acacia
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
soil testing under the oaks
my soil test says neutral. Not at all what i would have guessed! Now why arent things growing here, but the Azaleas and Camellias are fine, two acid lovers. hmmmmmmmm
Monday, November 29, 2010
Lesson of the day
Pant cuffs and landscaping don't mix. At least empty the cuffs outside the door and not on the living room floor.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Yes, I stopped to smell the roses.....
I walked to the library today to return some movies. It was a beautiful day, full of blue sky and the slightest taste of crispness on the air. I strolled past the Black Friday shoppers at Target and Best Buy, headed out past Ralph's and McDonalds, enjoying the fact that I was not driving, not shopping and not.... busy. I was enjoying the sun, the sounds and smells and the plants that I was able to stop and admire. I wonder about their stories. Of the people that have cared for them over the years. The people who have looked out through the branches from their kitchen windows, or brushed off the leaves from their cars. The birds and squirrels and other animals that have perhaps made homes and partaken of their bounty. It was so nice to breath in the beauty of a tree, a rose, some grass. Feel the life all around me amidst all of the bustle of our human lives. So nice, so very relaxing and so very recommended!
Here are a few photos from yesterday and today. We went out for a hike and the sky was so clear! This is looking to the west to the Pacific. The silver glow on the horizon is the ocean:
And to the east is downtown:
And this is some crazy citrus tree which I have never seen before:
Here are a few photos from yesterday and today. We went out for a hike and the sky was so clear! This is looking to the west to the Pacific. The silver glow on the horizon is the ocean:
And to the east is downtown:
And this is some crazy citrus tree which I have never seen before:
Monday, November 15, 2010
this little lavender of mine
I have a problem at one of my gardens. It seems that a lavender seed has germinated in a crack along the edge of the patio. And it is literally a crack so there is no way I can get the lavender out without killing it (or breaking up the patio - not going to happen). I have never seen a lavender self seed! I was very excited. I sure wish it had picked a better spot. Should I just leave it and see what happens?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Mmmmmm, vegetables
We replanted a vegetable garden in bel aire yesterday. Beautiful property with a view of the Getty Museum and right next to a vineyard. From the vegetable garden you can look up the ridge and see rows and rows of grapevines, all starting to turn a brownish yellow for the fall. My helper and I carried up very heavy bags of amend and steer manure and one bag of worm poop. After cleaning out the summer stuff, and the weeds! (oops), we dumped all of the good compost over the beds and dug it in. Then we were able to plant, some starters and some seeds. Dinosaur Kale, which can get to be 4 feet tall, Lettuces, onions, leeks, broccoli and asparagus. I am going back tomorrow to plant lots of parsley and some cilantro and dill which should round everything out. I also planted spinach and celery. We shall see how this goes. I am afraid that this yard is quite cold and may get hit with some frosts over the winter.
Today I worked in a garden that is full of native plants. I really trimmed things back from the walkways and cut out the dead stuff. Native plants are getting ready to bloom right now so if I cut them back, I will lose all of the flowers. I planted a few penstemons here and they are huge and gorgeous! I cant wait to see everything in full bloom.
Ok, back to work. I have two designs and two bids to write up!
Today I worked in a garden that is full of native plants. I really trimmed things back from the walkways and cut out the dead stuff. Native plants are getting ready to bloom right now so if I cut them back, I will lose all of the flowers. I planted a few penstemons here and they are huge and gorgeous! I cant wait to see everything in full bloom.
Ok, back to work. I have two designs and two bids to write up!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ugh
It was 95 degrees today and it was hot! And I was mad! I don't like it when it is that hot, especially when it is November. And of course I had to go to the valley which is always hotter than my side of the hill (Hollywood). Hopefully it will cool down as I have a lot of work to do. Now is the time of year to cut things back for the winter - yes, we do have winter. Things that bloom in the summer should be cut back now, whilst things that bloom in the spring should be cut in the summer. That gives the plant 6 months to grow before it blooms again. Grasses should be cut around now. Though, as I have mentioned before, I like to spread out the cutting of ornamentals so the home owner doesn't come home to a nude yard! We have winter but no frost so it still needs to look good all year round. It is a balance of science and aesthetics.
It is also the time for the cool-season vegetables. Spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, lettuce. There has to be more variety than just the greens. I will look it up!
It is also the time for the cool-season vegetables. Spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, lettuce. There has to be more variety than just the greens. I will look it up!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Critters great and small
Ok, today I found this crawling towards me:
It is a very large Black Widow! I screamed (I can't believe my clients did not hear me) and then I had to take a picture of it. Ok, and then I killed it. They have a small child who runs around the back yard. I think that it was living under the outdoor lounger and I was trying to clean up and dislodged it. I run into a lot of black widows but never do they walk around. CHILLS it gave me! Serious Chills!
Later I was cleaning up some stairs and found this little fellow amongst the dead wet leaves:
At first I thought it was a worm because when I brushed it with the broom it started flipping out on the step. Worms do that as well. I have always thought it was a strange reaction to being touched. I think it is a newt, but I may be wrong. I do not see them very often but I think that it is very cool. Such tiny legs!
The most common critter I see is this fellow:
Lizards are everywhere. One of my clients has an old Ginko tree that was once cut down but is now resprouting. I really like it because it is a Ginko, but it should probably be cut down again. Anyway, one day I looked up and there was a little lizard amongst the leaves. I wondered how he could hold himself up as the stem are very delicate, but it just sat there and looked at me.
Another day, another critter!
It is a very large Black Widow! I screamed (I can't believe my clients did not hear me) and then I had to take a picture of it. Ok, and then I killed it. They have a small child who runs around the back yard. I think that it was living under the outdoor lounger and I was trying to clean up and dislodged it. I run into a lot of black widows but never do they walk around. CHILLS it gave me! Serious Chills!
Later I was cleaning up some stairs and found this little fellow amongst the dead wet leaves:
At first I thought it was a worm because when I brushed it with the broom it started flipping out on the step. Worms do that as well. I have always thought it was a strange reaction to being touched. I think it is a newt, but I may be wrong. I do not see them very often but I think that it is very cool. Such tiny legs!
The most common critter I see is this fellow:
Lizards are everywhere. One of my clients has an old Ginko tree that was once cut down but is now resprouting. I really like it because it is a Ginko, but it should probably be cut down again. Anyway, one day I looked up and there was a little lizard amongst the leaves. I wondered how he could hold himself up as the stem are very delicate, but it just sat there and looked at me.
Another day, another critter!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
My Dad is so great!
It has been way too long. I cant believe how crazy september was for me! I made one of the classic mistakes in business. Too much commitment, no organization. For the first three years in business, I was so thankful for whatever work came my way because I was actively building up my client base. Up until recently, except for some hectic weeks, I did not have enough work to fill my days. Well, my clients have been giving out my name because they like my work and like me. That is awesome! However, upon reaching saturation, I forgot two very important things. Organize and prioritize. I was so busy running around trying to do everything that a lot of things, and clients, fell through the cracks. grrrr and so sorry.
I then went to NH to see my family and had a fantastic conversation with my father who is a business consultant, and an author of over 40 books on the subject and also the co-creator of a really fabulous website for small businesses (buzgate.org - check it out!)He has often told me that it does not matter how well you do your craft if you cant manage the business part of it. That is why 90% of small businesses fail in the first 5 years. Well, my business is just getting to the 4 year mark here in LA and I refuse to go down! So we had a wonderful consultation session and I am ready to put our plan into action. Because really, I love what I do, I love making peoples homes beautiful and I am so lucky to be able to do this. Thank you to everyone who has given my name out. Thank you and know that I am committed to making my business smart, organized and inspiring!
Oh, and one more thing. I went to the LA dump. Very exciting place! I finally saw where the green bins go to become mulch. Here are a few shots:
I then went to NH to see my family and had a fantastic conversation with my father who is a business consultant, and an author of over 40 books on the subject and also the co-creator of a really fabulous website for small businesses (buzgate.org - check it out!)He has often told me that it does not matter how well you do your craft if you cant manage the business part of it. That is why 90% of small businesses fail in the first 5 years. Well, my business is just getting to the 4 year mark here in LA and I refuse to go down! So we had a wonderful consultation session and I am ready to put our plan into action. Because really, I love what I do, I love making peoples homes beautiful and I am so lucky to be able to do this. Thank you to everyone who has given my name out. Thank you and know that I am committed to making my business smart, organized and inspiring!
Oh, and one more thing. I went to the LA dump. Very exciting place! I finally saw where the green bins go to become mulch. Here are a few shots:
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
OMG
I just fell through a rotten wood deck. Can I just say TERRIFYING! I was just waiting for the sound of breaking bone or to feel the rest of the deck give way and plummet 25 feet to the ground. Thankfully neither of those things happened and I am just a bit bloody, bruised and shaken. Another exciting day on the job
Thursday, September 2, 2010
back to basics
Today was a great day! I have been hired to remove the front lawn of a house and replace it with a natural drift of native/partly native plants and decomposed granite. This is absolutely my favorite way to work. I went to the nursery and bought a whole bunch of plants: Penstemons, five different sages, tagetes, eriogonum, some aloes and, one of my personal favorites, caesalpinia. I have to admit that I am not sure where that plant is from, but it is seriously cool looking! My Aunt Nancy in Tuscon has a whole row of them in the front of her house. I love them.
Anyway, today we removed the 'lawn'. I used quote marks because there really was not much more than just the roots. It hasn't been watered in a very long time so was yellow. And very very very dry! When I took my socks off when i got home two little poofs of dust wafted into the air. I can't believe how completely dirty I was.
Next week I get to place the plants. That's the second fun part (after the buying part). I know how big these plants get so I know how far to separate them. Also, I like to create islands of plantings so I will place something that gets taller in the middle with the shorter things on the outside. Natural like. I want to create the feeling of walking through the hills of CA.
Here is what it looked like yesterday:
Next week it will look different!
Anyway, today we removed the 'lawn'. I used quote marks because there really was not much more than just the roots. It hasn't been watered in a very long time so was yellow. And very very very dry! When I took my socks off when i got home two little poofs of dust wafted into the air. I can't believe how completely dirty I was.
Next week I get to place the plants. That's the second fun part (after the buying part). I know how big these plants get so I know how far to separate them. Also, I like to create islands of plantings so I will place something that gets taller in the middle with the shorter things on the outside. Natural like. I want to create the feeling of walking through the hills of CA.
Here is what it looked like yesterday:
Next week it will look different!
Friday, August 27, 2010
My friend Keisha cracks me up! She works in Hollywood as I, on the other hand, just live here. She works in TV and is either incredibly busy and I wont see her for months on end, or she is unemployed. Which she is now. Four years ago, when I moved to this neighborhood, I met a lot of people because I have a dog. People who do not have dogs are always so surprised at the incredible social network you can create when you have one. You must walk them at least twice a day, mostly in the morning and in the evening. Since I did not know anyone when I moved to LA, having a dog was an instant way to meet people. Keisha is one of those people.
I did not know anything about the 'industry' (as in the entertainment industry) until I started talking with the people I met at the local dog park. I had no idea how many people were involved to get one show produced. Truth be told, I am sure that I still have no idea, but just a better one. Anyway, I have needed a bit of help lately and Keisha was willing to mow and water and clean up with me.
I saw one of my clients and she asked me if I had a new assistant and I said, well, not really, she is in TV. Barbara understood. If you live here long enough, you start to understand that people are employed and unemployed all the time. Even if you win awards, you are always having to look for that next job (movie, show, whatever). I have quite a few clients that are directors, producers, actors or writers. Its a bit fascinating, I must admit.
Back to Keisha. She was a real pleasure to have as my assistant. Her perspective is so different than mine - mostly because this is not her chosen profession. She was just happy to be out and about, something to do, a view or two to catch, and an interesting conversation to have with myself and my clients. And maybe a cat to scratch along the way.
But I have to tell you the best part. I was around the corner at Pam's house and from the patio above me I heard Keisha talking. I finally yelled up to her, are you talking to me? No no no, she wasn't. She was talking to the plants. To make then feel better, loved even. Then she played them some music, tropical music, to remind them of home. How awesome is that! It is very easy to take your job seriously. Just to do what you have to do and move on to the next commitment. It was so nice to be with someone who saw my work with a different perspective. Who was enjoying the day and the plants and giving back in a unique way. It was a moment to remind myself to remember to enjoy my work, and enjoy the day. Thanks Keisha.
I did not know anything about the 'industry' (as in the entertainment industry) until I started talking with the people I met at the local dog park. I had no idea how many people were involved to get one show produced. Truth be told, I am sure that I still have no idea, but just a better one. Anyway, I have needed a bit of help lately and Keisha was willing to mow and water and clean up with me.
I saw one of my clients and she asked me if I had a new assistant and I said, well, not really, she is in TV. Barbara understood. If you live here long enough, you start to understand that people are employed and unemployed all the time. Even if you win awards, you are always having to look for that next job (movie, show, whatever). I have quite a few clients that are directors, producers, actors or writers. Its a bit fascinating, I must admit.
Back to Keisha. She was a real pleasure to have as my assistant. Her perspective is so different than mine - mostly because this is not her chosen profession. She was just happy to be out and about, something to do, a view or two to catch, and an interesting conversation to have with myself and my clients. And maybe a cat to scratch along the way.
But I have to tell you the best part. I was around the corner at Pam's house and from the patio above me I heard Keisha talking. I finally yelled up to her, are you talking to me? No no no, she wasn't. She was talking to the plants. To make then feel better, loved even. Then she played them some music, tropical music, to remind them of home. How awesome is that! It is very easy to take your job seriously. Just to do what you have to do and move on to the next commitment. It was so nice to be with someone who saw my work with a different perspective. Who was enjoying the day and the plants and giving back in a unique way. It was a moment to remind myself to remember to enjoy my work, and enjoy the day. Thanks Keisha.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
just thinking
Today is hot. I am not a big fan of the heat. I find it hard to concentrate. Especially when it is so sunny out. Funny enough, I love the fact that it is sunny for 5 months straight, but when it gets into the 90's, I am all done. That's where paperwork comes in handy. "I am in the office" is a true statement and any business has paperwork that has to be attended to and I am not one to shirk my duties, especially when it is so hot out.
Unfortunately, I am sitting in front of my computer with a blank head. I cant seem to concentrate on anything at the moment and I already had a frappucino. I figured if caffeine and sugar cant get me going, nothing can. Maybe it is the large sleeping dog next to me. She looks so comfortable... its like she is telling me that this is how you deal with a hot day... sleep must sleeeeeeeep
It is thursday and I am not going to take a nap (yet) but instead need to concentrate on two designs that I am presenting on saturday. I have managed to make two separate design meetings on the same day. What was I thinking? Two different couples with small children (and one with one on the way) who are looking to make their backyards kid friendly. And safe. And attractive too, cant forget that. And most people want low maintenance these days and of course, low water use.
I find that a lot of my clients in Los Angeles are couples with young children. When I was working in Santa Fe, most of my clients were older and generally did not live there. Their house in SF was a vacation spot so they were really looking for the 'Santa Fe style'. In Los Angeles, most people live here because they work here. On long weekends (July 4th or Memorial Day) the city clears out. In Santa Fe, holidays were packed. It is a very different dynamic. So peoples' needs are different here: they want vegetable beds and play areas, spaces for everyday use. My biggest challenge is to fit all of the required elements into a single space.
Hmmmm, I think I just figured out what to do......
So off I go, renewed from a bit of mental musing!
Unfortunately, I am sitting in front of my computer with a blank head. I cant seem to concentrate on anything at the moment and I already had a frappucino. I figured if caffeine and sugar cant get me going, nothing can. Maybe it is the large sleeping dog next to me. She looks so comfortable... its like she is telling me that this is how you deal with a hot day... sleep must sleeeeeeeep
It is thursday and I am not going to take a nap (yet) but instead need to concentrate on two designs that I am presenting on saturday. I have managed to make two separate design meetings on the same day. What was I thinking? Two different couples with small children (and one with one on the way) who are looking to make their backyards kid friendly. And safe. And attractive too, cant forget that. And most people want low maintenance these days and of course, low water use.
I find that a lot of my clients in Los Angeles are couples with young children. When I was working in Santa Fe, most of my clients were older and generally did not live there. Their house in SF was a vacation spot so they were really looking for the 'Santa Fe style'. In Los Angeles, most people live here because they work here. On long weekends (July 4th or Memorial Day) the city clears out. In Santa Fe, holidays were packed. It is a very different dynamic. So peoples' needs are different here: they want vegetable beds and play areas, spaces for everyday use. My biggest challenge is to fit all of the required elements into a single space.
Hmmmm, I think I just figured out what to do......
So off I go, renewed from a bit of mental musing!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A successful water wise garden!!
This is Maurice and Judy's yard which is so beautiful. Maurice planted a lot of the plants, plus the grapes. Last year I came in and planted more plants to fill in with color and diversity. He hasn't watered it this summer and look how great it is! Most of these plants are natives with some Mediterranean plants added (and what I call mostly natives). Our goal was to reduce the need for watering to almost zero and i think that we have succeeded quite well. He does water the grapes a few times a week, and they are wine grapes: pinot noir and I think chardonnay (I will have to ask him). All in all very satisfactory and quite lovely to stand in. And lots of bees and butterflys!
And one more thing. The best part of their yard is this little fellow:
Monday, August 9, 2010
what to do
Lately I have been thinking about the identity of my business. What is my style, my philosophy. What ideas do I want to promote and what ideas or traditions do I want to discourage and reeducate people on. This has led me to look at my ethical responsibility of being a gardener and, more importantly, a garden designer.
I have really begun to understand the negative impact we are having on our world and how we are, essentially, wrecking it. For a long time I did not want to pay attention to this issue as it is so frightening, but I can't be blind and deaf any longer.
Today I watched an episode from the documentary series 'Vanguard' about the Cardamom forest in Cambodia and how people are cutting down a particular tree, extracting its oil, and selling it to Holland for them to make the recreational drug ecstasy. Not only are they cutting out swaths of the forest, but the extraction process is contaminating the water. I wonder if the users of this drug have any idea the impact on the environment its production creates. I think that we are all aware of the social impact of illegal drugs, but rarely do we consider its environmental price tag. And yes, this is one small area of the world, but as you start to pay attention you will realize that all areas of the world are being recklessly plundered and contaminated.
It seems to me that the basis of our disregard for our earth is money, and with it, luxuries and power. Oil companies and drug companies (illegal or legal), food producers and manufacturers often base their decisions upon what will benefit them today rather than the overall effect. And with so many people in our world living in squalor and starvation, it is not surprising that they will do what they have to in order to live one more day. Or to make their lives that much better.
Interestingly, you dont have to go to Cambodia to see this, or to some third world country. I see people everyday, and I have done it myself, that are being environmentally irresponsible just to provide a roof and a meal for their families. I have done work (that is not on my website) which goes against many of my principles because I needed the money. I certainly don't feel that I can judge others for I am not immune.
So I am wondering about the ethical and philosophical identity of my business. How can I help counteract the devastating effects of so many. What is it that I need to do, both on a day to day scale, and on a much larger scale, to promote a healthy and loving relationship with our earth, our home.
I have really begun to understand the negative impact we are having on our world and how we are, essentially, wrecking it. For a long time I did not want to pay attention to this issue as it is so frightening, but I can't be blind and deaf any longer.
Today I watched an episode from the documentary series 'Vanguard' about the Cardamom forest in Cambodia and how people are cutting down a particular tree, extracting its oil, and selling it to Holland for them to make the recreational drug ecstasy. Not only are they cutting out swaths of the forest, but the extraction process is contaminating the water. I wonder if the users of this drug have any idea the impact on the environment its production creates. I think that we are all aware of the social impact of illegal drugs, but rarely do we consider its environmental price tag. And yes, this is one small area of the world, but as you start to pay attention you will realize that all areas of the world are being recklessly plundered and contaminated.
It seems to me that the basis of our disregard for our earth is money, and with it, luxuries and power. Oil companies and drug companies (illegal or legal), food producers and manufacturers often base their decisions upon what will benefit them today rather than the overall effect. And with so many people in our world living in squalor and starvation, it is not surprising that they will do what they have to in order to live one more day. Or to make their lives that much better.
Interestingly, you dont have to go to Cambodia to see this, or to some third world country. I see people everyday, and I have done it myself, that are being environmentally irresponsible just to provide a roof and a meal for their families. I have done work (that is not on my website) which goes against many of my principles because I needed the money. I certainly don't feel that I can judge others for I am not immune.
So I am wondering about the ethical and philosophical identity of my business. How can I help counteract the devastating effects of so many. What is it that I need to do, both on a day to day scale, and on a much larger scale, to promote a healthy and loving relationship with our earth, our home.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Beautiful Amaryllis
I have been fascinated with the wild Amaryllis since moving to California in the mid 90s. The Amaryllis belladonna (pictured below, just emerging) is also called the Naked Pink Lady. In the winter it has a glorious spray of large, strap like green leaves, just like the leaves on the Amaryllis you get for Christmas. These leaves turn yellow and die in the late spring, around the time that the rain stops. What is so interesting however is that in mid summer, when the days are longest and hottest, these fantastic buds emerge from the naked ground and slowly get taller and taller until they open up to beautiful pink flowers! And such a lovely smell. They are funny to see in the wild where they look like aliens coming up out of the grasses with no clothes. So lovely and delicate though. And as a botanist, I really enjoy seeing the wild version of cultivars we are all familiar with, especially coming from NH!
Another interesting Amaryllis is one that I need to do some more research on as the 5 minutes I just did yielded nothing. Here is a photo of the flower:
Its leaves are similar to the agapanthus leaves which have a sheath at the bottom and the leaves separate about 8" up from the base. This time of year these leaves are falling over, not dying, and the flowers are starting to emerge. I am wondering if they are a different type of Lilly, like the agapanthus, rather than the amaryllis. My neighbor down the street has one of a rich rose color, so beautiful. Hmmmmmm, I must learn more.
Another interesting Amaryllis is one that I need to do some more research on as the 5 minutes I just did yielded nothing. Here is a photo of the flower:
Its leaves are similar to the agapanthus leaves which have a sheath at the bottom and the leaves separate about 8" up from the base. This time of year these leaves are falling over, not dying, and the flowers are starting to emerge. I am wondering if they are a different type of Lilly, like the agapanthus, rather than the amaryllis. My neighbor down the street has one of a rich rose color, so beautiful. Hmmmmmm, I must learn more.
Encyclia chocleata orchid which is 25 years old!
Uploaded by www.cellspin.net
Suzi's husband pulled this out of the neighbor's garbage 25 years ago and she has it on the patio underneath the strawberry guava tree. It has just started to bloom this year - such interesting flowers! Orchids do really well in southern california, you just have to find the right spot for them.
Epidendrum orchid
Uploaded by www.cellspin.net
One of the easiest orchids to grow. I have seen it in a pot of bark in full sun, or in the ground. It can get 6' tall!
scary.....
Just found a Black Widow spider at a client's house. In their dining table no less! Scary. My rule is never put your hands where you cant see them because you never know what is hiding. I am glad we found it because they have a 2 year old. The gardener saves the day once again!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
coming up for air
It seems to me that it is very easy to get lost in the day to day business of running a business and running a life. What do I need to do now and how? Those are the two questions that are constantly coursing through my brain. Today, however, I came up for air and took a nice long look around me. The view is pretty good, I must say. I have been working and pushing my business from the absolute ground up for the last 3 1/2 years, trying to keep my cool when I didn't have enough work or not enough money for rent. Dealing with the loss of so much work when our country crashed, knowing that so many other people were in the same situation. I placed my energies into building up my client base. Even if the job was only $50, I took it knowing that the relationships that I build now will take me into the future. I knew, with absolute certainty, that my business was the right thing for me to do. That is what has kept me going up until now, when I have come up for air.
Today I started thinking about all of the wonderful clients that I have. How good it is to be able to make someone's home a beautiful place to be. I found myself visiting four of them today and looking at how they have grown and changed over the last few years. Some of them I care for intensively, others I come for special projects. It is truly wonderful to be a part of the living world at such an intimate level. Each plant has a story to tell, a history, and a cycle of change unique to itself. And each yard is a community that I have brought together, which I have the privilege to foster and nurture through the years. Garden design is not static but electric with life and I am so lucky to have this be my work. so incredibly blessed
Today I started thinking about all of the wonderful clients that I have. How good it is to be able to make someone's home a beautiful place to be. I found myself visiting four of them today and looking at how they have grown and changed over the last few years. Some of them I care for intensively, others I come for special projects. It is truly wonderful to be a part of the living world at such an intimate level. Each plant has a story to tell, a history, and a cycle of change unique to itself. And each yard is a community that I have brought together, which I have the privilege to foster and nurture through the years. Garden design is not static but electric with life and I am so lucky to have this be my work. so incredibly blessed
Friday, July 16, 2010
The dog who loved me
All day long I get fuzzy-luvins from a variety of critters. It certainly makes for a nice reprieve from pruning and weeding. There is Katja the cat who for the longest time would not let me near her but now we have scratching sessions to her obvious delight. There is the adorable Shila, a pom, who first has to bark at me and then fall down at me feet waiting for me to pick her up. I admit the I am partial to Mathilda the 140 lb Mastiff but watch out for that tail! It can leave a bruise. Oscar is the baddest cat you will ever meet - declawed and still leaves a little critter gift for his owner everyday.
Molly and Topper have a complicated relationship with me. When we are next to each other its all wags and kisses for me but put a door or a window in between us and they are liable to bite my face off!
Of course the best one is the one I come home to everyday. She has to sniff me all over! I call it the lipstick on my collar....
Molly and Topper have a complicated relationship with me. When we are next to each other its all wags and kisses for me but put a door or a window in between us and they are liable to bite my face off!
Of course the best one is the one I come home to everyday. She has to sniff me all over! I call it the lipstick on my collar....
Thursday, July 15, 2010
too hot to think
did I mention that it is hot? Its so hot the bags of mulch just fell apart - they melted! Luckily I am done and getting into my air conditioned car. It does look very pretty here though so it was worth it
too hot to think
Today and yesterday are finally really hot. It hit 103 in the valley! Luckily the shade is relatively cool. I am trying to finish a project today in Highland Park. Unfortunately the contractor is not finished. They always are days behind and I get stuck trying to work around them and oftentimes clean up their mess! This one is pretty good thankfully. He keeps a very clean jobsite, something that I appreciate. I just wish that they would have more respect for the plants. What is the deal with cleaning off your brushes in the shrubbery? A perfectly nice looking plant is now spattered and ruined. Drives me nuts! One very cool thing about this property is the fruit trees. There are several guavas, a lime, persimmon, plum and two large avacados with tons of fruit! The avocados won't be ready to pick for months though, nor the persimmons. Oh well. Later days
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Food for thought
One of my clients called today and was wondering what the black stuff was on her tomato plants. Its ROT, yuch. About 6 weeks ago we put in a beautiful little veggie garden which is surrounded by a chain link fence to keep out deer. Almost two weeks ago I did a nifty little irrigation system using 1/4 inch soaker hose - the coolest product ever! It does, however, exude copious amounts of water. I went last week to check on it (they were out of town on vacation) and the plants were rotting all over!! It turns out that someone (not naming names) had set the timer way too high!!! Yes, truly, it is possible to over water your vegetables. Something to think about...
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