~ A somewhat autobiographical look at how plants have impacted my life ~
Geraldton Waxflowers
The first half of our Western Australia trip was from Perth south to Albany. The second half was from Perth up to Geraldton. When we visited Western Australia in 2017, we didn’t have enough time to venture north of Perth. We’d wanted to see the famous Geraldton Waxflowers, Chamelaucium uncinatum and maybe even find the much photographed wreath flower, Lechenaultia macrantha, in bloom. So this trip was a chance to complete the tour. As it turns out our waxflower visit was to a commercial grower. And guess what? They look just the same when grown commercially there as they do when grown in California—or in landscapes all over Western Australia, like Kings Park and the freeways around Perth. Besides the
Geraldton Waxflowers
The first half of our Western Australia trip was from Perth south to Albany. The second half was from Perth up to Geraldton. When we visited Western Australia in 2017, we didn’t have enough time to venture north of Perth. We’d wanted to see the famous Geraldton Waxflowers, Chamelaucium uncinatum and maybe even find the much photographed wreath flower, Lechenaultia macrantha, in bloom. So this trip was a chance to complete the tour. As it turns out our waxflower visit was to a commercial grower. And guess what? They look just the same when grown commercially there as they do when grown in California—or in landscapes all over Western Australia, like Kings Park and the freeways around Perth. Besides the
Not Quite the Stirling Ranges
Back in early 2025, when we were looking for a Western Australia tour, we stumbled upon one that caught our eye. It promised to show us the stunning Australian wildflowers.
Dead Plant Diary
I was sorting through photos and came across this gem from March 31, 2022. Much of our garden is now over 25 years old, soI consider the area at the
I Can Dig a Rainbow
With the lack of rain for the last month or so, there have been almost no rainbows, so I had to create my own. I finally found a purpose for
Kaua’i South Shore
We initially stayed at an Air B&B in Lāwai after spending time at Hanalei Bay. While the accommodation had charming decor and a good breakfast. The weather was rainy and
Kaua’i North Shore
During our stay at the Hanalei Bay Resort, we enjoyed a well-appointed condo with a stunning view of the bay. Our first visit was to Limahuli Garden, a 17-acre botanical
Chocolate Sunday
About 10 years ago, I first learned that we had native Fritillaria, specifically F. biflora (Chocolate Lily). Although I don’t think I had ever seen one in the wild, local
New Year’s Surprise
On New Year’s Eve 2026, heavy rain caused a 15-foot aloe tree in the author’s garden to topple. Despite attempts to save it, the decision was made to remove the
Rain Diego
The post discusses recent extreme weather patterns in San Diego, highlighting significant rainfall, including a record 6 inches in 24 hours. Following an extended dry spell, winter rains began unusually
The Chelsea Australian Garden
September, Scott Borden, Kathy Ascher, and I participated in a garden tour in Western Australia. You can read more in my earlier blogs on Wireless Park and Kings Park located
San Diego Mountains Fall Color
Long before the 2003 and 2007 fires in San Diego, Scott and I embarked on a November hike to the summit of Iron Mountain in Cuyamaca State Park. I was
Three Tree Aloes
Kristin Law, a long-time friend on Facebook, sent me a message. Kristin specializes in landscape design and maintenance and owns “Law of Nature Garden Design.” Although we had never met
Perth- Kings Park
I was eager to return to Western Australia ever since my visit in 2016, and one of the top places on my list was Kings Park. It boasts the largest
Wireless Park- Western Australia
For years after a road trip that Scott and I did in Western Australia back in 2016, I’d wanted to return. I was totally blown away by the plants, scenery,
Over the Moon
I don’t remember when I first noticed moon gates in gardens. However, viewing old photos from garden tours, I discovered a few. The earliest photo was on a Pacific Horticulture
Garden Fling 2025 – Memphis
In June, I attended my second Garden Fling of the year in Memphis, Tennessee. Last year’s event was in Seattle, and you can read my blog about it here Puget