~ A somewhat autobiographical look at how plants have impacted my life ~
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 in a 1.5 mile hike with over 900 steps. We also checked out other waterfalls near Ithaca and even paid a visit to the Cornell Botanic Gardens, marveling at the area’s natural wonders. The trip ended with touring gardens at the annual Garden Fling in Buffalo.
Everything is Connected
The author recounts their challenges with wildlife and pests in Encinitas, California, beginning with roof rats on their first night in a new home. Over 15 years, they encountered various animals and struggled with pests like whiteflies and snails. Utilizing
Early Mentors
In the late 1980s, the author, initially uninterested in garden mentorship, found inspiration from local gardens, particularly those of Alice Maynard and Karen Kees. Alice’s garden featured vibrant “sun colors” and unique plant arrangements, while Karen’s garden emphasized expansive plant
Annual Adventure
In previous articles I talked about creating the “bones” – the hardscape, trees and large plants- of my mid-80’s garden in Encinitas. But creating the garden was really all about my passion at the time…growing beautiful flowers. Growing up, as
Nothing but Dirt
After moving from the Bay Area to Encinitas, the author navigated the challenges of homeownership and gardening. They struggled with typical landscape plants, learned about local flora, and gradually redesigned their backyard. Through trial and error, they created a garden
Head South Young Man!
Thirty years ago, I relocated from the Bay Area to San Diego, seeking a better fit after facing cultural clashes and personal challenges. Despite initial skepticism about San Diego’s reputation, I discovered its charm and opportunities. Eventually, I found my
The Scottish Herbaceous Border
In July, 2012, I was fortunate to join 23 horticultural-minded individuals on the Pacific Horticulture Society tour, Gardens & Castles of Scotland. All of the gardens were outstanding and we were very near the peak summer bloom. Scotland had a
Hub of the Bay
In the late 70’s the city of San Jose had something of an inferiority complex with its neighbors San Francisco and the Silicon Valley cities. In attempt to create an identity there was a mercifully brief media campaign presenting San
Starting Small
After just one year in the Bay Area, I was anxious for a place with real soil to garden. About the same time, I realized that my job had little opportunity for advancement, but most of all was really boring.
Valley of Heart’s Delight
The Santa Clara Valley stretches about 30 miles from the San Francisco peninsula in the north to the town of Hollister in the south. It sits atop some of the most productive farmland in the world. Decades before it gained
The Apartment
The first order of business after my arrival in the San Jose area was to find a place to live. The landscaping and view at a complex in Sunnyvale impressed me so I rented a 600 square foot 2nd floor
Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
In August of 1979, I loaded up my lime green Ford Galaxy 500 with my few worldly possessions and potted jade plant and set out from Austin Texas for San Jose California. My mother joined me on the drive. We
The Rear View Mirror
In the summer of 1979, a graduate from the University of Texas faced disillusionment while job hunting, mostly in Houston’s industrial sector. Unexpectedly, an interview opportunity in San Jose led to a transformative visit to California, where he fell in