of public speaking on the subject of residential garden design. I am candid when I teach workshops; I never claim to be a brilliant gardener and often refer to myself as a lazy gardener. I have a passion for plants, and I do love to dig in the dirt. Perhaps the term ‘lazy’ is a bit harsh: maybe I am just more Zen – que sera sera. It is safe to say I do not fuss over anything in my garden: I am a creator, not a maintainer. (more…)
If Plants Were People I’d Be on Death Row
Once during a workshop, a person said to me; “I bet you never kill plants”. To which without hesitation I responded: “Are you kidding? If plants were people I’d be on death row.” (more…)
This is Why People Move to So. Cal
I find myself in the office feeling a bit overwhelmed, making the post-holiday transition from holding down the couch with a book in one hand, to sitting in my office looking at schedules and the work ahead. As is so often the case when I have tasks at hand, I wander out of my office, step into this neglected space I laughingly refer to as a garden and turn my face to the morning sun that is pouring down on me: this is why people move to Southern California. (more…)
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