July marks the start of processing pods from nasturtiums so I can plant them in the fall. I put collected pods on a paper plate that is left out in the sun for a day. Next, the plate goes in the house away from light for a week–the pods will go from green to lightContinue reading “The Nasturtium Process”
Category Archives: flowers
Rock Purslane “Rocks”
The succulent, Rock Purslane, is my kind of plant. It is drought tolerant and easy to propagate with showy purple flowers. Loves sun, well-drained soil and a temperate climate.
Nasturtium Comeback
We’re finally getting nasturtiums to spread again after three years of gopher attacks. I haven’t seen the battlefield lately with mounds of dirt and dead vines. Too soon to declare victory.
The Sacrificial Nasturtium
For ten years I’ve been growing nasturtiums, collecting the seed pods and giving them to friends to grow. I’m astounded by how these flowers have prospered at other yards. However, at home nasturtiums have been targeted by gophers as well as spittle bugs. Indeed, the bright green leaves of the nasturtium sacrifice themselves so thatContinue reading “The Sacrificial Nasturtium”
The Cosmos…
It is said the cosmos flower is the heart of a garden–that is certainly true for me. First, they come back every year, thanks to our moderate coastal temps. Secondly, they attract bees, hover flies and butterflies more than any other flower, save for English ivy in the fall. I took these shots over aContinue reading “The Cosmos…”
Easy to Grow…
When I look at the succulents growing out of the rocks along Big Sur, I think back to all my plant failures at home due to drought and gophers. I now go with what works, succulents, for the most part. What changed me was standing in our front yard, watching a gopher pull six-feet ofContinue reading “Easy to Grow…”
The Pinwheel Desert Rose
Nine years ago Anne’s mother brought over cuttings from succulents known as pinwheel desert roses which had yet to bloom. She stuck them in the dirt on one side of the driveway under an old oak tree. Today, on Easter, many of these plants have bloomed–they only do this once in a lifetime, dying afterwards.Continue reading “The Pinwheel Desert Rose”
Winter Camellia
Sacramento is full of blooming camellias in the dead of winter–must be the reason why I see hummingbirds flitting about camellia trees despite the cold weather. Unfortunately, I don’t have any bird for this shot I took yesterday. Life is like that…falling short of perfection on a daily basis if, in fact, perfection is aContinue reading “Winter Camellia”
Amazing Plants…
The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park is an amazing place to view tropical plants. Here are a few memorable shots from our last trip there. Not shown is the greenhouse humidity.
