In spring you notice all the flowering trees that have been hiding in plain sight for the rest of the year. Right now, the striking Kousa dogwoods or Cornus kousa, are strutting their stuff, with large, white, four-petaled flowers that boast green centers. The trees are anonymous to all but their most loyal followers three … Read more
My county has some of the loveliest public parks around, with long, winding roads, beautiful trees and winsome water features. The paths through these parks are among my favorite walking routes. I was out walking not long ago and spotted a clump of yellow flag iris or Iris pseudacorus on the edge of a large, … Read more
I have columbine or Aquilegia vulgaris growing in my garden—and occasionally in the grass, rock wall crevices, cracks between pavers, and just about anywhere else that that is home to more than an atom of soil. I regard this as a blessing, because most of them are self sown specimens that flourish with absolutely no … Read more
There may be some people who don’t love peonies. Fortunately I don’t know them. Ever since the first red tips of peony sprouts popped up a few weeks ago, I have been waiting impatiently for the day when they burst into big flamboyant blooms. Then I will say, “Damn the ants; full speed ahead,” and … Read more
Everyone loves wildflowers. Several weeks ago, when a wildflower “super bloom” occurred in a small section of southern California desert, tourist volume swelled to gargantuan size and the internet went crazy. It is a reassuring sign that we have not completely lost touch with the natural world. Despite all that love, wildflowers are disappearing in … Read more
