10-03-2016—Fall Bloomers

Even though local temps may not signal Fall, late-season bloomers know what time it is

Conoclinium coelestinum (blue mistflower)

Aster purchased from Conejo Valley Botanical Garden, labeled 'Michaelmas'

Conoclinium coelestinum and Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Conoclinium coelestinum and Carex buchananii ‘Red Rooster’

08-10-2016—Running Bamboo

I usually pass this neighbor's bamboo forest on my morning run. It has a calming leafy presence.

Onion flowers and sheared out bamboo alcove

Gardening has to happen in the driveway; bamboos and their leaf litter occupy all ground space.

A cool spot to enjoy a pushy, yet meditative plant.

08-05-2016—Flower du Jour

Stapelia divaricata flower

Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) flowers. Many non-gardeners think grasses don't have flowers, but of course they do. Grass flowers are designed for movement—not for the pleasure of birds, bees, or humans. Wind-pollinated plants are a visual reminder of the unseen forces of air. Need to watch Onibaba again, where grasses dominate the screen. Good Halloween movie. Putting on queue for October, just a couple months away.

08-01-2016—Miscanthus Recuperation

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra' is finally recovering after mistimed division last fall. Should have divided in spring when coming out of dormancy.

05-06-2016

Front garden

Front strip planted 2012

Right side planted 2014

Left side—grass and spiky-things meadow, planted 2015