L.A. = succulents = love

Tony & I recently went on a long-anticipated drive to L.A.-- ostensibly to view Art-- but he will tell you, I got every bit as excited about the plants (well, if not more so). You've probably heard about these 'living walls'-- in this case planted in 'woolly pockets'. So, I was so happy when I spotted this on the street...

I had read online about this installation at the 'smog shoppe' in L.A., and thought, pretty cool for a smog shop. I only now find out it's a *former* smog shop-- now an event space where you can get married or throw a party.
See video here,
more here.


Other shots are taken here and there; clearly L.A. is a different climatic zone from ours--no freezing temps -- and the gardeners appear happy to take advantage of that.

After Rain

We found ourselves out for a country drive (up Healdsburg way) yesterday, when lo & behold, the clouds parted, & there was sun. And there was moss. And lots of green. : )
(click on any image to enlarge it)

Bloom Day

It's the 15th of the month, aka Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, time for a round-up of what's blooming in gardens across the country.

And while I may complain (see previous post) about the weather, it IS Northern California, and yes, loads of things are blooming. Here are just a few. (And while I know them to be blooming TODAY, these photos are from the past few days, because it is, of course, pouring rain now. Again. Still.)

I've got plans

Living in California, we can't really complain about the weather, we *know* that, but... sometimes we still do (isn't there a song that goes something like that?)

We're ready for Spring, here! Ready for balmy days in the garden. I've got a couple of projects lined up.
Like these stepping stones. Need to get 'em seated. Re-shaping the edge of the lawn area. Bringing in new soil for new planting area. Re-mulching the pathways. and so on. Maybe I'll be able to sneak in a few small new plants. Maybe. What do you think...? But mainly, just need regular doses of that soul-restoring gardening therapy.

We walk back and forth across this lawn to our studio, many times each day. It can be swampy at times in the winter, and riddled with gopher tunnels, it's always uneven. Hence, the arrival of the stepping stones. Really, they're inspired by a nice flagstone path at my friend Leslie's. But click over here for much more inspiration. You just may find that you could use a path, too.
(screen shot via google image search)

windowsill orchids

We've been admiring these orchids on our windowsill for a few weeks now, courtesy of neighbor Steve, orchid grower extraordinaire...they're just beginning to wane, but beautifully.

signs

.. that spring is on the way despite a return to wintry weather patterns (after record warm days in February). Snow was even much anticipated at low elevations, but failed to appear.

Both of these scenes are at the entrance to Mill Creek Winery, in Healdsburg, a couple of days back.