~ 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
Costa Rica Riches – Talari Mountain Lodge
This is a continuation of our trip to Costa Rica in November 2019. See Previous 2 post for earlier places we visited on the tour. After a final look at
Costa Rica Riches – Las Cruces Botanical Station
After several days in around San José we boarded small planes and flew to the Pacific side of Costa Rica to Golfito, near the Panama border. Upon arrival we boarded
Costa Rican Riches – Around San José
In November of 2019, Scott and I participated in the Pacific Horticulture Tour of Costa Rica. San José Our trip started in the capital city, San José. From there we
Papa, can you hear me?
My father, James Ketchel Bishop, was born 100 years ago on Oct 26, 1919 in Branson, Missouri to Grace Mae Lefler Bishop and Allen Kitchel Bishop. Though my blog is
Machu Picchu
In October 2019, the author joined a unique plant expedition to Peru, focusing on native cacti and bromeliads, alongside a visit to Machu Picchu. Inspired by Inca history, they explored
Peruvian Puya Pursuit
In September, a plant expedition tour in Peru focused on cacti and bromeliads, offering a unique experience beyond typical gardens. The journey included crossing the Andes, visiting cultural sites, and
Malvern Spring Festival & Chelsea Garden Showq
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Chelsea Garden Show has been cancelled. How tired we all are of reading those words about our favorite garden tour, events and meetings.
Powis Castle Garden
In May, I participated in the Pacific Horticulture tour of Wales, visiting various gardens and two notable garden shows: Malvern and Chelsea. Powis Castle was a highlight, featuring stunning terrace
Off to Keukenhof
In May of 2019, Scott and I finally decided it was time to visit the tulip fields at Keukenhof in the Netherlands – described as the largest flower garden in
Borrego Bonanza
The spring 2019, bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert was spectacular. Who knew after the super bloom in 2017 that just 2 years later there would be an even better
Salton Sea Highway Bloom
The spring 2019, bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert was spectacular. Who knew after the super bloom in 2017 that just 2 years later there would be an even better
The Riads of Morocco
In my previous post I wrote about the agriculture in Morocco as we had observed it on a trip there in November 2018. Morocco, however, is more famous for its
The Road to Marrakech
They said each rug is unique, but we saw identical ones many times. In November 2018 we traveled with a group of friends to tour Morocco. It had been on
Wyoming’s Wonderful Wildflowers
In July 2018, Scott and I visited western South Dakota and Wyoming. We were in search of alpine wildflowers in the mountains to the east of Yellowstone National Park. We
The Other Grecian Formula
In March of 2018 I was able to join a tour of Greece and Crete with a group, mostly from the San Francisco Bay area, known as the Hortisexuals. I