Odd to think that while in most parts of America -- the temperatures are starting to cool down... In Australia things are warming up! It's spring time! My good friend Anthony lives in Sydney, Australia -- and he just sent me snapshots of his family's place and the native springtime flora starting to bloom.
Living in Southern California I have grown to love Australian natives. ...they grow so well here in our mediterranean climate. One of my favorites being grevillea.
Anthony sent pics of grevilleas, Australian tree ferns, waratahs (a new one for to me -- and I love it!) and even orchids!
Plant Fact: The 'cap' of the acorn is called an Involucre.
Fall is approaching! My favorite season. Soon the mighty oaks of the South and East Coast will start to turn their subtle autumnal hues..... temperatures will cool and the acorns with drop... peppering the ground -- Squirrel heaven!
As a horticulturist... and plant lover -- is it wrong of me to have a FAVORITE flower? I can't help myself. Gloriosa Lily stops me in my tracks every time.... the flower itself is what excites me! Bright red and the form is crazy -- inside out and upside down! Gloriosa makes a beautiful cutflower and is long lasting!
What flower excites you?
That's our latest discussion on Facebook. Click here to 'Like' our Facebook page and join the discussion!
Gloriosa superba -- picture taken in the courtyard of a past client
'Read more' to see what flower excites our Facebook follower Jamie.....
Ironic that our first Plant Fact doesn't involve a plant? Well... recently, I saw a beautiful patch of lichen here in San Diego and snapped a photo ...got me thinking -- What is this stuff? The snapshot also reminded me of a trip I made to the New York Botanical Gardens where they had an exhibit: Lichens of the Ozarks.
I grew up in Arkansas near the Ozark Mountains and according to the NYBG exhibit -- the Ozarks have the most diverse collection of lichen in the world.
As a child, I always loved running out into the woods and playing with all of Mother Nature's toys... and in mind -- moss and lichens are some of her best!
So, what is this stuff? Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic association of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner such as algae.*
Want learn more about the NYBG exhibit: Lichens of the Ozarks? ...click here!
It's here! I love the day that Elle Decoration arrives in the mail -- Its an UK publication from the very fashionable Elle group.
My sister treats me to this publication and its a wonderful gift! It's not typically sold in the US -- making it a bit of a struggle for her to get me the subscription. Oh... and she reminds me! But...THANK YOU SISSY!
So, if you love styling interiors.... or design in general -- deal with a lil struggle and treat yourself -or- a loved one to Elle Decoration. It's the ultimate design gift!
Jason grew up in California, Italy and North Carolina. He spent most of his childhood in NC -- a true southern boy at heart. After graduating from NC State -- Jason lived two years in Las Vegas working in resident planning and garden design... he now resides in San Diego. Jason lives on an Avocado farm in Fallbrook, CA and works at Cedros Gardens in the design district of Solana Beach -- Nurseryman by day and an Avocado Farmer by night! Jason is a talented horticulturist and I am lucky to have him as a personal friend.... I'm very excited he is joining the Teal Green Madonna team as our guest Blogger!
I love Farmer's Markets. My Hillcrest neighborhood in San Diego has a great one on Sundays. Below are pictures I snapped during my last visit. Visit sites like www.localharvest.org to find a local Farmer's Market in your area!
Already -- this week, my sister has a pumpkin at her front door! She sent me pictures of her new home in Fayetteville, Arkansas --- and I got so tickled at the sight of seeing one lonely pumpkin at her new front door. Click Here to see the picture on facebook!
Is it time for pumkins? ...a lil too early right?
But, never to early to blog about them! I love pumpkins, crave them. Below is one of my favorite photos of ALL TIME. ....followed by snapshots of some of my favorite pumpkin varieties. Whats yours? -- don't forget to cast your vote in our poll!
One of my ALL TIME favorite photos. Pictured in Martha Stewart Living a few years back.
