Tuesday, June 4, 2013

June at Last!




June nearly seamlessly followed May this year with its continuation of warm temperatures and bright days. Cleamtis 'Madam Julia Correvon' robed herself  with a wine-red cloak that catches the morning light in the photos above and below. 



My arid, high-desert garden, though an oasis in a rugged outpost, takes on some of the ragged character of the greater environment. Peony 'Bowl of Beauty,'  tough gal that she is,  bravely opens her wind-buffeted blooms.



Her neighbor, my little Japanese Maple 'Garnet' surprised me by surviving the winter to present brilliant, though ungainly, new foliage. 


A Home-Depot bargain buy, its little body struggles to put on growth while facing daunting odds with our super-dry winters and dehydrating spring winds.




Together they make a sweet duo that one day may grow into a lovely scene.





Coffee time is delightful among the soothing morning shadows.



The hummers love their little free buffet.



Only one token tomato this year since we'll be traveling for most of June. I do hope it lives up to its name!


Aloha's disease-free foliage is glossy, healthy and bright on a dry, high-desert afternoon.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Missing My Garden!


Here in January, the frozen ground reflects a dour sky. Patchy remnants of last week's snow lurk and huddle in icy splotches on the cold, north sides of shrubs and rocks. Even the yarrow, almost ever optimistic, appears defeated as it slumps in limp, burnished mounds. 

My demoralized yarrow resigns itself to winter.

In nostalgic remembrance of September and October I peruse my digital memories of those bright, colorful days. I hope you enjoy them, too.

The Brandywine crabapple (Malus 'Brandywine) fruits hang in cheery clusters against a brilliant September sky.


Brandywine crabapples in September.

My young Seminole Wind is becoming a favorite. 

Seminole Wind is also known as Rosarium Uetersen.

 I can't wait to see what he does in the next growing season, his third.


Already a likely little bush.

There were plenty of roses, especially minis, for indoor table arrangements in October. Last year, the Autumn of 2011, was unprecedented in providing roses through November.



Double Delight and clusters of minis made a charming table centerpiece for an October dinner party.


Hollyhocks brought a tropical flair to the September garden this year.




A few cantaloupe seeds from the compost made their way beneath the chokecherry tree. The vines produced these sweet treats that hung like fruits from its boughs. We harvested them in September.




The refreshing September verdure viewed from my lawn chair ...




... had by November taken on the gray and russet tones of the approaching winter.


The Bradford Pears take on Autumn with glowing defiance.


Below are links my recent gardening articles for the online San Francisco Chronicle. 






French Perfume -- Brilliant in October 2012.