Susan Morrison's Blog, page 4

Colorful California-Native Perennials

Because many California natives go summer-dormant without supplemental water, there's a little joke that still makes the rounds in California horticultural circles: if you want to plant natives, you better learn to like the color brown. But anyone who enjoyed this year's Bringing Back the Natives Tour in Contra Costa and Alameda counties was treated to a bevy of blooms in colors ranging from richly-hued blues to brilliant oranges and baby-soft pinks. Here are a few of the perennials and annua...

Book Review: The 50 Mile Bouquet

As a garden designer, the word sustainable has been a part of my lexicon for quite some time now, and as a dedicated foodie, I’m a regular at my local farmers markets, where I know the benefits to be had from choosing organic produce, cage-free eggs and grass-fed beef. But it wasn’t until I met Debra Prinzing and learned about her passion for seasonal, locally grown flowers that I thought to apply these ideas to the floral trade.

The 50 Mile Bouquet: Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers is...

Garden Designers Roundtable: The Visionary Ruth Bancroft Garden

Today the Garden Designers Roundtable is celebrating gardens from all over the world. And it just so happens that one of the most beloved public gardens in California is located right down the street from me.

In the 1950’s, Ruth Bancroft paid a visit on Mrs. Glenn Davidson, expecting to purchase some Asian collectibles. Instead, she went home with her first succulent, a hybrid Aeonium. Captivated by its allure, she proceeded to spend the second half of her life creating one of North America’s...

Wordless Wednesday: A Visit to Playful Digs in Napa

 

Last week I had the privilege of speaking at Playful Digs garden shop in Napa. How cute is this store?

 

 

Birdhouses made out of books

 

Cool succulent art

 

In the window

 

 

Good advice

 

The actual presentation was held upstairs. ss ss A good turnout, considering the pouring rain!

 

Mimi Glavin, owner of Playful Digs and new friend, had everything set up so nicely for the book signing.

 

As always, hanging out and signing books after the presentation is the best part! Thanks for the opportunity and a ...

Growing Tomatoes in Containers

Slow Roasted Cherry Tomato Pesto. For more delicious tomato recipes, check out From Seed to Table

According to my mother, when I was very young I once ate so many tomatoes that I developed a temporary allergic reaction. This story may be true, or it may just be her way of discouraging me from filching the last few heirlooms from her garden when production winds down in September. Either way, my love of tomatoes continues to this day, and I look forward to tomato season the way a bargain...

Roundup - Garden Book Giveaways

In the mood to up your gardening game but short on cash this spring? Fortunately, publishers and bloggers are being more than generous with giveaways this year, so your chances of scoring at least one freebee are better than average. Here's what I found on a quick tour of some favorite blogs:

Edibles Contest

Timber Press and Peaceful Valley are offering a plethora of goodies here, including organic seeds and five edible gardening books! Contest ends March 23. As an added bonus, I finally...

Book Review: Small-Space Container Gardens

Instead of my usual attempt at a witty opening sentence, for once I'm cutting right to the chase: I absolutely love Small-Space Container Gardens: Transform Your Balcony, Porch, or Patio with Fruits, Flowers, Foliage, and Herbs!

Written by Fern Richardson, author of the hugely popular blog Life on the Balcony, Small-Space Container Gardens covers just about everything you want to know about container gardening. Filled with useful information, but written in a relaxed, chatty style, it's a...

Grab Bag - Vertical Gardening, Blogging...and Spa Products?

 It's been a year since Garden Up! Smart Vertical Gardening for Small and Large Spaces came out, but instead of slowing down, vertical gardening keeps gaining momentum. In the past year I've spoken to garden clubs and symposiums across the country on the topic, with an emphasis on how home gardeners can easily and affordably add vertical elements to their own gardens. Most of the talks are closed to the general public, but the following Northern California venues are open to all:

 

Playful...

Garden Designers Roundtable: Creating an Entry Sequence

Have you ever heard the saying "You never get a second chance to make a first impression"? Not only does this wise advice apply to job interviews or the first day of school, but it applies to your home as well. A front yard is more than just a green area separating your house from the sidewalk; it's a multifunctional space that marks the transition from the outdoors to the indoors, a place to great visitors and to say your good-byes and an opportunity to complement your home. This week, the a

Book Review: Beautiful No-Mow Yards

In 2007, I designed my first no-lawn back yard. I would have welcomed advice on design strategies or plant options, but at the time, a book like that wasn't even a gleam in a publisher's eye. So you can imagine how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to review Evelyn Hadden's newest book,  Beautiful No-Mow Yards: 50 Amazing Lawn Alternatives (Timber Press 2012).

Following a wonderful forward by fellow Lawn Reform Coalition member Susan Harris and a terrific introduction where Evelyn...