tz_garden

hoping everyone has a great week, celebrating and indulging a bit! I'm thrilled to have lots of time with my core 5 plus extended family.  I wanted to share that the front garden renovation list has had a big project knocked off!  I can't find a before photo (will I ever learn?) to show the size- let's pretend this Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip tree is in my yard.  About 44' tall. * Google images Of course, the leaves have fallen -large leaves which actually makes them easier to deal with.  However, the tree  didn't fit in with my cactus & succulent plans for the area. While the flowers were pretty, they were all so high in the sky you couldn't see them. Still, thank you tree. First plan of attack, Ivan used the extension saw to take off as many bulky branches as possible. After he had taken a few branches off, he reminded me I might want a photo, lol.  Ivan in action, I couldn't have come close to getting these way up there branches.  We were cle...

Basically I'm going overboard with winter protection in zone 9b. Our lowest winter temp (that I can remember) was 26° for a few hours in early morning hours.  Typically in the "winter" (December-February)  our high is 62°/low 40°.  It's really a few rainy days followed by a cold morning freeze that can cause damage or sudden death. And what else would I do with myself if I couldn't fuss around outside, time in the sunshine is always better than mopping floors & cleaning toilets :).  So, as I posted a week ago - I was setting up winter shop in front of the garage.  It dawned on me, what the heck am I doing - I have a mostly empty greenhouse?!  Look at the sad state of affairs! This greenhouse probably has a year or two left in it's brittle plastic walls.  After, not really cleaned up so much as filled up! It's difficult to lift big pots over the lip of the bottom door, but I managed to heave the tri-headed Pachypodium lamerei up & inside.  ...

 at the Ruth Bancroft sidewalk sale?   GERHARD of succulentsandmore fame!   New sidewalk planting, well new to me. The first time I visited the garden was March 24, 2013.  After our move from Portland to (briefly) Santa Clara, then to Livermore, CA.  I was completely floored by the visit. It changed the way I wanted to garden.  I found this photo of our first visit.  My son Vincent collecting agave or aloe pups.  Time flies! We must have spent time exploring Walnut Creek, a week prior we visited  Lindsay Wildlife Rehab .   This grizzly bear attacked Vincent, thankfully Sophia was there to save him! Returning to present day, RBG had received it's last order from San Marcos Growers.  So many plants, they had to put a good amount in the parking lot.  25% off.  #1 on my list, Aloidendron  'Samson'  a striking tree aloe . The following blurb from San Marcos Growers website:   This hybrid between the ver...

 We're getting some rain today, which is good - the ground is as dry as can be.  I started some early winter prep, the outdoor dining table is full of an assortment of aloes, agaves, etc. I can't (and don't need)to fit everything in the greenhouse for Jan/Feb - this alcove and couch area are a hot spot in my garden.  Dr. Feelgood can attest, a favorite nap area. Cat microclimate.  The back with its southern exposure is decidedly warmer than the front.  Aloe pictifolia, this one has really grown on me.  Can be a little frost sensitive, so will keep in a pot.   So I packed up the white couch cushions & stacked them in the garage.  Set up that white table next to the house. A metal rack arrived this morning to elevate the pots from the table... so I didn't get them all switched over in anticipation of that. Wood dining table will be covered and umbrella put away. More to do... I went out this morning to get some rainy garden shots. From the ...