Azalea in Bloom

This beauty is blooming in my neighbors' garden. A great color for February.

Cactus, Pretty in Pink

There is a trail near my home which is lush with vegetation. This vegetation has to be draught tolerant because there is not irrigation here except what comes out of the skies (--rain!). When walking today, my friend and I saw something pink a bit off the trail. Its mate was nearby, a little green with envy, I think.

Rosemary in Bloom

I noticed over the weekend that the rosemary is blooming. I really like when rosemary is removed from the herb garden and takes its place as an evergreen shrub in a border garden. The flowers are delicate but the folliage's fragrance is so aromatically robust. Just being near the plant to snap this photo has left my clothing with the spicy pungent smell.

Rose Hips

I love finding fully developed rose hips on my rose bushes. I like the color of these two I found in the garden this weekend.

Why We Love Nandina

Who cannot love nandina? Look at the color it adds to the landscape.

Early Bloomer--Pink INDIAN HAWTHORN

In the spring, my pink hawthorns burst into bloom. This little flower got a jump on the rest of the flowers.

Red Lettuce

The very warm, sunny days are encouraging a lush growth of lettuce in my garden. The lettuce is also threatening to bolt! Yikes. Don't do it.

Is this a fern?

This foliage is in my garden in several places. When doing a little gardening this week, I noticed it had some beautiful red and green berries. I wish I knew what plant it was. Maybe someone has a clue?

I received a comment which sounds very knowledgeable. The "Germinatrix" reports this fern to be Asparagus densiflora meyersii. Thanks for your input.

Cactus in Bloom

Prickly but pretty. My cactus is blooming. Looks like there are a few more blooms ready to burst in a week or so.

Narcissus, Forcing the Bulb

Every year I swoop into Restoration Hardware after the holidays. They usually have some of their kits for forcing narcissus. I set mine up about six days ago. Now the bulb has started to grow, so it will just be a short while until I can enjoy a little early burst of spring in the house.

Frost Kills Tomato Plant

Here is the result of the cold weather we had last week in California. While temps are a bit warmer now, I am finding it cozier to stay inside. Really I should go out to the garden and clean up this mess.

Orchids in Bloom

I have never had success getting orchids to bloom a second time. I have one orchid which has been in my home for five years and not a bloom.

However, I have a way around this problem. I let the nurseries do the work and enjoy their blooms as they come from the nursery. These colors are fantastic.

Mocking Cold Temps, Ornamental Kales Thrive

Here is a stunning garden bed hanging out this winter covered in a frilly white ornamental kale. This plant can take the nippy cold nights we have had this week. As many gardeners (and consumers) are aware, California is experiencing record cold temps at night. Many citrus crops are suffering and will be reflected in grocery costs in the coming months.

It's All About Perspective

Here's what I have discovered about flowers. If you view them from five feet seven inches away, you are going to miss out on some of the magic. This bloom is downward facing, forcing one to bend deeply to really enjoy its beauty.