The Asters - The Fantastic Ones Known as Symphyotrichum

What’s blooming in my gardens in August?  The asters are starting to go.  Along with the already blooming Astromeria and Agapanthus.   This trio is divine.  The Astromeria has been blooming nonstop since April, maybe March. The Agapanthus since July.

My Garden at 375

Plant Profile: Lomelosia stellata (Scabiosa Starflower)

I saw a photo of this plant’s seedhead a few years ago and have wanted to work with it into my gardens ever since.  So I am very pleased to seed the first bloom.    

White flower (l) and seed head (r)

Dahlia Show - San Francisco Botanical Gardens

Although the Dahlia is the official flower of San Francisco, I find it difficult to grow well in my gardens. It is hard to look at all these gorgeous flowers and not want to try again. We will see.

Best in Show------->

My Favorites this year include Hollyhill Daydream, Verrone's Morning Star and Pam Howden.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nusery

 

Annie’s Annuals Nursery

 

2018 Dahlias Blooming

English Double Border in Small San Francisco Back Yard

This garden was planted in March of 2016.  It is barely 2 years 5 months old.   Second photo was taken on February 9, 2016.   The growth has been phenomenal.   Some of the new blossoms this month include Agapanthus, Aster x 2, Gladiolus and ...

Planting a Small Garden Tightly

This garden has three different faces or attitudes and all packed into a small 10 x 20 foot space.   The five round Pittosporum 'Golf Ball' really hold the mess together and help differentiate the three views.

What's blooming in August in the Fog?

Vitex agnus-castus with dots of white little pom-pom Dahlia 'Tiny Treasure'

FOG! The beginning of our second winter....

July is the start of our second winter when this massive blanket of fog engulfs The City.   From now through August and sometimes mid-way through September, we surrender to depression and extra coffee.  Soup is good too.  I use some of this time to travel.  The photo below is from my roof deck looking toward Castro showing just the top of Sutro Tower on Twins Peaks.  In foreground is the spire for The Mission Delores.   

Summer Vacation

Provincetown Mass., New York, Highline & East Hamptons....

Dahlia Show, San Francisco

California's Dahlia Society 2014 Flower Show at the Hall of Flowers in San Francisco. With more than 8 distinct forms and many more in a full spectrum of form only nature could make. Below are those that look outstanding to me.

Point Reyes National Seashore & Tomales Bay State Park, California

Point Reyes, Drakes Bay & Drakes Estero along the thin horizon.

Color Scheme

Here a few of my color schemes for 2013. Most are inspirations from the many plantings I saw in England.

Rosa 'Burgundy Iceburb' with oregano.