Garden Alphabet: Epiphyllum
Epiphyllum Epiphyllum (pron.: /ˌɛpɨˈfɪləm/;[2] “upon the leaf” in Greek) is a genus of 19 species of epiphytic plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to Central America. Common names Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Oleander (Nerium)
Oleander (Nerium) Nerium oleander /ˈnɪəriəm ˈoʊliː.ændər/[3] is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, potentially toxic in all its parts. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. It is most Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) Another in what I classify as the “alien” plants that grow here in Southern California. They do look so other-worldly, exotic and fascinating. We see a Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Basil
Basil Few things are as important in western cooking a basil. With a Sicilian-American wife to feed — and as an Italian food lover myself — we are always struggling Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Geranium
Geranium This pot of geraniums was given to us as a housewarming present 18 years ago and continues to bloom constantly at the end of of our porch. I have Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Agave americana
Agave americana These agave are prominent all over the Southwest and used extensively in desert landscapes and even in the middle of lawns. Their large size and fairly long life Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) A little early in the season, perhaps, but this poinsettia photo comes from a collection of photos I took in 2002. I often return to my archives Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Olive (near Morgantina, Sicily)
Olive (near Morganitina, Sicily) Three years ago we visited the ancient Greek (later Roman) city of Morgantina. We ate our pranza (lunch) under this olive tree that shaded the parking Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Rosa ‘JFK’ from my garden
Rosa ‘JFK’ from my garden These JFK roses were planted by the previous owners of the property and we have kept the going in the ensuing 18 years. We also Continue Reading
Garden Alphabet: Zinnia
Zinnia Some more flowers from Francesca’s garden in Mascalucia, Sicily These zinnia grow in pots dotted about the patio and thrive. As you can see from the photos, the bees Continue Reading