Hydrangea for Espalier

The hydrangea make a perfect espalier on my back patio lattice. The flowers are now in full bloom.

White Is Just Right In My Garden.

As I have mentioned many times, I have a green garden. That means many colors of green. Accents of white always work best with green shrubbery. I have thought of bringing color into the garden and as the summer progresses I do have plans for punches of color but the white always works with many of the subtle colors I have growing in spots of the garden. I will share when they mature.

After the Rain Comes The Sun!

The Best part of California rain is the California sun that comes after. The garden Sparkles.

The Rain Helps California Gardens.

This morning I awoke to much needed rain. I am not complaining; this has been a nice fall for "sprinkles." The gardens are very appreciative and so are we. This will give strong roots for the winter.

Bunny Alert!

An early morning visitor to the garden. What a treat to see them explore as I sip my morning coffee and plan the day.

The Beauty of Italian Teracotta!

The beauty of Italian Teracotta. The right pot can make the right plant look beautiful or just OK. I cherish my pots and use them from year to year and even change the plants in the containers. I also like to bring some of them indoors, like this classic Urn which I have had for many years. You will see this and its' companion move around my house to add interest in many different spots.

Flowers in the Heat

Don't let the heat get you down. The flowers seem to be holding up to it all; especially the succulents. They still need a bit of water especially the roses. We are conserving and they seem to be getting by on just the regular two day water restriction.

Tomatoes Italian Style for Summer.

Tomatoes from the garden are the best. Now is the time to savor all kinds, sizes and colors and mix them with fresh Italian mozzarella. I like to use the little "ciliegine" with a touch of rich, virgin olive oil, a small amount of French mustard, fresh basil and my secret ingredient and few splashes of Worcestershire sauce. Yum!

The classic reds with salt and pepper and basil with drizzled olive oil also great any time of the year.

A New Color Oleander Has Bloomed!

I discovered this double, peach color oleander in the courtyard this morning and I must say I have never seen one like this. If anyone knows more about this variety please let me know. What a treat it is as you enter the motor court.

Summer is almost hear but not quite in Southern California. The Topiaries in the courtyard are in various shades of green, beautiful and the "Yellow Rose of Texas" is standing tall with a marvelous fragrance, so unusual for California roses.

What's growing in the garden!

This morning it is all about the hydrangeas and the subtle colors going from blues to pinks and a sort of antique look. Large petals and small hydrangeas are the perfect mix for roses and scented geraniums with a touch of variegated mint. It is all out there this morning waiting to be picked.

New Roses Arrive.

New Roses arrive. These climbers Meiviolin climbers are the most "antique" looking roses I have seen in a while. There are deep rich green leaves and a hardy nature to these climbers just in time for Mother's Day. The perfect accent for my studio/office.

Spring Garden Ideas

Getting ready for summer entertaining. The Corner at the end of the pool with Sunbrella cloth and Accents of France lattice will be the location for many lunches. The baskets of begonias on the back trellis have been newly planted and will grow into "flower balls" which are especially effective at night when we light candle lanterns.

The Witchford pottery hand thrown pots I filled with succulents and crisp white Elysium. They are at the entrance to the pool. Always fun to prepare the garden for summer visitors.