What comes first for you, the plant or the pot? For me it’s usually the pot. When a friend presents me with a special pot, it’s a given that I’ll plant it with succulents. But I don’t always know what will look good in it. So I ask the pot what it wants. I take [...]
Rebecca Sweet
42 Top Seeds for 2013 ~From Some Favorite Gardeners and Seed Sources
February 2, 2013 – Posted in: Seeds, Sustainable GardeningI’m a seed-aholic. No matter how hard I try to control myself, each winter I can’t resist experimenting with new introductions. Oh yes, and I must have another variety of amaranths, nicotianas…or whatever. I convince myself that it’s inexpensive ~ after all, another $2.75 spent on what will surely be dozens of beautiful flowers …and [...]
Succulent Extravaganza Recap
October 4, 2012 – Posted in: Garden Adventures, SucculentsSee the seahorse? It’s sempervivums planted in vertical panels. This was one of many lovely and unusual sights at the second annual Succulent Extravaganza at Succulent Gardens nursery in Castroville, CA last week. A terrace at the nursery is planted with Agave ‘Blue Glow’ (foreground) and Agave ‘Blue Flame’ (background). One-third of my forthcoming book, [...]
New Sunset Western Garden Book Giveaway
March 20, 2012 – Posted in: MiscellaneousCongratulations to our winners! All have been notified by email: Paul from Palm Springs, CA, whose favorite plant is Justicia california (chuperosa). Shirley from San Antonio, TX, whose favorite plant is Texas mountain laurel. Lise from Bonny Doon, CA, who loves hellebores and antique roses, and who dreams of tomatoes. Candy from Roseville, CA, whose [...]
What Our Mothers Taught Us About Gardening and Life
December 5, 2011 – Posted in: Garden Design, Garden MusingsSeveral months ago I asked a few of my gardening friends to respond to a questionnaire. They generously agreed. The subject: Our Moms. It’s about the stories they’ve told us and how they’ve lived their lives, the impact they’ve had on us both in and out of the garden, and how they helped us get [...]