My friend Kate just sent me a link to this inspiring Minnesota Public Radio slideshow and article on Botanical Paintings of the Dalai Lama’s Garden that are on exhibit at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The artist studied at the Minnesota School of Botanical Art and now lives in India where she paints flowers […]

Slender Deutzia
I passed this Japanese shrub in the nursery today and made a note to myself to use it in a design. The opportunity came up shortly when a neat new client asked for a small cottage garden design with flowering shrubs that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and she likes blues and purples.
This low […]

Considering all the other ridiculous things people grow as annuals in places where they aren’t hardy, why not Restios? Some are hardy to zone 7, but even those that are decidedly more tropical could vie for attention with the tender architechtural plants that are currently hot.
I’ve only seen these in periodicals, but several species […]

Malus domestica
ROSACEAE, The Rose family
A new favorite! A medium size, late-ish apple (mid October) with clear green-gold skin, a rusty blush and beautiful reddish lenticels. It is sweet and slightly tart.
I chose it as one to serve at the studio show because it resists browning when cut. I was delighted with the flavor and texture, […]

Crape myrtle
LYTHRACEAE, The Loosestrife family
Fun facts about Crape myrtle:
1) They have gorgeous fall color!
2) They are in the same family as Lawsonia, the source of henna, Cuphea, a group of popular ornamental annuals, and Lythrum, genus of the dreaded purple loostrife.

Vitis vinifera
VITACEAE, The Vine family
It was a nice weekend in Seattle:
Yuko and her friend Zach took us to Woodinville for wine tasting. It was a beautiful misty day- perfect fall colors. First we went to Chateau Ste. Michelle, where there were peacocks on the lawn. The tour guide reminded me of Liz Lemon. One of […]

Horse Chestnut
HIPPOCASTANACEAE, The Horse Chestnut family
Volunteer Park has a winding road lined with Horse chestnut trees. The nuts were falling all over the ground (they are not edible). Michael and I had a nice time there today, walking among the beeches, cedars and glowing katsuras. The dahlia garden is fun to look at. The Asian […]