Hmm....what could this be?

Driving around with what looks like an illegal, but potentially profitable specimen in the back seat! Alright plant geeks, what do I really have?

Halloween Highlights

I didn’t have much time to do anything too elaborate, but I was tempted to at
least carve a pumpkin! It’s been years since I’ve done it, so I thought I’d give it
a try and it turned out alright.







Even after lining the driveway with candles to encourage trick or treaters, we just had one group of neighborhood kids come by. What made my evening was this little boy who said, “I really like your garden!”


At a client’s home, he went all out to decorate his large specimen of
Edgeworthia chrysantha!

Ok, so I caved and got one...

Schizostylis coccinea 'Torero' at Wells Medina Nursery. Awfully tempting, isn't it?

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Sea of fallen red leaves at work

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Visiting the garden of a famous plant explorer.

What a treat it was to join my colleagues at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens for a grand tour and visit to a one of a kind landscape: the garden and home of plant explorer Dan Hinkley and his partner, architect extraordinaire, Robert Jones, who designed their amazing home.

I've posted my photos on my Flickr page, but here are some highlights of the trip:

Windcliff is the name they've dubbed for their property and it is a true horticultural delight. Arriving at the gate, I was greeted by a sign that brought a smile to my face:



The Entrance:



The Funky Blue and Gold Gunnera:



The Front Door:



The Hardy Schefflera:



A Garden Path:



The Edible Garden (winter crops behind and beds prepped for spring planting):




Scenes of the stunning landscape and house overlooking Puget Sound:







So, I sort of ditched the tour that Dan was leading and shot some videos I posted on YouTube.

Here's one clip:



It's been awhile since I saw Dan and it was really great to see him and his garden evolve.

He made an effort to embarrass me as someone pointed out a Begonia he got from me:



"Oh, where's Riz? That's one of his plants. Each time I see it, it reminds me of him."

Everyone: "Awwwwwwwwwww"

Dan: "And I think of him more fondly as my dog walks by it, lifts his leg and...."


Oh Dan, I will so get you for that, biotch!

The flight of the painted busy lizzie

I had to bring it inside to allow the buds to from and eventually bloom, but this species Impatiens from Africa has captured my attention.

My original plant came from Mr. Impatiens himself, Derick Pitman, but I also got a start from deGro Flower and Garde Nursery here in Puyallup, Washington.








Too tired to write up a wordy post. Check out this website for more gorgeous pics and information about this rare plant.