Recently when I addressed the Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society, I made the mistake of saying I don’t recommend that anyone grow cholla (pronounced “choy-ah”). I mean, look at it. Could there be a more unfriendly plant? Well, you’d think I’d insulted a favorite son.
It was the end of a long day. After seeing 8 other gardens in less than 48 hours, with some long stretches of traveling time, I was ready to pack it in. Walking into a graveled courtyard with a minimalistically styled residence, an orangery with a garden shop, a narrow, rectangular pool, surrounding light colored walls and large olive trees in sunken tubs, it was easy to imagine being[...]
While on the Malibu Garden Tour, I hoped for high-end gardens that incorporated my specialty: succulents (plants with juicy leaves and stems).
I am a light stalker with my camera. Finding the best time and the best light to photograph a garden factors into every shoot. These days I am challenging myself to bring sunlight into my photographs.
My garden, near San Diego, has been in Better Homes & Gardens, Sunset and the San Diego Union-Tribune, among others. Sunset was the first. I interested them by sending the editor this shot of my succulent sitting area.