Farwest Show 2018
This month I had the opportunity to attend the Farwest Show in Portland, Oregon. Portland is an interesting place. One of the highlights is Powell’s Bookstore. It’s an amazing place devoted to books and people who love books. It takes up an entire city block and is several stories high. There are tables and shelves with staff picks and suggested reads. There are sections with … Continue reading Farwest Show 2018
Allium millenium
Allium ‘Millenium’ This allium has never been the focal point of my garden, but today it took center stage. They were planted in an undesirable spot, too close together. I rarely watered them. I didn’t fertilize. They were left to their own devices. There wasn’t much to recommend it. But today, as I was casually walking by I sensed a movement. I heard a … Continue reading Allium millenium
Ukigumo, It’s Great to be Eight
One of the plants I’ve owned the longest is my Ukigumo Japanese Maple. Some things we keep for a long time become part of who we are. Like children, books, cars or even plants. All the plants I grow in my garden represent a piece of me. I think of that funny scene in the movie 101 Dalmatians where the owners resemble their dogs. I’ve … Continue reading Ukigumo, It’s Great to be Eight
I Beg Your Pardon, I Love My Rose Garden
This year I committed to really taking care of my roses. I weeded, watered well, added compost, added organic fertilizer regularly and monitored pests. It’s been a good year for roses. The first flush of blooms was in June and it was glorious. I felt like my friends who had been away all winter had returned for a summer party. I enjoyed their colors the … Continue reading I Beg Your Pardon, I Love My Rose Garden
Rudbeckia Indian Summer
Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’ is a robust summer flower. I just snipped one from my garden and the stem is almost half an inch wide. It’s like holding a chunky wand with a ray of magical golden color on top. My plant is only one year old, but the flowers rise up almost three to four feet from the ground. Each plant has up to 12 … Continue reading Rudbeckia Indian Summer
