~ 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
Crete’s Unusual Plants and Wildflowers
In March of 2018, after viewing the romantic sunrise over the Myrtoan Sea among the ruins and wildflowers of Monemvasia, we spent the last week of the tour on the
Jardin Exotique d’Èze
I first became aware of the Jardin Exotique from the 1990s TV show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, hosted by Robin Leach. Perhaps you recall the show that gave a
Portland’s Lan Su Garden
In May 2017, I explored the stunning gardens of Portland, Oregon, on a Pacific Horticulture Society tour. The highlight was the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a replica of classical Suzhou
Climbing Cuyamaca
In the mid-1990s, the author enjoyed mountain biking in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, but after the Cedar Fire devastated the area in 2003, visits diminished. In 2023, they hiked Cuyamaca
Crazy Carrizo
The Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County is renowned for its spectacular spring wildflower blooms. After a wet winter, a group visited and witnessed an impressive variety
Cuyamaca – Green Valley Trail
Lower Green Valley Falls in San Diego County provides a refreshing experience after a late-season storm in May 2017. The easy hike to the falls revealed vibrant flora, including mimulus
Southwest Australia – Tingle Tree Trek
This is post is the last of a series of posts about a September 2016 trip to view the wildflowers and scenery of Western Australia. See post list or use
Southwest Australia – Stirling Ranges National Park
In September 2016, a visit to Stirling Range National Park revealed its rich biodiversity, featuring over 1,500 plant species, many unique to the area. The landscape, resembling Arizona’s with diverse
Southwest Australia – Fitzgerald River Park
In September of 2016 while touring Southwest Australia, we set out for Fitzgerald River National Park ( 815,160 acres) a UNESCO Biosphere site. Unfortunately, the bridge across the mouth of
Southwest Australia – Cape le Grande NP
In Sept of 2016 Scott Borden and i visited Southwestern Australia. We stayed a couple of nights in Esperance on the South Australia Sea. We explored the coastline and several
Southwest Australia – The Wave Rock
Western Australia’s interior features distinctive orange-red soil, flat terrain, and extensive unpaved roads. The area is marked by nutrient-poor soils and unique flora. The journey includes a visit to Wave
Southwest Australia – King’s Park
At the end of September, 2016, after attending a Pacific Horticulture tour of Singapore and Bali gardens, I met up with Scott Borden for a tour of Western Australia…or as
Agavaceae – the Aggravation
Agaves are great garden plants since most are low water, need little maintenance and can add a strong accent to gardens. However, there are also problems.The obvious problem with growing
Agavaceae – the Adoration
We have a lot of agaves in our garden. However, it took me a while to warm up to agaves. One of the first ones I grew was Agave victoriae-reginae.
The Plants Start to Go In!
This is a continuation of earlier posts about filling in our swimming pool and replacing it with a garden. The previous posts were about the construction and garden hardscape. This