~ A somewhat autobiographical look at how plants have impacted my life ~
We’re Having a Heatwave
The weather in San Diego experienced extreme heat and humidity from July through September, culminating in a record-breaking six-day heatwave in early October. Though a tropical storm brought much-needed rain, many plants suffered distress, showing signs like wilting and yellowing leaves. The heat caused chlorophyll breakdown, revealing other pigments and stressing roots, impacting nutrient transport. Various plants, including agaves and hibbertias, sustained damage, with some dying due to excessive sun exposure. Conversely, tropical plants in shaded areas thrived. As autumn approached, signs of seasonal change and the beneficial rain provided hope for recovery.
Here Comes the Sun
I finally completed a project 23 years in the making! We filled in the swimming pool and replaced it with a garden, casita, and a stair tower. But I never completed the tile work on the arch on the outside
Idaho, Alaska
A few years ago, Scott invested in a resort, The Great St. Elias Station, in a remote part of Alaska, adjacent to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. We were among its first visitors in August 2026. We flew in bush
Chasing Waterfalls
I finally made it to Niagara Falls!
But we also visited many more waterfalls in the Finger Lakes area of New York State. But our primary goal was to visit Watkins Glen State park where there are 19 waterfalls
Western Australia Wildflowers Stops
After touring the southern part of Western Australia, we headed north from Fremantle to Geraldton. Along the way, we made several stops to admire the wildflowers. Ian Wilson Trail Head We stopped along the roadside on Highway 1, the Brand
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, so I consider the area at the bottom of the hill, 100 feet lower than 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.
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. We were especially thrilled about the chance to visit Stirling
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 all the broken and worn-out shovels I’ve accumulated over the
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 cool, preventing pool use but creating serene sounds. We visited
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 paradise showcasing Polynesian and indigenous Hawaiian plants, set against impressive
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 native plant expert Edmond Piffard shared some photos of them
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 plant. A silver torch cactus was relocated to fill the