Billburgia nutans
BROMELIACEAE, The Bromeliad family
In the same family as pineapple and air plants, this striking houseplant (hardy in the garden in zone 10,) is also called Angel’s tears and Friendship plant. It is native to Brazil. It blooms in winter and may go dormant in summer. It likes a cool room, but is supposedly tolerant […]

ERICACEAE, THE Heath family
This planter was my favorite of the 14 I made for the show this year. It is called the ‘Strata planter’ because it is like geological layers, but also it is like cake. It is mostly made of jewel tone succulents, with some leafy rich colored things like Bunchberry, Cornus canadensis, in […]

Sedum ‘Blaze of Fulda’
CRASSULACEAE, The Stonecrop family
Today is the last day of The Yard, Garden and Patio show in Portland. The whole display garden, 50′ x 50′ (the largest at the show and the biggest that the company has made), was created in four days by a remarkable crew. It is enjoyed for three days, […]

Sempervivum ‘Commander Hay’
CRASSULACEAE, The Sedum family
Inspired by a recent Sustainable Design symposium in Seattle, where I heard a speaker on green roofs and walls, I am creating a “green sign”. It is 3′ by 5′, with a cedar frame and copper finials. Today I planted it with Danae’s help, and left it to settle, horizontally.