Revel in spring blooms with these native wildflowers growing by the ocean near San Francisco. Mori Point is a 32 acre (13 hectare) park in Pacifica, California with stunning coastal views. It’s part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which encompasses much of Pacific coastline outside the Golden Gate. Dave and I recently took […]
At this time of year, the Northern California coast is full of blue flowers. They’re not orchids, but they’re one of my favorites nonetheless. California Lilacs, or Ceanothus, are a North American genus, with many species native to California. They’re a staple of local gardens, currently blossoming in front yards, on hillsides, next to parking […]
Bromeliads don’t have the fame and glamour of orchids, but they’re fascinating, beautiful, and easy to grow. Some have otherworldly flower spikes, with remarkable shapes reminiscent of exploding fireworks or fantastic creatures. Others have foliage with spectacular variegation that provides year-round color. Bromeliad flowers are often tiny and fleeting, but their stunningly colorful bracts can […]
In The Guardian, British botanist James Wong offers tips on figuring out if that rare plant you’re buying is illegal. Rare plants, including endangered orchids, are taken from the wild by unscrupulous sellers. It’s illegal, and contributes to extinctions. In addition, wild plants are unlikely to survive in cultivation. So how can responsible gardeners know […]
Fuchsias have lots of flower power, and are perennial garden favorites for humans and hummingbirds. They feature charming blooms which dangle like bells in soft pastel colors, or bright reds, pinks, or purples. They’re great companion plants for orchids, too. Our fuchsias, shown in the first two photos above, grow happily in the sun alongside […]
It’s well-established that gardening is good for our health, and a new British study augments the evidence. Researchers from the University of Exeter and the Royal Horticultural Society analyzed data from almost 8,000 people. The study found the benefits of gardening to health and wellbeing were similar to the difference in health between people living […]
As we continue to shelter in place and stay close to home, Dave and I have been taking walks around nearby neighborhoods, and enjoying great Pacifica gardens. Of course, we follow public health guidelines, keeping a safe distance, and wearing masks when we’re near other people, but these areas aren’t crowded, so it’s easy. While […]
Our spring garden is racing along and full of flowers. The winter rains were light, but it was apparently enough to make things burst into growth. The photos begin with a few outdoor orchids in the first row. There’s my favorite fragrant Zygo, a vigorous Australian Sarcochilus, and a stunning Cymbidium species, all thriving in […]
In my first post about RHS Garden Wisley, I focused on orchids, but there was certainly plenty more to enjoy. There’s only one more orchid in this post, a Stanhopea in the first picture. Stanhopeas are known for their bizarre but short-lived flowers, only lasting a few days. We certainly were lucky to find so […]
The Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) is one of the most popular gardens in the world. Founded in 1859, it’s played a pivotal role in Singapore’s orchid industry, but there’s more than orchids in its 203 acres (82 hectares.) This tropical paradise is home to the National Orchid Garden, and also a Ginger Garden, Children’s Garden, […]
You are currently browsing the archives for the General Gardening category.
