Wacky Weather
Caught these clouds just prior to another intense storm.
Annuals shiver
So, I basically have to set-up the delivery date for "Summer" annuals in Feb. We have one client who has a Memorial Day parade. So I can't logistically practice what I preach, which is: Honor our last frost day. Don't plant until Memorial Day. Temps predicted to go down to 35F tonight.
Right after delivery...
Right after I arranged cases for five clients and by sun & shade
Had These Morels
When same client made them Thursday for my best working lunch yet. Also included asparagus straight from her garden. Lucky me!
Happy Mother's Day!
A client tweaked this photo I took.
I hope all of the moms get a moment off the job and can enjoy some time today flying, rather than sitting on, with their young.
Superb Nature Writing
Wow! If the recommendations are anywhere as good as the tributes written for them, this Gardian article is a goldmine!http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/30/country-files-nature-writers-books-inspired-them?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+main+NEW+H+categories&utm_term=169790&subid=7923725&CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2
Reminded of these classics: Olmsted, Jensen & Messervy
Almost Morel Season
I came across this photo from almost a year ago. The mushrooms are from a client's garden. One can only hope for more this May.
Happy Earth Day and Passover, plus Purple for Prince...
Let us all do our part, no matter what religion or not, to resanctify, Mother Earth.
Others have expressed most eloquently what we lost with Prince's death. For me, his inspiring capacity to manifest diverse creativity & humanity in a sensory beat, will always endure.
White Narcissus
Rare that I bring blooms inside from the garden. I think of the plants as a community share. But this one was with a bunch of creamy daffodils and it bugged me.
Plants & War
This article reminded me of one of the best books ever: DEFIANT GARDENS by Kenneth Helphand (about gardens maintained during war):
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/04/10/world/asia/afghan-general-plants-flowers-in-helmand-but-taliban-lurk.html?emc=edit_ee_20160410&nl=todaysheadlines-europe&nlid=73000484&_r=0&referer=
No Poppies available for pix, so this lovely Gerber Daisy stands in...
Dan Kiley
His Art Institute of Chicago garden, from the 60s I think, has aged well.
Even though: too much lawn for me.
Ground & Sky Plane
En route to a client mtg., I saw some plants included in my concept drawings, blooming their little hearts out.
Then afterwards, in a small courtyard section of the landscape, I took this shot to remind myself of the "roof."
Spring Reminder
As produce comes into season, here in the Midwest, heed old, but still relevant postcard by Stella Marrs http://www.stellamarrs.com/ws_catalog/results.php?type=category&cat=7
More Spring at Home
These crocus were planted among the Gro-Low Sumac about 15 yrs ago. I love to watch passerbys bending over them.
The Far Woods
Check out all the creative & green offerings by the Montenegro sisters, Nina & Sonya (native Evanstonians): https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFarWoods
Roberto Burle Marx
I have been following recent posts onMOMA's Instagram: #seeingthroughphotographs. The current focus is Brazilians, most of whom are unfamiliar to me and most of which I like.
This, of course, reminds me of the great Landscape Architect, Roberto Burle Marx. Here is an interesting article on him. I noted that several of the photos were taken by Richard Hartlage, a contemporary landscape designer I admire.
An Unexpected Gift
Today, I happened to walk by (in a neighborhood distant from my home & my office), the first garden I did in 1998. Kneeling in front of these crocus, was a mother, pointing them out to her young child. It was very poignant, symbolic and gratifying. How lucky I am to work with people & the earth.
My Brain Still in Spanish!
Confused March with May. Both start with "Ma." Saw green & leapt to Mother's Day...here is another early bloomer: Pulmonaria mollis.
Green Growth for Mother's Day
Evanston greeted me upon return from Guatemala with sone harbingers of Spring!
Snowdrops
First Scilla
Old & new foliage of Hellebore
Daffodils
Arnold's Promise Witch Hazel. Survivor of Tough Love: I did no supplemental waterng during summer droughts of 2013 & 2014. And our soil is former lakebed: pure sand.
