Posts

I could get used to this

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Mildest summer ever, fantastic!  Aloe Hercules is getting serious about it's trunk. Dropping a couple big leaves per week.  So satisfying to peel them off as they dry out (or they just fall off). It's thrilling to see the branching (2 heads) become more prominent.  Still one of my top 5 favorite plants. While things are feeling quite messy, it's nice to put the blinders on and look at things that love summer heat.  Pachypodium geayi is strutting along.   There are potted things everywhere, I'm due for several "getting serious things done"days. Potted Erica verticilata is looking very sweet.  Does anyone grow Berzelia albiflora?  I think I should be pruning off the old blooms - but can't make myself do it.  I'm going to wait, maybe winter dormancy?   In the good news category: Ivan got the cherry tree 6' stump & huge root ball out (behemoth!). And the 2 Oleanders as well.  Whew!  He made it seem easy. I'm so grateful. *...
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Morning shots

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I'm giving everything a nice drink for a 3 day triple digit heatwave.  Putting up some umbrellas, which I haven't had to do many times this year.  I thought I'd share an August morning walk around - I go outside and look around the garden every morning after breakfast (eggs on avocado dill rye toast). I wish I could get my hands on good marble rye, I'm a fool for it.   I love how the Tillandsia look in August, the warmth plus daily shower has them so robust. Unlike everything else in front that feels overgrown, slightly scorched & crazy! Evidence.  I can barely get the green bin through here. The big removal of cherry tree, Oleanders, rosemary, etc is at a standstill. I met with a fence guy yesterday - I can easily shake that shorter section to & fro.  I think a good winter wind would take it down.  Now is the perfect time to have it replaced before I start planting. Blahsville. I'm dying to get my hands dirty and re-do this area.   C...
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Steals & Deals

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Earlier this week, Cactus Jungle sent out an email blast "STORE IS CLOSING". Everything is 40% off, including plants, fixtures, rare plants -everything except their soils.  I hate to see it go, it was always a must stop when I make the Berkeley nursery circuit.   I didn't want to wait, but of course everything is better with fellow plants enthusiasts.   So Saturday morning, I was off to Berkeley to get Sophia & Ivan.  *Cute orchid blooming @ their house. There were way less parking spots available than usual, we parked a block away & rushed in.  It was fairly busy, I was happy to see lots of inventory still available. And everything was 40% off as promised.  They have another store in Marin that will remain up & running.  Their lease was not renewed in Berkeley.  I hope that couple found a plant to take home.  I promised myself when I left home, "not buying anything unless it's super cool".  ...Oh, hello?!  doi...
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