I was pairing some newly acquired succulents with containers I had kicking around, and discovered that one plant in particular, Euphorbia meloformis, looks great in just about anything. It’s symmetry, ridges, stripes and red-green-brown hues make it the Naomi Campbell of succulents. Similar to spherical Euphorbia obesa (baseball plant), Euphorbia meloformis is whimsical, visually appealing, easy to grow, [...]
For nearly a decade, I covered homes, gardens, architecture and design for the San Diego Union-Tribune, visiting the city’s (and sometimes Southern CA’s) most gorgeous homes. One of the most memorable was Barbra Streisand’s multi-house compound in Malibu (she has since moved, and no, I didn’t meet her). I own the article’s copyright, so for [...]
I seldom reveal my spiritual side, even to those whose conversations are full of “blessings.” Much has happened since I wrote this, but I wouldn’t change a word. People said my recent post “My Circuitous Route to Writing Success” took courage. My honest response: Not as much as this one! Garden Psalm April, 2000 The Creator of the Universe awaited my [...]
When Designing with Succulents became a bestseller in 2007, few people knew what was really going on with me. I’m sharing it now because it might encourage others to persevere through difficult times. A bit of backstory: For half my life, I didn’t live up to my potential due to fear of failure. A highly [...]
I As I sailed past him one mild January day, trowel in hand, I announced to my husband Jeff my intent to stay home this spring instead of going on tour. “I’m done with delayed flights and sleeping in airports,” I said. “I’m going to have people come here instead.” I quickly realized the garden needed a LOT of work. It reflected [...]