https://gardenriots.com/2026/03/30/is-a-river-alive-on-the-rights-of-nature-an-adventure-story-and-a-shifting-of-the-dominant-paradigm/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/218569826.jpg2185698262026-03-31T15:01:52+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2026/03/13/tigers-between-empires/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9780374610982.jpg.webp9780374610982.jpg2026-03-13T18:59:55+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/07/14/on-the-danger-of-being-normal-and-exclusive-the-queer-diversity-and-its-essential-nature/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/reproduction-in-cellular-slime-molds-l.jpgreproduction-in-cellular-slime-molds-lhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/alternation_of_generations_simpler.svg_.pngAlternation_of_generations_simpler.svghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot2025-02-08at12.36.01e280afpm.pngScreenshot+2025-02-08+at+12.36.01 PM2026-03-04T20:42:24+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/02/03/on-ornamental-trees-and-the-remaking-unmaking-of-place-revising-the-city-of-redmonds-tree-list-part-1/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/oregon_average_annual_precipitation_1961-1990_map.pngOregon_Average_Annual_Precipitation_(1961-1990)_Maphttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/juniperus_woodward_gary_epstein.jpgJuniperus_Woodward_Gary_EpsteinPerhaps an odd tree to start this with, Juniperus scopulorum 'Woodward', a narrow, fastigiate form of Rocky Mtn. Juniper that, growing to a height of 20' with a 2'-3' spread can serve as a formal accent in colder climates like ours as a 'replacement' for the more tender Italian Cyperss.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/screen-shot-2025-01-25-at-12.32.30-pm.pngScreen Shot 2025-01-25 at 12.32.30 PMSalt Lake City, Utahhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/screen-shot-2025-01-25-at-12.31.42-pm.pngScreen Shot 2025-01-25 at 12.31.42 PMBoise, Idahohttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/screen-shot-2025-01-25-at-12.30.41-pm.pngScreen Shot 2025-01-25 at 12.30.41 PMDenver, Coloradohttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/screen-shot-2025-01-25-at-12.29.01-pm.pngScreen Shot 2025-01-25 at 12.29.01 PMRedmond, Oregon2026-02-28T02:38:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/02/03/on-ornamental-trees-and-the-remaking-unmaking-of-place-revising-the-city-of-redmonds-tree-list-part-2/2026-02-27T20:40:01+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2026/02/21/natures-ghosts-sophie-yeos-look-into-ecology-the-loss-of-species-and-habitat-in-a-world-that-is-more-than-mud-leaves-and-atoms/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/natures-ghosts.webpnatures-ghosts2026-02-21T17:29:08+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2026/02/11/redmons-dry-canyon-firewise-management-plan-a-critique-and-call-to-action/2026-02-13T15:58:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2026/02/06/the-eager-beaver-sociology-ecology-and-the-role-of-relationship-in-life-and-community/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/screen-shot-2026-02-06-at-1.21.33-pm.pngScreen Shot 2026-02-06 at 1.21.33 PMThis map is from the article, "Ecology, management, and conservation implications of North American beaver (Castor canadensis) in dryland streams" by Polly P. Gibson and Julian D. Olden of the University of Washington, published online in Wiley Online Library. It shows the estimated historic range of the beaver in the arid West, with an overlay which assigns the broader moisture regime. It is important to understand, obviously, that beaver were never evenly distributed on these lands, but were where water was sufficient. It is also important to note that the presence of beaver colonies increases the availability of water and evens out its seasonal variability expanding the beaver's range beyond what you might expect.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6836efe0166fe.jpg.webp6836efe0166fe.jpg2026-02-06T22:23:06+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2026/01/27/the-great-contradiction-the-tragic-side-of-the-american-founding-joseph-j-ellis/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/9780593801413.jpeg97805938014132026-01-28T05:24:58+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2026/01/21/the-emperor-of-all-maladies-mukherjees-look-into-our-relationship-with-cancer/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/7170627.jpg71706272026-01-21T21:41:44+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/03/01/the-seat-of-awareness-with-regard-to-plant-sensing-sentience-and-biological-intelligence/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a7ee4e55-d5b1-4050-8bd2-c059d850aff0.webpA7EE4E55-D5B1-4050-8BD2-C059D850AFF0https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_0872.jpegIMG_0872Polygala x dalamasiana a Zn 8 plant i grew in Portland which I grew in a pot and the ground, a plant closely related, but outside of the Pea Family, the Fabaceae.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_1666.jpegIMG_1666Passiflora miersii, a good tropical performer for me in Portland, here blooming outside in September before I brought it in for the winter.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_0709.jpegIMG_0709Pediocactus nigrispinus, a relatively rare cactus native to mid-elevations on hilltops in Central and parts of Eastern Oregon, on my list for my Redmond gardenhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_1466.jpegIMG_1466The hardy Yellow Flowered Banana, Musella lasiocarpa which I grew outside in Portlandhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_5215.jpegIMG_5215Passiflor oenderii that I grew in Portland. A tropical I brought inside over winter2026-01-09T22:33:27+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2026/01/05/on-rediscovering-the-world-weve-been-ignoring-an-introduction-to-the-life-sciences-and-our-need-for-it/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1537.jpegIMG_1537https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1538.webpIMG_15382026-01-05T21:58:46+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/12/29/transformer-the-deep-chemistry-of-life-and-death-a-review-and-thoughts-on-this-life/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/screen-shot-2025-12-26-at-11.03.27-am.pngScreen Shot 2025-12-26 at 11.03.27 AMhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/26a82140-33d7-42f1-8571-94a231e2b7b9.jpeg26A82140-33D7-42F1-8571-94A231E2B7B9Anomalocarishttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/screen-shot-2025-12-15-at-8.49.30-am.pngScreen Shot 2025-12-15 at 8.49.30 AMHallucigenia an extinct species from the Cambrian Explosion.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/adenosintriphosphat_protoniert.svg_.jpegAdenosintriphosphat_protoniert.svgATP, its three Phosphates shown linked on the left. When 'expended' one of these is released along with its electron which is used in a needed process.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/nick-lane-transformer-cover.jpg.jpgnick-lane-transformer-cover.jpghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2560px-carboxylic-acid.svg_.jpeg2560px-Carboxylic-acid.svgThe shorthand used by chemists. Here, the R represents where one of many other 'groups' may attach to the COOH- to form another molecule, the Carboxalic Acid being the essential foundation for all that follows.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/screen-shot-2025-12-05-at-2.08.09-pm.pngScreen Shot 2025-12-05 at 2.08.09 PMI include this as a more complete illustration of the Krebs or Citric Acid Cycle. Lane's is a considerably more simplified version of this. I include to give you some idea of the complexity of the process. Sugars aren't simply burned in cells to power an organism like gasoline in an engine.2025-12-30T03:30:29+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/01/31/every-life-is-on-fire-how-thermodynamics-explains-the-origins-of-living-things-a-review-and-a-deeper-look-into-the-fire-of-life/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/41ducxasits._sx329_bo1204203200_.jpg41dUcxasITS._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_2025-12-04T17:22:05+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/11/26/on-our-western-juniper-survey-in-redmonds-dry-canyon/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1343.jpegIMG_1343A young juniper, like most conifers, they tend to grow in a conical shape with a single leader generally evenly branched to the ground. they will maintain this form for many years of protected from fire other physical damage and are not crowded. With great age comes the character that many admire. This is due to harsh conditions.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1342.jpegIMG_1342Again below the west rim with many Spinley juniper’s. This hump has been attracting bikers and they’re creating new trails a higher on the slope. In some places such trails must be being created by electric motorcycles as they’re too steep for mountain bikers to climb.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1341.jpegIMG_1341This gorgeous, dead old growth juniper hasn’t been surveyed yet, but its trunk is probably approaching 3 feet diameter and 9 feet DBH. It’s stubby structure is indicative of an old tree that has grown very slowly.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1340.jpegIMG_1340Below the West rim the soil blown in in accumulating here covers the rocky terrain below, and has resulted in a broader area at mountain bikers enjoy, the soft fragile soil, easily eroding once the plant cover is torn away. Closer inspection also reveals a difference in the plant pallet below the two rims.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1339.jpegIMG_1339This is the east rim of Dry Canyon. I include this shot to illustrate its steepness, and rockiness, relative to most of the facing West rim. There’s a reason for this. The Canyon cut by the Paleo Deschutes river followed a seam created by a younger Newberry volcano flow that pushed the Deschutes Westward up against the older flows is showing from many vents that comprised the Deschutes Formation. This also illustrates the fact that our weather tends to blow in from the west, swinging north and south, and only rarely from the east. The soil in the canyon is mostly blown in from the adjacent landscape and spilling in over the west rim as accumulated there helping determine the soil conditions for what will grow there.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1338.jpegIMG_1338Turning around, facing north, looking across the Poplar trail into the more densely, wooded northern portion of Dry Canyon.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1337.jpegIMG_1337Looking south across the open bottom land beyond the poplar access trail. Well, this area is largely clear of Juniper, shrubs are largely limited to rabbit brush with a varying assortment of weedy mustards, expanding colonies of Kochia and Tumbleweed.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1336.jpegIMG_1336Another shot of a dense Juniper stand with relatively little growing beneath it other than Cheatgrass and a couple other smaller perennial grasses. In the open foreground, there’s enough sun to support the native rabbit brush.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1335.jpegIMG_1335These young trees, probably all over 6 inches DBH, are too close together and could potentially carry fire up the adjacent and nearby east rim.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1334.jpegIMG_1334A gnarly old growth juniper with an overly dense stand nearby.2025-11-26T23:51:28+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/10/18/on-biology-ecology-evolution-health-as-a-product-of-an-engaged-life/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/91vh3k4mnxl._ac_uy436_ql65_.jpg91Vh3K4MnXL._AC_UY436_QL65_https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/81a6mcyw-al._ac_uy436_ql65_.jpg81a6McyW-AL._AC_UY436_QL65_2025-10-22T05:23:54+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/09/25/everything-is-tuberculosis-a-disease-as-an-object-lesson-on-how-to-better-live-our-lives/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everythingistuberculosis.jpegeverythingistuberculosis2025-10-14T02:38:06+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/10/04/the-comfort-crisis-thoughts-on-one-of-those-books-that-just-resonated/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tcc-cover.pngTCC-Cover2025-10-04T23:19:33+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/08/27/i-contain-multitudes-an-excellent-starting-point-for-the-beginner-to-understand-this-life/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/27213168.jpeg272131682025-08-27T21:05:54+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/08/14/the-good-virus-a-review-and-thoughts-about-informing-the-public/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/611hcyw2fdl._uf10001000_ql80_.jpeg611HCYW2FDL._UF1000,1000_QL80_2025-08-15T03:25:18+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/08/03/master-builder-how-the-new-science-of-the-cell-is-rewriting-the-story-of-life-alfonso-martinez-arias-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/64005201.jpg640052012025-08-04T17:00:44+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/03/12/physics-evolution-natural-selection-and-the-generative-power-of-the-of-far-out-of-equilibrium-dissipative-structures-organisms-part-1/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1860_standardwing_wspec120_fig004.jpg1860_Standardwing_WSPEC120_fig004A male and female Standardwing Bird of Paradise, https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/screen-shot-2021-03-09-at-9.28.45-pm.pngScreen Shot 2021-03-09 at 9.28.45 PMAxil precession describes the phenomenon of the Earth's axis slowly drawing a circle in the sky...it 'woobles'. Over a period of 26,000 years it scribes out an arc in the sky pointing from the star Polaris to others until returning, the extremes of climate switching alternately from south to northern hemisphere and back again. Currently the southern hemisphere receives more solar radiation in summer than we do in the north during summer. This relationship will shift back and forth with this cycle.All three of these lead to cyclic changes in climate though obliquity, tilt of the axis, has the single greatest impact.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/screen-shot-2021-03-09-at-6.20.30-pm.pngScreen Shot 2021-03-09 at 6.20.30 PMThe cycle of our Ice Ages is more tightly linked to the phenomenon displayed here of obliquity, the shifting back and forth, between a few degrees, in direction of tilt of our axis with respect to the sun. Earth’s axis is currently tilted 23.4 degrees, or about half way between its extremes, giving us our seasons and this angle is very slowly decreasing in a cycle that spans about 41,000 years. Though its change is minimal, at its extreme, temperate and polar regions receive more direct insolation in summer. It is during such periods that global glaciation is reduced while the cold, ice age, period of the cycle occurs when the tilt from vertical is minimal.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/periapsis_apoapsis.pngPeriapsis_apoapsisWhile the Earth follows its elliptical orbit around the sun, the sun traveling is in a tight orbit of its own, both bodies actually orbiting around their shared 'baycenter' a point determined by the mass, speed and diameter of each body's orbit.. The combined effect of the two bodies, it is actually more complicated than this because the other planets also exercise force on all of their orbits, in motion are on a very long cycle as they predictably 'wooble' their way through time and space. Over the years the Earth's orbit will have its apoapsis and periapsis progress around effecting how much solar radiation any given point on Earth receives throughout the year.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1920px-seasons1.png1920px-Seasons1It's interesting to note that earth's elliptical orbit means that our distance from the sun varies through the year. Currently the Earth's orbit is nearly circular, but it is changing as it is 'pulled' into a broader elliptic before returning to its nearly circular pattern again over a period of 100,000 years. The elliptical shape of Earth's orbit changes over time effecting the amount of radiation reaching the Earth, playing a role in the onset and end of the cold phase of our 'Ice Age' cycle. This is a result of the Milankovitch (Orbital) Cycles which include those other two illustrated here, of obliquity, or tilt of the earth's axis and precession.. Insolation, the amount of energy received, can vary by as much as 23%. Earth's orbit, when massive Jupiter and Saturn are more closely aligned distort the Earth's orbit causing it to track millions of miles further away from the Sun reducing the energy we receive and cooling its surface and atmosphere. Currently the Earth's orbit is nearly circular and our energy gain relatively stable.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/geological_time_spiral.pngGeological_time_spiralhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/darwin-wallace-bw.jpgdarwin-wallace-bwThe 'Lost' photograph of Darwin and Wallace, the two great men attributed with the modern theory of evolution and the concept of natural selection.2025-08-04T03:42:48+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/05/04/physics-evolution-natural-selection-and-the-generative-power-of-the-of-far-out-of-equilibrium-dissipative-structures-organisms-part-2/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0760.jpgIMG_0760In the Sutton Mountain Wilderness Study Area, awaiting Congressional action...or not! Hiking along the east/west running rim on top of Sutton Mountain looking easterly..https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0757-2.jpgIMG_0757 2Sutton Mountain W.S.A. looking south from the rim at around 4,700' elevation, the snow capped, broad top of Lookout Mountain in the Ochoco Mountains to the south. Far below us is the sprawling Juniper forest that defines much of this drainage into the Crooked River system...from us north drains into the John Day River.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0755.jpgIMG_0755Typical of much of more rocky areas here are landscapes like this, with Little Sagebrush. The rim here is precipitous.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0754.jpgIMG_0754Sutton Mountain W.S.A. looking north across the long grassy slope of this fault block mountain and twisted canyons of the John Day and its tributaries.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0752-2.jpgIMG_0752 2Sutton Mountain W.S.A. This band of landscape along the rim is one of the most botanically rich areas on the mountain.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0694.jpgIMG_0694Spring Basin W.A., looking north from the top of Horse Mountain.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0691.jpgIMG_0691Spring Basin W.A. and a Pediocactus simpsonii ssp. nigrispinus...not a plant that comes to mind with the popular image of rainy Oregon.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0685.jpgIMG_0685Spring Basin W.A. over 2/3 of Oregon is built up from massive and multiple volcanic flows of lava and build up of ash, accumulating in places to several thousand feet thick. Much of it is 'capped' with basalts and rhyolite. Here on top of Horse Mountain a single dead Sagebrush, probably Artemesia arbuscula, stands next to an outcropping with our less common Hedghog Cactus, Pediocactus simpsonii ssp. nigrispinus.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0676-2.jpgIMG_0676 2Spring Basin W.A. looking southerly. This is all part of the Columbia River's huge watershed.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_0671.jpgIMG_0671Spring Basin W.A. following the west rim looking easterly toward Horse Mountain, prominent here, but only 2,800' high.2025-08-04T03:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/07/31/feeding-ghost-a-graphic-memoir/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/c22f83c6-406b-4798-9415-6e55f09bdb54.webpC22F83C6-406B-4798-9415-6E55F09BDB542025-07-31T16:12:42+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/07/26/the-code-breaker-jennifer-doudna-gene-editing-and-the-future-of-the-human-race-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/8cba9d90-cf32-4e06-8b8d-44a93a60c5f6.jpeg8CBA9D90-CF32-4E06-8B8D-44A93A60C5F62025-07-27T00:15:35+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/06/24/the-lost-trees-of-willow-avenue-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/31f894c6-06a2-46d5-8afd-a2c9d23c2307.jpeg31F894C6-06A2-46D5-8AFD-A2C9D23C23072025-06-24T20:31:18+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/03/27/this-life-a-memoir-gambol-and-botananomical-tale/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/slide_17.jpgslide_17https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/slide_49.jpgslide_49https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/flat1000x1000075f.jpgflat1000x1000075fWith the artist's, Sue Abonyi's, permission.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/seed-sprouting.jpgseed-sproutinghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/plant_cell_structure-en.pngplant_cell_structure-enPlant cell structure, public domain from Wiki-Pediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ic443hubblepalette2_8x10flat4bcoles1024.jpgic443hubblepalette2_8x10flat4bcoles1024Sharpless 249 and the Jellyfish Nebula Image Credit & Copyright: Eric Coles2025-05-24T16:45:34+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/05/18/our-central-problem-is-economic/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/screen-shot-2025-05-18-at-12.02.34-pm.pngScreen Shot 2025-05-18 at 12.02.34 PMGo to: https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/chart/#range:2009.4,2024.4 to examine this interactive graph in more detail.2025-05-18T19:13:07+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/04/28/holodiscus-microphyllus-rock-spiarea-in-dry-canyon/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screen-shot-2025-04-28-at-11.32.33-am.pngScreen Shot 2025-04-28 at 11.32.33 AMThis will all pop open as little 5 petalled, ‘rose’, flowers.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/491961114_122141773766582083_5076215897069725762_n.jpg491961114_122141773766582083_5076215897069725762_nHolodiscus on the eastside slope early July, their buds expanding.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/493468583_122141771192582083_8020346839142545298_n.jpg493468583_122141771192582083_8020346839142545298_nThe Oregon Flora project has been compiling a descriptive list of all of the native plants in Oregon. Each red dot represents where a sample was collected from by botanists. Many of these samples are preserved in herbaria for research purposes. As with all such maps, these dots don't mean that the plant will not be found someplace else. Botanists have not examined every square inch of the state.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492232271_122141773730582083_773423330844737239_n.jpg492232271_122141773730582083_773423330844737239_nThe leaves are very small and relatively thick, both of these traits are common among plants native to arid country, while many desert plants also retain their leaves, conserving nutrients and water. Like all deciduous plants Holodiscus must spend a lot of energy, and material reproducing leaves, before they can begin photosynthesis and replenish their starch/energy stores. Evergreens/evergrays are always ready to grow and take advantage of moisture and unseasonably warm temperatures at any time of the year.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492043288_122141773736582083_4497101746477777923_n.jpg492043288_122141773736582083_4497101746477777923_nThe three darker shrubs, here are Holodiscus. There’s a Wax Current at the bottom of the pic still in flower just above it in light gray is some gray rabbit brush. more of each or scattered up slope. The tumbled boulders are part of the fragmenting canyon rim, originally deposited as a part of the Deschutes Formation around 5 million years ago, about 4.5 million years before the Deschutes River was redirected to its course here where it carved the canyon over a period of around 300,000 years.2025-04-28T19:07:58+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/04/25/that-gray-stuff-its-all-sagebrushnope/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492450344_122141798966582083_479435005731637632_n.jpg492450344_122141798966582083_479435005731637632_nArtemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingense in my home garden with its longer trident shaped leaves, probably the result of ‘better’ growing conditions.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492197206_122141798972582083_4028975045306490906_n.jpg492197206_122141798972582083_4028975045306490906_nThe leaf tips with the typical trident form common to the tridentata subspecies and arbuscula. These appear shorter than tridentata leaveshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/493326431_122141799038582083_4609102664965957386_n.jpg493326431_122141799038582083_4609102664965957386_nWyoming Big Sagebrushhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/493715559_122141798858582083_7008070943341303440_n.jpg493715559_122141798858582083_7008070943341303440_nI think this is probably Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingense. It’s inflorescences are longer than 4” which if they were that short would suggest that they were arbuscula. Conditions can stunt any plant.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492423533_122141798624582083_4237025359259450721_n.jpg492423533_122141798624582083_4237025359259450721_nGreen in front of Gray.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492540524_122141798888582083_2409225194109073137_n.jpg492540524_122141798888582083_2409225194109073137_nThe longer, more branched inflorescences of A. t. subsp. wyomingense on my plant at homehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492998047_122141799812582083_3865588344457171148_n.jpg492998047_122141799812582083_3865588344457171148_nAntelope Bitterbrush, Purshia tridentata, next to the Deschutes River at Cove Palisades State Park flowering a little ahead of ours here.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492394635_122141799896582083_6918245007542111415_n.jpg492394635_122141799896582083_6918245007542111415_nOpen flowers on Bitterbrush quite pleasantly fragrant. With its tiny, but typical 5 petaled rose family flowers.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/493728234_122141799836582083_5513045330652831559_n.jpg493728234_122141799836582083_5513045330652831559_nhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492459666_122141798312582083_2523610925235178754_n.jpg492459666_122141798312582083_2523610925235178754_nGray Rabbitbrush in the garden2025-04-26T00:18:17+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/04/24/the-cut-leaf-thelypody-in-dry-canyon/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492736468_122141808098582083_5638363054480930699_n.jpg492736468_122141808098582083_5638363054480930699_nA map showing locations from which formal collections were taken as part of the Oregon Flora projecthttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/493304591_122141809598582083_655165817441671375_n.jpg493304591_122141809598582083_655165817441671375_nAn inflorescence displaying its almost 'orchid' like flowershttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492312640_122141809574582083_216672169408397791_n.jpg492312640_122141809574582083_216672169408397791_nFlowering in early stages. Later the terminal continues to extend and the seed pods develop below.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492580172_122141809550582083_6642429274546498152_n.jpg492580172_122141809550582083_6642429274546498152_nhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/492549354_122141807258582083_1362548850185266601_n.jpg492549354_122141807258582083_1362548850185266601_nThis years new growth emerging with last year's inflorescence dried and nearby2025-04-24T15:28:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/12/23/from-0-3000-in-70-million-years-building-oregon-dry-canyon-the-shaping-of-redmond-and-the-geology-of-the-paleo-deschutes-part-3/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screen-shot-2024-12-23-at-4.43.09-pm.pngScreen Shot 2024-12-23 at 4.43.09 PMhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f501abf-f5cd-4c66-a218-65b98d3d9c4b_1_105_c.jpeg8F501ABF-F5CD-4C66-A218-65B98D3D9C4B_1_105_cThe tumbling Deschutes River flowing through Dillion Falls between the 7,000 year old Lava Butte flow and the several million year old flow I took this picture from.2025-04-20T05:55:21+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/12/23/from-0-3000-in-70-million-years-building-oregon-dry-canyon-the-shaping-of-redmond-and-the-geology-of-the-paleo-deschutes-part-2/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f3117d9-3a68-4f49-b044-08be9650a1ec_1_105_c.jpeg3F3117D9-3A68-4F49-B044-08BE9650A1EC_1_105_c2025-04-16T18:32:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/12/23/from-0-3000-in-70-million-years-building-oregon-dry-canyon-the-shaping-of-redmond-and-the-geology-of-the-paleo-deschutes-part-1/2025-04-09T17:32:40+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/04/02/the-serviceberry-abundance-and-reciprocity-in-the-natural-world-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/208840291.jpg2088402912025-04-02T19:24:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/about/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/thelighteaterscover.pngThe+Light+Eaters+Cover2025-03-14T02:01:12+00:00weekly0.6https://gardenriots.com/2025/03/12/what-to-do-what-to-do-on-the-meaning-of-ones-life/2025-03-13T20:10:14+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/my-garden-a-list-of-my-arid-and-semi-arid-plants/2025-03-13T20:06:19+00:00weekly0.6https://gardenriots.com/2025/01/27/14848/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/breathless-david-quammen.jpgbreathless-david-quammenhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/spilloverbookcover.jpgSpilloverBookCoverhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/9780593490792.jpeg97805934907922025-01-28T04:47:28+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/01/20/some-thoughts-on-social-media-and-the-pending-collapse-of-america/2025-01-21T17:46:52+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/01/15/tall-annie-gender-dysphoria-biology-evolution-and-human-survival/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/da345888-a713-4f6e-a0b6-c54724b79c23.jpegDA345888-A713-4F6E-A0B6-C54724B79C232025-01-18T04:33:31+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2025/01/10/mowing-firebreaks-across-the-dry-canyon-bottom-good-idea-or-no-1/2025-01-10T22:26:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/12/01/john-vaillants-fire-weather-a-true-story-from-a-hotter-world/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61966364.jpg619663642025-01-09T17:39:55+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/12/03/the-rediscovery-of-america-native-peoples-and-the-unmaking-of-u-s-history-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/be9db1df41bb232313a9e2d7d506fda0e4c8b30f.jpgBE9DB1DF41BB232313A9E2D7D506FDA0E4C8B30F2025-01-07T16:47:32+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/10/20/the-much-maligned-western-juniper-the-role-of-juniperus-occidentalis-in-central-oregon/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/c0ace7e5-dc06-46bc-97b4-a31ea89c918b_1_102_a.jpegC0ACE7E5-DC06-46BC-97B4-A31EA89C918B_1_102_aWhychus Creek just NE of Sisters, Oregon on its way to joining the Deschutes. The creek originates in the Three Creeks area below Broken Top and the Tam Macarthur Rim south of Sisters. This area is within the ecotone having a mix of Juniper and Ponderosa Pine like the one on the canyon rim left.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_6006.jpegIMG_6006Here in the valley below Big Indian and Little Blitzen Gorges, at Steens Mountain, the BLM is managing Juniper, removing it from areas of historic range lands. These were mostly younger trees. Contractors came through and piled them for later burning. In doing this the fire will be more controllable and leave more of the desirable species to more quickly recover. This is, however, a very labor intensive solution.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_2588.jpegIMG_2588https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_2590.jpegIMG_2590The Crooked River at the pump site of Opal Springs. You can see the pipe on the far slope still climbing up out of the canyon from the river https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_9441.jpegIMG_9441Even in death Juniper can hang on for many decades.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_9423.jpegIMG_9423As they age and suffer damage, Western Juniper continues on gaining character, leaving the straight, uniform structure of youth behind. Slow growers, thich and stubby trunk growth is commonhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_5818.jpegIMG_5818In Crook County, just north of Powell Buttes and east of the same named farming community is defined by the several volcanic cones and buttes dated from the Crooked River Caldera and the much later Deschutes Formation and lava flows from Newberry a few miles to the east. This was a broad basin, converted to farm land, some pieces of which like this one, has been abandoned and is now dominated by an even age, very young, developing Juniper forest.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_9003.jpegIMG_9003The site of the Redmond Caves, lava tubes supplied by volcanic vents on Newberry around 70,000 years ago. This scab land is characteristic of the landscape between Bend and Redmond with surface basalt older Juniper on thin soil.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_9272.jpegIMG_9272https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_9264.jpegIMG_9264Old growth Junipers near Cline Buttes. These two rooted down long ago on top of this lava flow. Much of the lavas here were produced during the Deschutes Formation over many thousands of years more than 5 million years ago. Surface lavas, cliffs and slopes define the area with a few sediment filled basins dominated by Sagebrush and Bitterbrush.2024-12-26T19:22:24+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/12/17/redmonds-new-community-center-pool-and-the-anti-government-bias-this-is-what-community-failure-looks-like/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b23df_ee4d59326d454c93ad6910b054382783mv2.webp9b23df_ee4d59326d454c93ad6910b054382783~mv2This is the rendering of the new facility's south entry. It's the banner on the RAPRD's announcement of Novembers funding levy for the new facility. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cascade_swim_raprd_pool.webpCascade_Swim_RAPRD_PoolThe old pool, serviceable, but....The original plan was to keep both facilities open. Now they are talking about only operating only the new one. This old facility is actually owned by the school district and RAPRD's lease expires in 2028. If need be they will close this facility. Due to the age of its equipment it is in need of higher maintenance and equipment replacement costs. Keeping it would allow more users and more programming. Given our political climate the closing of publicly funded facilitiies and programs of all types seems to be the new reality everywhere. This is a positive feedback loop which reinforces resident's negative feelings about government service. They more that is cut, the worse the service and the more residents can complain that the money spent is done so poorly.2024-12-17T17:07:04+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/11/17/the-gene-an-intimate-history-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/96ca3959-09ce-41f1-ab38-1004ad04c833.jpeg96CA3959-09CE-41F1-AB38-1004AD04C8332024-11-17T22:37:48+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/01/17/life-inside-the-cell-waking-up-to-the-miracle-part-1/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_9680.jpgIMG_9680https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/513jv6acbkl-_sx425_bo1204203200_.jpg513JV6ACBKL._SX425_BO1,204,203,200_This one takes a more practical viewpoint as the author is a professor of bioengineering. He has a gift for teaching that comes across in this book.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/living-rainbow_700.jpgLiving-Rainbow_700This book looks more deeply into the capacities and functions of water in the cell.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ratw3rdm.jpg6928.inddThis title is available in three editions, each one more expansive and current. This one provides an understanding of the quantum nature of life.2024-10-31T15:37:43+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/10/29/an-immense-world-a-review-of-ed-yongs-latest-book/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/d895e99e-b1a4-4971-a966-13aa72f883a4_4_5005_c.jpegD895E99E-B1A4-4971-A966-13AA72F883A4_4_5005_c2024-10-29T15:44:43+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/10/06/two-summers-in-to-our-new-garden-in-redmond-oregons-high-desert-country/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/25f00ed5-04c6-4d9c-b4b9-cd1909b7d9df_1_105_c.jpeg25F00ED5-04C6-4D9C-B4B9-CD1909B7D9DF_1_105_cI didn't make a plan for the garden. This was my scale drawing of our lot over which I layed vellum and sketched various alternatives as I formulated a plant in my head. The potential plant palette was so different than I had been working with over the previous 37 years that I didn't want to constrict myself. So, I started with a 'theme', a xeric, regionally appropriate palette with different sections dedicated to plants of different compatible regions such as local natives, Colorado/Rocky Mtn plants, deserrt SW natives and another of plants from the mountains east of the Cascades. There are exceptions. While living with the site, I walked it regularly using 'flags' and scuffing my feet to lay out comfortable/sensible paths and then defined the bed areas. This is when I started 'spading' them up to relieve compaction. In Spring we hired Matt Theonen of Sundog Landscapes to do the regrading work, extend the pipping and add four more irrigation stations, install the patio pavers, replace the larger boulders and set the massive front steps to improve and better define the front entry.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1a5cde4f-7dff-4bb6-b32c-a7225082d5c2_1_102_a.jpeg1A5CDE4F-7DFF-4BB6-B32C-A7225082D5C2_1_102_aThe 'finished' landscape.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/5e7a2a7e-35c5-4f07-a363-c42862fcca86_1_105_c.jpeg5E7A2A7E-35C5-4F07-A363-C42862FCCA86_1_105_cHome, almost finished, in Oct. '22.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/976f2962-d432-4337-94f0-ff1a610bd1c3_1_102_a.jpeg976F2962-D432-4337-94F0-FF1A610BD1C3_1_102_aPar of the SW Arc garden featuring plants from the SW US. My Cupressus grayii Sulphurea showing the damage wrought by a rutting buck last fall.2024-10-07T18:47:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/06/07/flowering-and-its-trigger-in-genus-agave/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_1893.jpgimg_1893Agave colorata is one of the species that forms a short trunk so the plant tends to lay over, creating a bit of a balancing problem in a pot. I spun the pot around to encourage the quiote to grow back over the center of the pot.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_1915.jpgimg_1915I was having trouble keeping this wet enough. As the inflorescence, the quiote extends the leaves rapidly began to dry as the inflorescence demanded more water the roots could provide from the too small available soil volume.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_3194.jpgimg_3194Agave colorata on my front porch in late October, a sunny day with european honeybees busily working the anthers for pollen.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/agave-americana-from-curtiss-botanical-magazine-1838.jpgAgave americana from Curtis's Botanical Magazine 1838Agave americana from Curtis's Botanical Magazine 1838 showing clearly the structure of its flowershttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/agave_parryi2_lg.jpgagave_parryi2_lgLooking up at a Parry’s agave flower stalk. The stalks are up to 20 feet tall and developed at a rate of up to 4 inches a day. Photo by Charlie McDonald.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/agave_parryi4_lg.jpgagave_parryi4_lgA matching pair of Agave parryi blooming simultaneously above the surrounding scrub.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/agavevilmorinianaflower.jpgagavevilmorinianaflowerThe raceme structure of Agave vilmoriniana, each flower with a short pedicel giving it a thickened 'tubular' form.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/agave-parryi-flowerredyellow-stage.jpgagave-parryi flower,red:yellow stageAgave parryi with both secondary and tertiary peduncles and the elongated yellow anthers 'floating' above.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/agave-scabra-flower-stalk-jc-raulston-arboretum-by-tony-avent.jpgAgave scabra flower stalk @ JC Raulston Arboretum (by Tony Avent)This picture of the inflorescence of an Agave scabra is from Tony Avent of Plant Delights taken of a plant in North Carolina's JC Raulston Arboretum. As mine has not yet opened any of its flowers yet and, to the best of my knowledge, known others have flowered here in Portland to photograph.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/agave-victoria-regina-flower-from-the-lovely-plants.jpgagave-victoria-regina-flower from the Lovely PlantsThis Agave victorian-regina specimen is from The Lovely Plants site, here flowering as a raceme on a 4m+or- stem2024-09-24T15:08:07+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/09/07/origin-story-the-trials-of-charles-darwin-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/9781324036746.jpg.300x0_q85_autocrop.jpg9781324036746.jpg.300x0_q85_autocrop2024-09-07T20:34:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/08/03/14440/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/08ace5fd-8385-4fc8-b104-a29c469d2f64_4_5005_c.jpeg08ACE5FD-8385-4FC8-B104-A29C469D2F64_4_5005_chttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/b51b09cb-92df-4757-ab73-bde1550fe782.jpegB51B09CB-92DF-4757-AB73-BDE1550FE7822024-08-06T02:44:46+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/10/28/knapweeds-in-redmonds-dry-canyon-parks-and-the-pursuit-of-a-healthy-landscape/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0880.jpegIMG_0880https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0883.jpegIMG_0883https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0884.jpegIMG_0884Knapweeds are all biennials. This is a first year rosette.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0885.jpegIMG_0885Diffuse Knapweed, Centaurea diffusahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0890.jpegIMG_0890One of the piles I pulled, which then sat here for weeks.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0781.jpegIMG_0781This Diffuse Knapweed was just north of the Maple Street Bridge...and no longer exists.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_8472.jpegIMG_8472A typical view at the base of a section of relatively unbroken rim on the east side.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_8463.jpegIMG_8463The canyon floor is variable, but as this pick shows, a solid layer of hardened lava underlies what soil is here, either blown in or washed in, a limiting factor on what can grow here. Rabbitbrush has moved in here.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_8460.jpegIMG_8460Match of the canyon floor is recovering from pasture use. These areas have relatively deep soils and are still transitioning with many weedy mustards, annual grasses like Cheat and planted grasses like Crested Wheat and Annual Barley. Native Bluebunch Wheat is scattered as are other natives. Gray Rabbitbrush, a native seral species has moved into much of it, but the weeds are dominant. Sagebrush and Bitterbrush are more at the edges and lower rim areas.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_8346.jpegIMG_8346Redmond's Dry Canyon looking south from the west rim on the Maple Street Bridge. The area in the immediate foreground burned this last summer.2024-08-04T19:51:43+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/07/17/weeds-what-we-need-to-do-at-dcvs/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/biglotbw.jpgbiglotbwhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/71936417-1c8f-48cb-8f88-71650207a6f9_1_105_c.jpeg71936417-1C8F-48CB-8F88-71650207A6F9_1_105_cAn entire rosette of Common Mullein with Red Fescuehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/b02ae259-aa91-4e01-971b-fb92131fcb81_1_105_c.jpegB02AE259-AA91-4E01-971B-FB92131FCB81_1_105_cThere were several hundred Common Mullein rosettes this year in the Circle prior to their being dug. Last year their were a couple dozen which flowered and matured. Currently, after removal, many new rosettes have appeared in the Circle particularly around its edge. Weed control is never a one and done task.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/4fc7b58f-0c27-4394-a3a2-ce4b71b5e259_1_105_c.jpeg4FC7B58F-0C27-4394-A3A2-CE4B71B5E259_1_105_cCommon Mullein, Verbascum thapsus. The thick stems of the inflorescences contain enough moisture and nutrients to ripen the seed when cut down after pollination. Mullein doesn't require supplemental water here. It has no problem spreading and outcompeting many natives here on arid sites. Friends groups have targeted these for pulls in protected natural areas.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ea9b2acb-101b-4a95-a8b0-aeb8c0784358_1_102_o.jpegEA9B2ACB-101B-4A95-A8B0-AEB8C0784358_1_102_oRedroot pigweed; Amaranthus retroflexus growing on the east berm. This is a common pasture weed which requires supplemental water, which it gets plenty of here. Also in this pic to the left are a smaller Kochia and a Lambsquarters beginning to flower.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cfd8cfb6-3511-4f70-b2b4-83c0f57a1bfc_1_102_o.jpegCFD8CFB6-3511-4F70-B2B4-83C0F57A1BFC_1_102_ohttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bf1b3432-3c6b-49fa-8017-52ad3d862d53_1_105_c.jpegBF1B3432-3C6B-49FA-8017-52AD3D862D53_1_105_cScotch Thistle, Onopordum altissimum, flower and bud.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/99240be7-bfce-4559-b27d-ed480245147c_1_105_c.jpeg99240BE7-BFCE-4559-B27D-ED480245147C_1_105_cScotch Thistle, Onopordum altissimum, 8'+ tall at the base of the west Berm with its stiff sharp spines.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/96303886-4672-4eff-a71a-9dc95451f342_1_105_c.jpeg96303886-4672-4EFF-A71A-9DC95451F342_1_105_cBassia scoparia, Kochia, an annual that can grow over 6' tall with a commensurately deep tap root. One of the 'tumble weeds' that break off, tumble and distribute seed. These are largest near the base of the berm where the poorly functioning irrigation system concentrates the water and so receive extra water. Elsewhere, due to our drier than normal spring these are much smaller.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/85b8a531-e19d-4002-9663-4ef90d6070fd_1_105_c.jpeg85B8A531-E19D-4002-9663-4EF90D6070FD_1_105_cKochia, Bassia scoparia, this pattern of distribution is common. The previous years weeds tumbling along roads and open ground their seed concentrated around the edges where they begin germinating about mid-spring. All of the green here is Kochia.2024-07-27T15:47:55+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/06/27/on-healing-life-place-and-relationship-in-oregons-great-basin-country/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_3667.jpegIMG_3667https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_3617.jpegIMG_3617https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_3601.jpegIMG_3601https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_3700.jpegIMG_3700https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_3711.jpegIMG_3711https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_3923.jpegIMG_3923https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_3912.jpegIMG_3912https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_4048.jpegIMG_4048https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_4198.jpegIMG_4198Part way up the south face of the narrow opening into Degarmo Canyon looking out across Hart Valley.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_4094.jpegIMG_4094Looking south along the west face of the Warner Mountains which extend well into California.. Hart Mountain is the name ascribed to the single high point south and east from here, not visible.2024-06-28T18:42:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/05/28/weeds-weeding-and-the-health-of-our-public-and-private-landscapes-in-example-from-the-hood/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_4255.jpegIMG_4255https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ff3f7abb-e5ff-40a5-9b22-b197b4f94e35_1_105_c.jpegFF3F7ABB-E5FF-40A5-9B22-B197B4F94E35_1_105_chttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/4b6aab79-96cd-42c8-b4bf-2957ed6fac3b_1_105_c.jpeg4B6AAB79-96CD-42C8-B4BF-2957ED6FAC3B_1_105_cBur Buttercup one of our newer threats.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/90011314-f292-44a4-b994-745d211dd64d.jpeg90011314-F292-44A4-B994-745D211DD64DGrass 'flowers', these are usually arrayed in distinctive structures as inflorescences.2024-06-22T18:59:50+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/04/27/the-flushing-testing-of-redmonds-new-municpal-well-into-dry-canyons-natural-preserve/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2024-04-27-at-6.13.15-pm.pngScreen Shot 2024-04-27 at 6.13.15 PMhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3106.jpegIMG_3106Just beyond this point the water began to collect and erode out the central trail. Across it here, a strip had been scalped away and planted with Crested Wheatgrass, a non-native, which stands out planted uniformly.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3105.jpegIMG_3105You can see the raised ground here running straight to the right which once contained a lateral from the main ditch in the background from which water could be directed back when this was pasture and it was flood irrigated. The rise cut the test flow off here sending it east to the main, paved path, running the length of the Canyon.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3104.jpegIMG_3104A low area that was flooded during the 'test' across which there was a dike, now scraped off, some of the gray grit remaining with lots of vehicle tracks.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3103.jpegIMG_3103The removed temporary dike ran into the central trail here with its lighter, native soil.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3100.jpegIMG_3100Looking north along the central trail from the connector path.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3099.jpegIMG_3099Looking south along the central trail, from the connector path at Fir. This gives you an idea of what the area used to look like.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3096.jpegIMG_3096This relatively broad smashed area parallels the path to the right.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3095.jpegIMG_3095A broad smashed area adjacent to the path.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_3093.jpegIMG_3093The dark, coarse, material that was brought in for 'diking' moved here to fill the eroded path.2024-04-28T01:37:10+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/04/15/creating-a-survey-of-redmonds-dry-canyon-park-flora-getting-the-table-set-to-create-an-effective-maintenance-and-master-plan/2024-04-16T00:03:46+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/04/12/dry-canyon-proposal-the-need-for-change-in-maintenance-use-and-planning/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0778.jpegIMG_0778https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0827.jpegIMG_0827https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0825.jpegIMG_0825https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0733.jpegIMG_0733Calcohortus macrophyllus, our local Desert Mariposa Lilyhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_9716.jpegIMG_9716The flowers of Antelope Bitterbrush, Purshia tridentata. These grow in scattered, dominant patches where the soils are 'thinner' often where the rock rises above the surrounding grade.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0616.jpegIMG_0616https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0615.jpegIMG_0615https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0427.jpegIMG_0427https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0392.jpegIMG_0392https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0278.jpegIMG_02782024-04-15T23:11:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/03/01/what-is-life-biology-and-the-non-equilibrium-state-the-quantum-world-of-the-organism/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/800px-geologic_clock_with_events_and_periods.png800px-Geologic_Clock_with_events_and_periodsFrom Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/photo-2-1.jpgphoto (2)Big Sagebrush, I believe, an ever-gray woody shrub that has followed a different path, allowing itself to conserve its above ground tissues despite drought and relatively severe freezing winter temperatures. The several Artemesia species are relatively common across the Intermountain West and Great Basin regions.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_1106.jpgIMG_1106A native thistle in eastern Oregon blooming in late May, a herbaceous perennial attuned to the arid harsh conditions. Dormancy enables organisms to survive and flourish in otherwise hostile environments, keeping their 'spark' 'smoldering' until conditions are more conducive to active growth.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_1118.jpgIMG_1118Arid cllmates like that of the lower Deschutes River support spring flowering, taking advantage of soil moisture that declines quickly as the summer season takes hold encouraging plants with triggers and thresholds that allow them to respond to these patterns, conserving their living tissues which respond to appropriate cues in order to replenish themselves when they can.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_1091.jpgIMG_1091Encephalartos trispinosus, a South African member of one of the oldest extant plant groups, the Cycads. Even though the Cycads are very old that does not mean that they are static. Many, if not most species continue to evolve, although others like the Cycads seem to be in decline less able to compete with the changing conditions they must contend with.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_1072.jpgIMG_1072Center in the picture here is one of the old world Tree Aloes, evolving from separate genetic lines, in different hemispheres, convergently, resulting in very similar forms...a more obvious repeat of proven patterns with the New World Agaves.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/photo-1-1.jpgOrobanche fasciculataBroomrape, one of those parasitic plants that seems to defy many people's expectations of what a plant is, having neither leaves nor chlorophyll to photosynthesize carbohydrates with, but still producing flowers and seeds to reproduce .https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/photo-5.jpgphotoA Diamond Back Rattlesnake we met on the trail in Central Oregon, still too young to have any rattles.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/starrynight_vangogh_970.jpgStarryNight_VanGogh_9702024-04-12T00:35:06+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/03/24/the-disordered-cosmos-a-journey-into-dark-matter-spacetime-dreams-deferred/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/disordered-cosmos-cover-image.jpgDisordered-Cosmos-cover-image2024-03-25T06:47:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/03/02/on-the-book-cancer-and-the-new-biology-of-water/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/9781603588812.webp97816035888122024-03-02T19:57:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/02/16/notes-on-complexity-a-scientific-theory-of-connection-consciousness-and-being-thoughts-on-the-book/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/4028685a-2b6f-4e9e-b013-9a5441ecb748_4_5005_c.jpeg4028685A-2B6F-4E9E-B013-9A5441ECB748_4_5005_c2024-03-02T18:57:24+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/03/19/physics-evolution-natural-selection-and-the-generative-power-of-far-out-of-equilibrium-dissipative-structures-organisms-part-iv-an-annotated-bibliography-of-some-of-my-sources/2024-02-17T00:43:15+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/01/20/determined-a-science-of-life-without-free-will-a-review-and-look-into-its-consistency-with-the-sciences/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/9780525560975.jpeg97805255609752024-01-20T18:35:28+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2024/01/14/otherlands-a-journey-through-earths-extinct-worlds-a-valueable-entry-into-understanding-this-world/2024-01-15T19:41:14+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/10/08/indigenous-continent-the-epic-contest-for-north-america-a-review/2023-11-27T16:40:10+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/11/13/the-dawn-of-everything-the-history-of-humanity-a-review/2023-11-27T04:58:14+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/10/10/weeds-disruption-and-the-breaking-of-plant-communities-toward-a-more-informed-working-definition-of-weeds/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_1088.jpegIMG_1088This section of bottomland, former pasture, probably burned not that long ago, has quite a colony of Rabbitbrush coming along, all it would appear of even age, suggesting a fire. This is just north of the Maple Bridge which is where the previous photo of the July burn occurred.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0580.jpegIMG_0580This area, maybe 5 acres, burned in July. It will be interesting to see what comes back and what the City may plant??? Fire kills Sagebrush and Juniper, while it seems to favor Cheatgrass. Rabbitbrush can survive a burn.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_9861.jpegIMG_9861Here in the canyon bottom the soils were deep enough to support pasture grasses, the grade is very even through here. This area has burned in the relatively recent past. I'm told that a fire line was bulldozed here. Burned clean of pasture remnants and whatever seral species had established a foot hold, the light 'buff' colored area is essentially 100% weeds including several weedy mustards. Not even Rabbitbrush has begun to move back in. The green grass is Crested Wheatgrass which was seeded in after the fire. It's non-native and is typically used to reclaim rangelands for grazing. It does help suppress Cheatgrass, but this isn't range land....No other natives appear to have been planted. This pattern repeats in other areas as well.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_9665.jpegIMG_9665Another Gray Butte shot. Places like this and the nearby BLM land around Cline Buttes to the west, serve as a benchmark when considering management policies for places like the heavily disturbed Dry Canyon. While the conditions are somewhat different, you can train your 'eye' on places like this so that you can have a better idea of what's missing on disturbed sites. You can begin to seen the 'rhythm' and spacing of the plants in a healthy community. Plants in desert communities don't crowd themselves, there aren't enough nutrients or available water to allow crowding, so when you see it or thicker, uniform, single species or simple crowded stands of herbaceous plants, you know something is amiss.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_9666.jpegIMG_9666Taken on Gray Butte to Redmond's north and east, the slopes here are as close to pristine as you will find near by. The ground layer is patchy containing many different flowering annuals and perennials. Cheatgrass is not established in many areas here. Other than the old abandoned McCoin Orchard low, on the north side of the butte, agriculture's boot print is pretty light.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0678.jpegIMG_0678The bottom land in Dry Canyon was used for decades as low quality pasture, the native community pretty much obliterated. Those areas with surface rock are more likely to retain more of the original plant community, although Cheatgrass has invaded much of those areas as well. The is looking southerly over one of the larger 'pasture' areas near the disc golf course. There is very little Cheatgrass through this section south of West Rim Park. It includes a few native seral species which typically occupy disturbed sites as a site transitions, including Gray Rabbitbrush. Found in this area too is Secale cereale, Annual Rye. Junipers are moving in. Sagebrush hasn't moved in yet.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_0743.jpegIMG_0743This is a rocky slope leading up toward the canyon wall. A few areas like this have been able to hang on to their Sagebrush. It probably wasn't ever converted to pasture and has been able to avoid frequent fires which would eradicate it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_1071.jpegIMG_1071Looking out over the Canyon from the west rim over a Gray Rabbitbrush. When you see such uniform growth in the bottom you know it is a disturbed landscape, simplistic, dominated by a few weedy species. The Junipers are growing where the rock is, on the rim, its slopes and the bottom where lava solidified high enough that the blown in soil doesn't full cover it, or if it does, only thinly. 2023-10-10T23:29:06+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/08/28/wonderful-life-the-burgess-shale-and-the-nature-of-history-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/039330700x.01.s001.jumboxxx-copy.jpg039330700X.01.S001.JUMBOXXX copy2023-08-28T22:56:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/05/11/spruce-park-redmonds-newest-park-and-our-neighbor-a-horticultural-critique/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1f3ef5a1-9cae-4566-9288-cbf9a557f182_1_105_c.jpeg1F3EF5A1-9CAE-4566-9288-CBF9A557F182_1_105_cOne of the detention areas near NW 25th. Almost nothing has survived the winter beyond the Willows at the top.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3489633d-2c2e-405b-9151-ae441232d125_1_105_c.jpeg3489633D-2C2E-405B-9151-AE441232D125_1_105_cOne of the larger detention areas adjacent to the north fence line. This area was often flooded, not because of natural surface runoff, but because of the combination of it with extended run times of the irrigation system. Like the other areas the few 'wet' plants planted here spent too many weeks exposed to freezing weather before they were planted, sitting out unprotected in the weather exposed on the ground. There are also several plants which were pulled out and tossed aside.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/933ea34d-3c19-4e94-8e6a-eff27763cd83_1_105_c.jpeg933EA34D-3C19-4E94-8E6A-EFF27763CD83_1_105_cThis picture was taken in early June after a good two months of spring growth. The turf has come in very thinly. The worst section here was often muddy as the irrigation was not adjusted for rainy periods the area often submerged for several days at a time. I haven't seen the irrigation controller nor do I know its schedule, but typically areas seemed to be either like this or dry, conditions not supportive of root growth of small grass plants. It also appears to have received no fertilizer. The summer season, school out, begins next week. The lawn has not been mown yet, a practice that stimulates tillering and rooting of the turf, which is necessary for its ability to withstand foot traffic.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/screen-shot-2023-04-23-at-4.33.27-pm.pngScreen Shot 2023-04-23 at 4.33.27 PMCentral Oregon with its county deliniations and primary citieshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_2694.jpegIMG_2694Little Leaf Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus ledifolius off the North Steens Mountain Loop with McCoy Creek in the background growing in thin soils at over 8,000' elevation.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_9249.jpegIMG_9249This is a thin soiled slope dominated by Juniper, the more open areas dominated by Sagebrush, Antelope Bitterbrush and Rabbitbrush. The path lies within an irrigation canal created over 100 years ago, a failed attempt to bring water and agriculture to the immediate area.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_9264.jpegIMG_9264A site west of Redmond and the Deschutes River, south of Cline Buttes in old growth Juniper Forest with trees estimated to be 800 and more years old. Here these are growing on the leading edge of a lava flow, which cooled and thickened enough here to halt its forward advance.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_9246.jpegIMG_9246A good example of the ground layer between old Junipers in a forest setting, populated predominantly by Idaho Fescue.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_9230.jpegIMG_9230Looking south toward the 3 Sisters in a shallow bassin with its deeper soils surrounded by the higher ground of Juniper forest. This area was likely grassland before disruption and the lack of fire has allowed Sagebrush and Rabbitbrush to come to dominate. As they grow they outcompete the grasses.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/screen-shot-2023-03-26-at-8.24.17-pm.pngScreen Shot 2023-03-26 at 8.24.17 PM2023-07-08T16:49:32+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/03/31/adaptive-management-and-the-dynamic-maintenance-of-sustainable-landscapes/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_0371.jpgIMG_0371Dog Mountain's upper meadow with Balsam looking across the Columbia to Oregon.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1617-1.jpgIMG_1617-1The Fields in NW Portland, a brownfield site, strictly controlled by DEQ. The grass field has a drainage system. Much of the Park has saturated soils throughout much of the yearhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_0301.jpgIMG_0301This coarsely filled and steeply graded bank is facing Riverplace from the east side. It is filled with rubble and populated almost entirely by 'weeds' several of which are invasive. This portion of the bank was historically marsh and slough even beyond MLK blvd which was originally built on pilings. This is part of the same river landscape and is characteristic of much of the channelized Willamette lying upstream from, and therefore impactful of, the Riverplace site. Such landscapes were unimportant as they occurred at the 'edges' and were incidental. The weed species available was much more limited at the time and there appearance probably tended to be more bare as the native and newly arrive weeds were not well suited to invading it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/riverplace-img_0310.jpgRiverplace IMG_0310Riverplace looking south from the overlook adjacent to the Riverplace Hotel towards the buildings of the Strand.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1503.jpgIMG_1503Rhamnus alaternus 'Variegatus' planted between the Blue Oat Grass and gradually dying out Cornus 'Kelseyii'. It has been very slow. Understandable given the horrendous fill soil conditions.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1502.jpgIMG_1502One of the Arctostaphylos viscida 'Sweet Adinah' scattered in the dying clumps of Ceanothus i. 'Vandenburg'. This one is furthest south. These dead 'holes' have been heavily invaded by primarily annual weeds. A volunteer Deschampsia caespitosa, I believe, nearby.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1501.jpgIMG_1501The second grassy bay, below the Harborside Restaurant, between the Taxodium clumps from the south end. A sweep of Cistus pulverulentus 'Sunset' at the bottom, Ceanothus cuneatus 'Blue Sierra' at the left and two Arctostaphylos x 'Harmony'. The grasses are Kohleria macrantha, native, Festuca rubra commutatta and a few nasty invaders.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1500.jpgIMG_1500Ceanothus gloriosus 'Emily Brown' with the bunch grass Kohleria macrantha, Arctostaphylos densiflorus 'Howard McMinn at the top edge all sprinkled with Taxodium leaf debris. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1499.jpgIMG_1499A little Arctostaphylos x 'Harmony' with Kohleria macrantha clumps and Cistus p. 'Sunset'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1498.jpgIMG_1498At the left Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta', then Cistus 'Silver Pink' in the foreground (original to the '04 planting) which has struggled (?), a line of med. green is Arctostaphylos densiflorus 'Howard McMinn' backed down slope by Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenburg' much finer and darker. This last is most intact of all the clumps on the bank.2023-06-11T17:28:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/03/03/the-owls-of-the-eastern-icea-quest-to-find-and-save-the-worlds-largest-owl-jonathan-slaght-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blakistons_fish_owl.jpgBlakiston's_fish_owlhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/5f776e56-1778-4c1b-a670-9b6d34e81a60.jpg5F776E56-1778-4C1B-A670-9B6D34E81A602023-03-03T21:03:59+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/02/25/on-plant-drought-tolerance-and-gardening-in-the-arid-oregon-high-desert/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/img_8804.jpegIMG_8804The Dry Canyon in Redmond, Oregon, which for 200-300,000 years contained an earlier version of the Deschutes River. The rivers course was changed by an eruption from the Newberry Volcano and a latter eruption partially filled the canyon. In this section the canyon is around 70' deep, its two rims separated by about 700'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/img_8760.jpegIMG_8760The present Deschutes River about four miles west of its former canyon.2023-02-25T22:09:42+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2023/02/14/addressing-the-disparity-if-food-shelter-health-and-education-are-necessities-for-humans/2023-02-14T21:22:07+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/12/15/song-of-the-cell-an-exploration-of-medicine-and-the-new-human-a-review/2022-12-15T17:06:48+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/12/02/fen-bog-and-swamp-a-short-history-of-peatland-destruction-and-its-role-in-the-climate-crisis-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/092422_review_cover_2-382x580-1.jpeg092422_review_cover_2-382x580For another review: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/fen-bog-swamp-book-peatlands-annie-proulx#:~:text=Fens%2C%20bogs%20and%20swamps%20are%20technically%20distinct%2C%20but,world%20to%20another%2C%20from%20one%20millennium%20to%20another.2022-12-02T16:32:39+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/11/12/swamplands-tundra-beavers-quaking-bogs-and-the-improbable-world-of-peat-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2d3e9518-126d-4a97-a424-ab425cfe1db2img100.jpg{2D3E9518-126D-4A97-A424-AB425CFE1DB2}Img1002022-11-15T16:21:23+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/01/08/roldana-cristobalensis-formerly-senecio-cristobalensis-now-roldana-petasitis-var-cristobalensis/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_9434.jpgIMG_9434https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_9435.jpgIMG_9435https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_9438.jpgIMG_9438https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_9437.jpgIMG_9437https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_9439.jpgIMG_94392022-07-29T20:34:10+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/05/05/spillover-animal-infections-and-the-next-human-pandemic-david-quammen-ww-norton-co-2012-a-review/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/9780393346619_300.jpg9780393346619_3002022-06-08T19:40:15+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/03/08/the-way-of-the-cell-molecules-organisms-and-the-order-of-life-a-review-read-this-book-if-any-of-the-life-sciences-are-of-even-remote-interest-to-you/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/unknown.jpgunknown2022-03-08T20:00:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/02/13/democracy-inclusion-and-full-citizenship-as-biological-imperative-arundhati-roy-and-the-politics-of-the-world/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/81uxc7w1d1l.jpg81uxc7w1d1L2022-02-13T18:12:08+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/01/06/a-review-and-thoughts-on-peter-hoffmanns-book-lifes-ratchet-how-molecular-machines-extract-order-from-chaos-basic-books-2012/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9780465022533.jpg97804650225332024-10-28T18:48:35+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2022/01/04/musings-on-this-life-after-my-brothers-death/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/screen-shot-2021-12-20-at-9.57.52-pm.pngScreen Shot 2021-12-20 at 9.57.52 PMMy brothers, L-R, Dale, Kirk and Brucehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/unnamed-1.jpgunnamed-1Summer of '57 at Henderson Lake, Vancouver Island, BC. My mother, myself, the littlest one, and two brothers, Kirk in the middle, Bruce on the right. In the 1950's suspenders were still de rigueur...especially for little boys with bellies and pants without stretchy wastebands.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/unnamed.jpgunnamedA family portrait at home in Salinas, CA, probably taken by my father, our youngest sister not yet born.. Brother Kirk to my mother's left.2022-01-05T04:38:27+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/11/15/agave-montana-montes-flowering-attempt-and-whats-behind-it/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7174.jpgIMG_7174This is taken from a painting by Canadian artist Emily Carr of her pet monkey, Woo, a Javanese macaque. Ms. Carr is still much revered in her home British Columbia and her art is/was much loved by mother and daughter. Joanne's health declined rapidly as she began this rug, selecting and dying the wool, laying it out, but hooking little of it before she became incapacitated. A good friend of her's finished it for us, a friend who sadly died herself not long after.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7175.jpgIMG_7175Julie designed this one, hooked by Joanne, for one of our son's earlier birthdays, back when he wanted to be a marine biologist in the tropics, intrigued by science and imagined himself as an Olympic swimmer!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7176-e1574531827546.jpgIMG_7176We've had this rug made by Joanne on our bedroom floor for years.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7080.jpgIMG_7080This was taken on Nov. 6, '19 on the day it reach 10' even. At this point further extension of the peduncle has pretty much ended...for now.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_6904.jpgIMG_6904The entire peduncle is covered in a 'basket weave' of thick bracts, unlike the desert Agaves. This is thought to be an adaptation to cold.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7022.jpgIMG_7022Here a leaf from my Parrotia persica got skewered.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7024.jpgIMG_7024The thick peduncle looking top-down.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_6868.jpgIMG_6868Down toward the base of the peduncle the bracts are narrower and more crowded around it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7028.jpgIMG_7028https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_7025.jpgIMG_7025Oct. 29 with my 10' orchard ladder2021-12-29T17:37:07+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/10/25/hyper-individualism-the-dismissal-of-civil-society-and-the-pending-end-of-society/2021-12-04T23:47:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/11/29/climate-trends-and-current-weather-a-nice-record-setting-fall-day/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/screen-shot-2021-11-29-at-11.17.46-am.pngScreen Shot 2021-11-29 at 11.17.46 AMPay particular attention to the bars showing the temps from the first half of the month.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_4710.jpgIMG_4710Looking south, up river, to the Ross Island Bridge the South Waterfront buildings hugging the western bank.2021-11-29T19:53:58+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/09/21/musella-lasiocarpa-an-adaptable-smaller-banana-for-warm-to-mild-temperate-gardens/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/800px-yunnan_subdivisions_-_chuxiong.svg_.png800px-Yunnan_subdivisions_-_Chuxiong.svgMyanmar, Thailand and Vietnam are arrayed across Yunnan’s southern border, in dark green shades, a long and rugged border, Myanmar’s is particular rugged.. Sichuan fills the light green ‘gap’ to its north while Guizhou shares much of its eastern border, Musella often found in its western portions and along the this upper portion of the Yangtze River. Guangxi Province borders it to the southeast.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/screen-shot-2021-09-21-at-10.58.11-am.pngScreen Shot 2021-09-21 at 10.58.11 AMThe shaded portion shows the estimated former range of Musella.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_1755.jpgIMG_1755Musa sikkimensis leaves are relatively broad and thin tissued resulting in their typical draping form, which when combined with their tissue thinness results in shredding from even relatively mild wind.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_1753.jpgIMG_1753Leaves of my Ensete ventricosum 'Maureli' strongly drape downward from their central vein.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_1752.jpgIMG_1752Though small, the leaves of Musa accuminata 'Zebrina' are small they have a typical Musa width to length ratio, broader than Musella's. Their leaf tissue is also relatively thin.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_1751.jpgIMG_1751Musella lasicoarpa leaveshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_9274.jpgIMG_9274Musa sikkimensis a little further along in its development showing its expanding fruits, each 'hand' separated by a length of its extending peduncle.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_9223.jpgIMG_9223In contrast, this is the inflorescence of my Musa sikkimensis from 2020 with its long purple bracts, which it sheds after revealing its concealed flowers. From its first appearance it 'nods' downward. It's individual flowers show its incipient fruits already formed at the base of each flower.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_1675.jpgIMG_1675I've been growing Musella in a larger pot as well. It performs much as it does in the ground reaching similar size, getting along with comparatively little water. This plant suffered no leaf scorch even during our record breaking streak of 108º, 110º and 116º in late June '21. It was protected in shade in the afternoon. Here it sits on the deck next to my Musa accuminata 'Zebrina', a tropical, which did suffer alot of marginal leaf burn, even with daily watering of its pot during the hottest stretch.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_1617.jpgIMG_1617The inflorescence in early September, 2 1/2 months after beginning. The oldest bracts beginning to brown. If successfully pollinated, small fruits would form tightly held at their decaying bases. These are all male flowers being reveled.2021-09-22T15:25:49+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/11/16/musa-sikkimensis-red-tiger-bengal-tiger-and-the-banana-story-evolution-and-cold-adaptation/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/screen-shot-2018-11-16-at-9-22-36-am.pngScreen Shot 2018-11-16 at 9.22.36 AMThis map shows in light blue the areas where uplift is occurring due to one plate pushing into another.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/nph-210-1453-g006.jpgNPH-210-1453-g006The arrows show the extent of movement of Musa species by the dates shown on each map. At 30Mya the spiraling arrow indicates a time of speciation and radiation within the continental portion of SE Asia. Later they indicate its movement ‘back’ as the islands break away from the Sunda and reform in response to the advancement of the Suhel and the continent of Australia. (d) the latest period shown, 5Mya, shows the extent of this movement before the ‘glaciation’ periods of the Quaternary, 2.58 Mya, the most recent Ice Age, when the Earth began cycling in and out of these periods of the expansion of the polar ice caps toward the equatorial region and their following retreat.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/musa_velutina_attribute_nico_nelson.jpgmusa_velutina_attribute_nico_nelsonThe fruit of Musa velutina, from Annie's Annualshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_3197.jpgIMG_3197Musella lasiocarpa, topping out at about 6' in my garden, a relatively small banana with attractive glaucous, blue-green leaves. I usually pack this in leaves in the Fall. It generally freezes down for me, but has come back for 15 years or so.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_5716.jpgIMG_5716This is a smaller Must sikkimensis 'Red Tiger' if photographed a couple years ago in a local garden. Other people are growing it here. This one still has very showy markingshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/indianplate.pngIndianPlate2021-09-15T16:04:57+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/08/25/entangled-life-how-fungi-make-our-worlds-change-our-minds-shape-our-futures-a-review/2021-08-27T02:13:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/05/16/what-is-a-species/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_8253.jpgIMG_8253https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/the-invention-of-nature.jpgThe Invention of Naturehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/a-field-guide-to-manzanita.jpgA Field Guide to Manzanitahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_8181.jpgIMG_8181https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/the-woody-iridaceae.jpgThe Woody Iridaceaehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sky-islands.jpgSky Islandshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/half-earth-wilson.jpgHalf Earth wilson2021-08-16T04:35:10+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/08/07/the-ghosts-of-evolution-nonsensical-fruit-missing-partners-and-other-ecological-anachronisms-a-review-and-thoughts-on-this-life/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/screen-shot-2021-08-03-at-2.18.46-pm.pngScreen Shot 2021-08-03 at 2.18.46 PM2021-08-07T23:29:25+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/07/07/water-irrigation-xeric-related-and-essential-garden-vocabulary/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_2609.jpgIMG_2609Errol Creek in SE Portland before it joins Johnson Creek its flow highly modified by us.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dscn2343.jpgDSCN2343The fountain in the Peninsula Park Rose Garden, a frosty February morninghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_30301.jpgIMG_3030My higher end brass shutoff valve that allows me to stop flow while moving between pots or bedshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_30291.jpgIMG_3029My beaker of choice that softens and disperses the water flowhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_3031.jpgIMG_3031I always keep extra drip tubing around. It is prone to damage by errant shovel strikes. I also keep in stock a supply of fittings to rejoin it, elbows, tees and straight connectors. The tags serve as reminders of the ratings and performance of the tubing.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/fullsizerender.jpgMy water wandMy set up for hand watering minus the hose and my four water spigots placed strategically around the garden to minimize hose use and its consequent plant destruction caused by dragging it around.2021-07-01T03:46:14+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/08/08/the-opposite-of-freezing-plants-have-upper-limits-too/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_1942.jpgIMG_1942We routinely walk the MAX Orange Line route from our house and I've written of the problems with the design and maintenance of its landscapes since shortly after their installation. Problems continue, as expected, and are exacerbated by the current heat wave. The contractors not only are inadequately scheduled for weed maintenance, which are still taking over, but they haven't been staying up with the irrigation needs. Here the Spiarea are toasted and the Nyssa are completely defoliated due to the heat and drought. This problem is common along the length of the line I'm familiar with. You can't plant a landscape, especially one not suited to the conditions on the site, and then not provide care. They are throwing away their investment of public monies. As deciduous plants these will have some ability to rebound, as shedding their leaves is a normal stress response for them. But, as plants from summer rain areas it will weaken them none-the-less. If this practice continues over time these too will further weaken leaving even more space, niches, for invading weeds.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_1940.jpgIMG_1940As broad leaved evergreens these Viburnum davidii have been very compromised by both the heat and intensity of the sun and drought. These leaves are dead. I expect many of these ill-adapted evergreens to die. Many woody deciduous plants have a greater ability to recover from this, because shedding their leaves due to stresses like drought and freezing is within their normal range of responses. In a sense, there is less of a separation between leaf and stem tissues of evergreens. In them this kind of damage to leaves extends into the woody structure of the plant. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_1939.jpgIMG_1939A typical Orange Line mass planting of Viburnum davidii, a native of summer wet woodland areas in China and Japan, the opposite of this site. The plantings block the irrigation heads making coverage impossible, but even the perimeter plants, close to the heads, are stressed and burned.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8919.jpgIMG_8919Musa ventricosa 'Maureli'. I took this picture on day 7 of our heat wave. The older leaves are showing considerable burning on their margins, the remaining tissues are hanging more limply and are duller in color than the newer growth. The lowest leaf has collapsed. The under hydrated cells lack the strength of fully hydrated cells.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fpls-07-00114-g003.jpgfpls-07-00114-g003Schematic representation of HSFs as key components in transcriptional regulatory networks during abiotic stress. The scheme integrates both positive (arrows) and negative (bars) regulatory mechanisms. Abiotic stresses provoke a rise of cytoplasmic calcium, ROS accumulation and proteins denaturation inside the cells which convey stress-induced signals to responding genes, directly targeting HSF proteins marked with an asterisk. HSFs induce the activation of various genes playing a central role under abiotic stress conditions, thereby enhancing the abiotic stress tolerance. ROS, reactive oxygen species; CaM, Ca2+–calmodulin; TFs, transcription factors; Hsp, heat shock protein; sHsp, small Hsp; HSE, heat stress element; Hsa32, heat stress- associated 32-kD protein; Rof1, FK506-binding proteins; GST, glutathione-S-transferase; RD29A, drought-regulated gene 29A; APX2, ascorbate peroxidase 2; GolS1, a galactinol synthase; HSBP, HSF binding protein.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8918.jpgIMG_8918Agave gentryi 'Jaws' and Delosperma cooperii both 'succulents' that are well adapted to heat and though they do best with an occasional summer soaking.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8917.jpgIMG_8917Zauschneria (Epilobium) 'Select Mattole'. All of these 'California Fuchsia' only come into bloom with the heat of summer and are not only tolerant of drought, but abhor regular summer irrigation.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8916.jpgIMG_8916Echium wildprettii. Heat is also not an issue for Echium spp. All of these are thickly haired their epidermis covered with trichomes. These same hairs likely lead to its winter moisture/rot problem as it slows the foliage's drying.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8915.jpgIMG_8915Agave montana. This one has been very durable for me over the last 18? years. Like all Agave it wants winter/dry conditions, tough here, with occasional summer wet, which I provide with drip tubing.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8914.jpgIMG_8914Arctostaphylos auriculata 'Knobcone Point'. After planting this out last summer and giving it supplemental water to establish, I was thinking that I was home free. It wintered well, or seemingly so, and then we began our normal summer dry season.... I watered it a little bit, left town for a week and came back to it drought stressed, remember the 102º day in June? I watered it more, not wanting to overdo it, was out of town again and, you're looking at the result. This was planted from a larger, 3 gal pot, could this have been a factor? I have never plant larger plants like this in unamended heavy soil.2021-06-27T18:54:21+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/05/27/sex-evolution-and-form-clarifying-the-relationship-between-dandelion-and-the-european-honey-bee/2021-05-27T15:32:37+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/04/09/on-the-chaotic-unreality-of-the-real-and-how-we-redefine-it-reimagining-reality-in-a-probable-universe/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/01_lewis-clark-mural-bob-setterberg_3.jpg01_Lewis-Clark-Mural-Bob-Setterberg_3A large Tromp l'oil mural on the Oregon Historical Museum site.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/escher_poster_dulwich_picture_gallery_2015.jpgEscher_Poster_Dulwich_Picture_Gallery_2015An Escher work featured on a retrospective of his work in 2015https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/seurat-detail.jpgseurat-detailA close up of Georges Seurat, “La Parade de Cirque”https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3716.jpg3716Georges Seurat, “La Parade de Cirque”https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/picassoguernica.jpgPicassoGuernicaPablos Picasso's massive painting, 'Guernica', 25' 6" long, one of his most famous paintings, Picasso painted Guernica at his home in Paris in response to the bombing of Guernica, a Basque Country town in northern Spain, by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy at the request of the Spanish Nationalists.depicts the horrors of the slaughter that took place during Spain'shttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/jean_auguste_dominique_ingres_-_the_grand_odalisque_-_wga11841.jpgJean_Auguste_Dominique_Ingres_-_The_Grand_Odalisque_-_WGA11841Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres was a member of the realists, who attempted to create an image that mimicked 'reality'. It was an emphatic statement of how these artists saw the world. Ingres began painting at the beginning of the 1800's in a world coming to be dominated by Newton's mechanical view of the universe which was coming to dominate.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/41017647._sy475_.jpg41017647._SY475_2021-04-10T04:47:06+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/02/21/why-bad-things-happen-to-good-plants-on-root-problems-root-washing-nursery-practices-and-customers/2021-12-22T16:28:29+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/02/16/controlling-english-ivy-and-clematis-vitalba-in-the-landscape/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/120px-ivy_77uf_be.jpg120px-Ivy_77uf_beAll Ivies have a juvenile and mature phase. The juvenile leaves tend to be more angular, deeper lobed and smaller than the mature leaves. Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1024px-hedera_hibernica_with_berries.jpg1024px-Hedera_hibernica_with_berriesHedera hibernica with its more 'rounded' mature leaves and fruit.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/800px-clematis_ligusticifolia_female_flowers.jpg800px-Clematis_ligusticifolia_female_flowersThe female flowers of the native Clematis ligusticifolia, Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/photo.jpgphotoClematis ligusticifolia, a staminate, male flower, I photographed along the John Day River.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ranuncolaceae_-_clematis_vitalba.jpgRanuncolaceae - Clematis vitalbaThe perfect flowers of Clematis vitalba, the female structures in the center of the flower. Wikipedia2021-02-17T02:33:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2021/01/11/agapanthus-for-the-maritime-pacific-northwest-not-all-of-these-are-well-suited-for-us/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dscn5290.jpgDSCN5290Agapanthus 'Tinker Bell'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/agapanthus-dscn1107.jpgAgapanthus DSCN1107Agapanthus 'Storm Cloud'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/agapanthus-peter-pan-dscn1103.jpgAgapanthus Peter Pan DSCN1103Agapanthus 'Peter Pan'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/agapanthus-africanus-higan-summer-dscn1140.jpgAgapanthus africanus Higan Summer DSCN1140Agapanthus ‘Hinag’ syn. ‘Summer Gold’ a Japanese selection brought to the US by Barry Yinger.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/bioregions.jpgbioregions2021-01-12T16:20:26+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/11/19/nature-as-a-model-for-society-and-the-economy/2020-12-07T17:08:55+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/05/04/ginkgo-biloba-on-reproduction-evolution-and-anomalous-existence/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5428.jpgIMG_5428G. b. "Chase Manhattan' one would expect this to leaf out early in its pot, but no the small leaves are slow to emerge.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5427.jpgIMG_5427This is my young G. b. 'Chase Manhattan' a narrow dwarf with small leaves.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ginkgo-biloba-blagon-2091d1a7-67dc-584c-96ec-b1b2175f929f-original.jpgGinkgo biloba Blagon 2091d1a7-67dc-584c-96ec-b1b2175f929f-originalGinkgo biloba Blagon a French cultivar that grows as a smaller tree in a ver tight pyramidal formhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5400.jpgIMG_5400This is one of the largest of the Ginkgo seedlings in the two blocks and has a couple major scaffoled limbs removed from down low. Each of the Ginkgo trees in the two Parks have a pattern of branching that dffers from all others which is typical of the species and a big reason the nursery industry has selected particular cultivars for the landscape.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5403.jpgIMG_5403The sparse brancing on this seedling iis genetic, not a result of having been shaded.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5404.jpgIMG_5404This seedling has significant scafflold branches on it lower trunk, but added a second leader with little branching above it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5407.jpgIMG_5407This male seedling never developed any significant scaffold branching producing only brush minor branches along its single leader.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5408.jpgIMG_5408This is one of the few male clones in the Park that I'm sure of, as it was planted around '97 when I was working in the Park, though I've never known which one it is. Its structure demonstrates a uniformity, both in its spacing of its branches and their size, that is often absent in seedling trees.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_5409.jpgIMG_5409There are six Ginkgo trees here along Main St., on the north side Chapman Square downtown. You can see the Elk fountain, one of several once installed so locals could 'water' their horses. Only two the Ginkgos on the two blocks are male clones that I know of, the others are a mix of male and female seedlings. The male stroboli are still in evidence on the trees. The female trees appear to hold their stroboli on higher branches as I could see nothing on the available lower branches with my bad eyes.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/screen-shot-2019-05-02-at-10.34.47-pm.pngScreen Shot 2019-05-02 at 10.34.47 PMFrom the Washington Post article2020-11-25T18:58:46+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/11/11/wintering-over-your-red-abyssinian-banana-ensete-ventricosum-maureli/2023-03-27T17:51:18+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/08/14/the-flowering-of-monte-going-viral-during-a-pandemic/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/dji_0293.jpg-grant-joseph-drone-shot-may-23.jpgDCIM100MEDIADJI_0293.JPGA friend did a little 'fly by' for me! Thanks Grant Josephhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_6900.jpgIMG_6900The site is exposed fully to the south and slopes to the west at about 5%. Oct. 10.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8750.jpgIMG_8750On some days these large flies out numbered the bees over the waning days of flowering. The droplets you see are nectar fallen from the many flowers above, unvisited by either Hummingbirds or Bats, both of which are heavy nectar feeders. Without their participation the nectar literally overflows. These larger pollinators have much higher energy demands and having evolved with the flowers, each has come to meet the needs of the other.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_9238.jpgIMG_9238June 25 The flowers all collapsed, many aborted, looking bedraggled, bottom to top.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_9237.jpgIMG_9237June 25 Everything is directed by hormones. These serve as signals that activate various processes. An unfertilized ovary does not produce a particular hormone. Because of this the abscission layer is created, the ovary aborted, thus saving resources and energy.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_9234.jpgIMG_9234June 25 One of the lowest clusters, also the ones with the least number of fertilized ovaries, dozens fallen away once an abscission layer was created at the end of the pedicel so that they could fall.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8861.jpgIMG_8861June 2 Fallen, unfertile ovaries with attached stamen and pistils.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8837.jpgIMG_8837May 31 The inflorescence still contains many clusters which are predominantly actively flowering.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8748.jpgIMG_8748May 26 The flowers of many other species fall apart as the process advances...not Agave. These toughen up somewhat like dried fruit leather.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8745.jpgIMG_8745May 26 Even though collapsed these anthers still held pollen.2020-08-14T21:53:38+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/07/22/what-do-we-do-when-the-whole-world-feels-like-its-falling-to-pieces/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2020-07-21-at-2.41.00-pm.pngScreen Shot 2020-07-21 at 2.41.00 PM2020-07-22T18:26:52+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/05/21/puya-growing-these-well-armed-south-americans-in-the-pacific-northwest/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/puya_dasylirioides_1.jpgPuya_dasylirioides_1Puya dasylirioides is a species in the genus Puya. This species is native to Costa Rica. It is unusual for a Puya, as the leaves have no spines along the leaf margins. The flowers are blue with brown buds and the plants reach maturity at 4 to 5 years. Another feature that sets this species is that it grows in boggy areas at 3000 m that dry up seasonably.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/dsc07536-chusquea_cumingii-poac-r5x350.jpgDSC07536-Chusquea_cumingii-Poac-r5x350Chusquea cumingii is an arid clumping bamboo growing in the same region. Here it is pictured, in situ, beside a Puya chilensis.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/clima_de_chile.jpgClima_de_ChileThis shows the predominant winds around Chile which are primarily southwestern, more strongly onshore in the wet south.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/800px-chile_kocc88ppen.png800px-Chile_Köppenhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_3576.jpgIMG_3576Puya berteroniana in Mike's Portland parking strip where it shares space with various Manzanita, Lyanothamonos, Euphorbia and others.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/800px-chile.cuencas.hidrograficas.ohigginsymaule.svg_.png800px-Chile.cuencas.hidrograficas.ohigginsymaule.svghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/rio_teno_watershed.jpgRio_teno_watershedThis is a view of the region looking southwesterly toward the Pacific.  The Rio Teno watershed is tinted blue and bordered by red.  These were collected  .  The region lies 114miles to the south of Santiago by train.  For scale, the city of Curico, about 10km upstream of the river's confluence on the L.  Curico is at about 800'.  Mike's collection comes from upstream in the steeper portion of the Andes shown above.2025-03-24T19:37:22+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/12/21/eucomis-pineapple-lilies-exotic-lookscommon-tastes/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_9391.jpgIMG_9391There are 7 small corms of this Eucomis vandermerwei in this small pot, each connected to the others solidly. There are no bud scales, modified leaves. To be divided these must be cut apart through fairly substantial starchy tissue.2020-07-15T21:52:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/05/20/spreading-the-wealth-taking-advantage-of-monte-to-broaden-a-teachable-moment/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_7820.jpgIMG_7820Grevillea x 'Pink Pearl'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8352.jpgIMG_8352Beschorneria yuccoides 'Flamingo Glow'. My plant this year took a year off from flowering. To the lower right is Agave parryii 'Huachucensis'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8601.jpgIMG_8601Lobelia laxiflora ssp. angustifolia Heavy with bloom this Lobelia began flowering almost a month ago.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8602.jpgIMG_8602Sphaeralcea x 'Newleaze Coral' The first two little flowers of the long season.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_7975.jpgIMG_7975One of ten or so varieties I have, Iris x pacifica 'Pacific Rim'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/x-halimiocistus-wintonensis-merrist-wood-cream-z5a0183.jpg_x Halimiocistus wintonensis Merrist Wood Cream Z5A0183x Halimiocistus wintonensis 'Merrist Wood Cream'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8368.jpgIMG_8368https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8369.jpgIMG_8369https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8367.jpgIMG_8367Echium wildpretti, on any other year, this would have been the street side star!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8385.jpgIMG_8385Beschorneria septentrionalis on a drippy morning2020-05-24T03:43:16+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/10/24/recognizing-and-using-the-power-we-still-have-moving-toward-a-more-sane-livable-future/2020-05-18T22:50:47+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/04/07/viruses-in-plants-life-disease-and-evolution/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2tmv_composite.jpg2tmv_compositeA model of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus molecule. The red is the enclosed RNA, its genetic material, the rest is the protective capsid constructed of individual protein molecules like bricks into an overall 'rod' shape.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/screen-shot-2020-04-01-at-1.55.05-pm.pngScreen Shot 2020-04-01 at 1.55.05 PMhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/screen-shot-2020-03-30-at-3.19.56-pm.pngScreen Shot 2020-03-30 at 3.19.56 PMComparison of relative sizes with a logarithmic scale.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/figure-21-01-01ab.jpegfigure-21-01-01abThese electron microscopic pics show a tiny virus along a bacteria's cell wall, while the one on right shows a cluster of bacteria near the membrane of a eukaryotic cellhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_7797.jpgIMG_7797I got this Mediterranean Fan Palm, Chaemerops humilis, almost 20 years ago...and this plant has grown relatively little over the period. It is infected with a virus.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_7795.jpgIMG_7795The viral symptoms show here in this 'tie dye' pattern of variegation repeated in kind in every leaf.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_7796.jpgIMG_7796A further effect of the virus is stunting. This plant is small, produces only a few offsets and smaller leaves.2020-05-18T22:46:19+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/04/12/covid-19-pandemics-and-how-they-will-change-the-world-for-the-better/2020-05-18T22:44:31+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/04/28/gardening-in-public-charismatic-mega-flora-and-the-need-for-a-public-horticultural-intervention/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/lance-wright-with-monty-agave-montana_3804.jpgLance Wright with Monty - Agave montana_3804Checking on my latest science experiment.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/lance-wright-with-monty-agave-montana_3802.jpgLance Wright with Monty - Agave montana_3802At this point: the rosette remains about 6' in diameter, overall height is 13' 4", the circumferance averages about 43" around the swelling terminal end which is about 30" tall itself. I'm 6'2" and I'm on a 10' orchard ladder.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_7960.jpgIMG_7960The 'baby chicks', flower buds rising out from behind the bract on its secondary peduncle, branch, after having emerged from what looks like a 'red', raddichio, looking envelope showing between the buds and bract.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_4398.jpgIMG_4398A large variegated form of Agave americana at the mission in Santa Barabara.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_3738.jpgIMG_3738Palms in the fantasy garden of Ruth Bancroft in Walnut Creek, CA.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_1072.jpgIMG_1072Tree Aloes amidst hundreds of other Aloes and Palms in the incredible gardens of Lotusland, in the hills above Santa Barbara.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6738.jpgIMG_6738https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6719.jpgIMG_6719https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6717.jpgIMG_6717https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6715.jpgIMG_67152020-05-18T22:42:21+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/05/18/the-flowering-of-monte-social-media-and-the-hordes/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8484.jpgIMG_8484No visitors during this rain break and the Baptisia sphaerocarpa, with its yellow color echo, has not flopped with the weight of the rain yet.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8483.jpgIMG_8483Our son, who works in a bike shop, thought this was hilarious, exactly opposite of what it should be. I took this Monday morning during a break in the rain and visitors had dropped off.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8438.jpgIMG_8438https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8348.jpgIMG_8348{"colorSpace":"kCGColorSpaceSRGB","cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":true,"qualityMode":2,"deviceTilt":-0.044173435368810132,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8303.jpgIMG_8303https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8465.jpgIMG_8465https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8477.jpgIMG_8477One flower, from the stigma tip to the bottom of the ovary and pedicel attaching it.2020-06-02T11:42:07+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/25/desirable-plants-thugs-and-weeds-the-fine-line-between-good-and-bad/2020-04-09T18:54:31+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/10/12/a-closer-look-at-jimis-beautiful-obsession-a-review-of-chosen-plants-from-his-presentation-part-3-asteraceae/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/screen-shot-2018-09-24-at-6-11-53-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-24 at 6.11.53 PMInulanthera dregeanahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/photo.jpgphotoWhat is not to love? It's not just the color of this plant its the substance and drape of it, to borrow a word from the fashion world, of the leaves.  Each leaf is almost succulent curving into irregular layering of wings, white doves startled and flushing into movement...I saw this robust Senecio 'Angel Wings' at the Seattle Study Weekend in Lisa B garden, I think in a pot in her front garden.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/fp-zonemap-heat.jpgfp-ZoneMap-heathttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/sonchus_palmensis_01.jpgSonchus_palmensis_01https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/celmisia-semicordata-david-shackleton-from-stevewhysall-net.jpgCelmisia semicordata 'David Shackleton', from stevewhysall.nethttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mt-arthur-range-high-point-5589-from-wikipedia.jpgMt. Arthur Range, high point 5,589', from WikipediaMt. Arthur Range, near the north end of the South Island and the city of Nelson. This is one of the 'hot' spots for Celmisia. The high point in this range is 5,589', from Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/pen-king-penguin12-w-senecio-candidans.jpgPen-King Penguin12 w: Senecio candidansSenecio candidans near the beaches of the Falkland Islandshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/42507926512_9c59f503b0_z.jpg42507926512_9c59f503b0_zhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/rossettenstauden-paramo-in-colombia.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is a shot of part of the paramo in the Colombia highlands showing a typical landscape and home to the similar Senecio niveoaureus 'Bello Grigio'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/sonchus_february_2008-1-oleraceus.jpgSonchus_February_2008-1 oleraceusSonchus ol2020-03-15T15:28:17+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/02/23/manzanita-arctostaphylos-a-genus-whose-time-has-come-advocating-for-a-plant/2020-03-12T18:15:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/02/10/latitude-and-energy-a-beginning-point/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/tornado-alley.jpgTornado-Alley2020-02-11T02:04:08+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/01/26/here-comes-the-sun-its-effects-on-life-and-place/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/screen-shot-2020-01-26-at-1.10.11-pm.pngScreen Shot 2020-01-26 at 1.10.11 PMThis shows the symmetrical pattern straddling the equator, for the city of Quito, Ecuador, that holds true for any location on the equator.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/screen-shot-2020-01-26-at-1.04.15-pm.pngScreen Shot 2020-01-26 at 1.04.15 PMSun path charts can be a little confusing at first to 'read', but once you do they provide a lot of explanative power all together. This one is for Santiago, Chile, at latitude 33.45 south. Portland is at latitude 45º north so its arcing pattern would bend the opposite direction to the south and it would be more extremely 'bent' in proportion to its increased distance away from the equator.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_7370.jpgIMG_7370Agave montana, native to the cool and relatively wet Sierra Madre Orientale above 6,000' where the landscape is often enshrouded in clouds coming off the Gulf of Mexico.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_7371.jpgIMG_7371Parrotia persica in January with its compact crimson flowers open against the sky.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_7355.jpgIMG_7355Puya bertoniana from high up in the central Andes of Chile, tolerant of both exposure and drought tolerant native in a mediterranean climate.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_7372.jpgIMG_7372The peduncle of my flowering Agave montana, from the high elevation of Sierra Madre Orientale, during its winter hiatus.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/300px-arctic_circle.svg_.png300px-Arctic_circle.svg2020-02-10T15:08:18+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/02/02/weather-snapshot-whats-been-going-on-out-there-lately/2020-02-04T01:05:08+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/03/19/winter-0f-18-19-cloudy-mild-with-a-chance-of-on-weather-zones-plants/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kpdx201903plot-2-2.pngKPDX201903plot-2This chart for March again shows the slowly warming/rising light green normal band contrasting with the dark blue bars of our actual temps. The March temps appear colder because they shifted the chart downward. The more extreme minimum temperature swings of Nov., Dec., and Jan. have even out, the lt. blue portion narrowing and showing more consistency.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/dfcc1d90df9c3cef28158a6fc154c28b.jpgdfcc1d90df9c3cef28158a6fc154c28bA print from the archives of The Columbian showing a car driving across the Columbia. It used to get very cold and stay that way. This combined with the absence of the dams changed flow rates and temperatures enough to allow freezing. It appears to be the railroad bridge in the background looking east with the Interstate in the distance beyond it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/htoo70a.jpghTOo70AThis was taken in January of 1924.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_3652.jpgIMG_3652Nothing fancy here for storage. This all faces south with about 7' of roof overhang on a concrete slab. There is living space beneath which probably contributes a little bottom heat. This is very wind protected. I have two other protected areas, beneath roofs where I'll move larger pots that I don't want to move up and down stairs. This is where winter dry/cold tolerant plants hang outhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_3561.jpgIMG_3561A shot of my back garden taken on Feb. 9, after a few days freezing minimum temps and our heaviest snow of the stretch of cold, nothing compared to all of those up in the Puget Sound area.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kpdx201901plot-2.pngKPDX201901plot-2January's temperatures show considerable stability in their overall pattern without the cold valleys more characteristic of Novermber and December. The record highs are especially stable showing nowhere near the wide range between normal high to record highs. The lows, however, show distinctly more extreme range, but there is a consistency, an evenness to them. It is interesting though that our record lows are toward the end of the month. As you compare charts check the temperatures along the 'Y' axis to the left.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/screen-shot-2019-03-12-at-10.16.42-am.pngScreen Shot 2019-03-12 at 10.16.42 AMWeather is always full of 'anomalies', odd little data points popping out from the overall trend. Last year, another mild winter after the previous, frigid for us, winter of '16 -'17, still set record low temps on two February days, 23º on the 21st and 24º on the 23rd, while this year as consistently cool as it was, on nine days saw lows warmer than the 'normal' low. As far as highs go, we were above our normal high on only one date, on the second we hit 50º when the normal was 49º....We never came close to breaking high temp record as we ranged from 8º - 43º below our recorded daily highs for the month.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kpdx201812plot-2.pngKPDX201812plot-2Here in December a similar pattern of freezing minimum record temperatures is repeated. It is interesting to note that there is no corresponding pattern of peaking high temperatures. Here in the PNW, especially in the Portland area with our maritime influence our high temps are often dampened while the lows show a response pattern tied to the colder continental air mass which sometimes drops down out of Canada and attacks us from the east. Normally there is a mixing of our air in winter, preventing the buildup of stagnant layers of cold air which can occur in other Valley areas.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kpdx201811plot-2.pngKPDX201811plot-2Here in the November chart you can see how the month began quite warm before dropping into the moderate normal range. If you notice the colder blue portion showing minimums down to their record lows you can see an overall trend that we often experience that causes us consternation and can put certain of our plants under considerable stress. It shows two ranges of quite cold lows, with records well below the norm. These sudden temperature drops can do considerable freeze damage to many plants that may have 'sailed' through on mild Fall temps only to get 'hammered'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kpdx201902plot-2-1.pngKPDX201902plot-2The center green band of these NOAA charts delimits the 20 year average for each day, the bottom marking the average minimum temp and the top marking the average high temp. The red and blue portions of the chart mark the range of temps between that and their record high and low levels. The dark blue 'bars' show the actual recorded temps for those days. This chart shows distinctly the initial cold span with the slight warming to well within normal range, followed by a more irregular cooling. The relative steadiness of these temperatures helped plants maintain their slower, more dormant metabolisms for the month. Typically February has been notable for the stability of its daily temperatures, the relative narrowness of the 'green, normal, band' indicates this.2020-01-17T17:33:22+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/01/13/toward-a-redefinition-of-work/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dscn0185-south-waterfront-grass-harvest.jpgDSCN0185 South Waterfront grass harvestSeveral different Panicum, Miscanthus and Pennisetum cultivars were planted in large sweeps across more than an acre of bank above the Willamette River here. For several years, late each winter, we gathered in mass for the 'Harvest' cutting them down and removing the debris as we were unable to get permits to burn them. Maintenance on this site was always labor intensive given the manner in which it was planted, large sweeps of clumping grasses with nothing in between necessitating this. Over time irrigation was discontinued and a more xeric and complex of other plants were added, changing how the work is done.2020-01-13T18:39:51+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2020/01/08/passing-the-baton-on-life-seeds-germination-and-vegetative-propagation/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/b511.jpgb511This was found on the site, http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/biology/embryo-in-flowering-plants-structure-types-and-development/11808https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/clip_image002_thumb54.jpgclip_image002_thumb54https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dicot-seed.pngdicot-seedThis diagram is of a typical bean seed here to illustrate some of the basic structures within all seeds. When germination begins water is taken in via the Micropyle. This picture is taken from a simple introductory page, https://byjus.com/biology/identification-of-the-different-parts-of-an-embryo-of-a-dicot-seed/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ginkgo_embryo_and_gametophyte.jpgGinkgo_embryo_and_gametophyteThis picture is a section of a Gingko biloba seed with its embryo, taken from Wikipedia.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fullsizeoutput_450c.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis pic shows the remaining seed of Sonchus canariensis, the typical slender achene of the Aster family, still clinging to the rim of the receptacle with their pappus expanded to help carry them away on the breeze. I found this picture on the blog, "Violets and others: Wild flower photos by Peter Leonard", in a posting on March 26, 2019, titled, "Sonchus canariensis in Tenerife", pictures he took while visiting the island. https://cambridgewildflowers.blogspot.com/2019_03_26_archive.html?m=0https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_7284.jpgIMG_7284Recently cleaned bb sized seed sans their thin orange and fleshy seed coats.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_7283.jpgIMG_7283Seed from my Sonchus palmensis, sharing the characteristic achene of Aster family seeds.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_7285.jpgIMG_7285Dried fruits typical of Lily family members, each 3 chambered with flattened seeds stacked one atop the other, Beschorneria on the left, Puya mirabilis on the right.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/coco_de_mer_-_bot.2007.26.21.jpgCoco_de_mer_-_BOT.2007.26.21Seeds are incredible structures occurring in sizes that range from that of dust to that of the Palm pictured here, Lodoicea maldivica, the Coco de Mer, a rarity limited to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, that forms the seed above that can grow up to 12” long and up to 40lbs within a truly massive fruit that can push the total weight to over 60lbs taking 6-7 years to mature!  This is a dioecious species with separate male and female plants, the males of which produce a catkin like inflorescence which can produce pollen for as long as 10 years!  It was once known under the name Lodoicea callipyge, from the Greek words meaning 'beautiful buttocks', I've always liked the more descriptive names rather than those linking a species to a botanically significant person.  With that massive endosperm much of the emerging seedling is large as well.  A tube forms between the seed and developing seedling that can be over 15' long. The emerging cotyledon, its 'seed leaf', is the largest in the world at up to 14' long!  Such a large endosperm also contributes to its ability to withstand stresses as seeds and seedlings vary as well having highly variable seed coats and dormancy, the ability to maintain their integrity while withstanding the conditions it may be exposed to.  Generally, in this species, each seed contains a single embryo.  Contrary to this there is little margin for error with tiny seeds and their proportionally tiny endosperm.  Most of the bulk of the Coco de Mer seed is endosperm…but, as in any seed, it is the embryo that contains the ‘magic’, the spark of life that will ignite into the seedling.2020-01-08T20:50:51+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/11/18/sonchus-palmensis-one-of-the-giant-tree-dandelions/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_7146.jpgIMG_7146My plant on the front porch in Nov. '19https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/screen-shot-2019-11-18-at-1.26.05-pm.pngScreen Shot 2019-11-18 at 1.26.05 PMThe Island of La Palms2023-04-17T21:06:19+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/10/21/agave-colorata-and-its-blooming-attempt-in-18/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/sonoranregionmaptropical.jpgSonoranRegionMapTropicalThis map comes from the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum.2019-11-04T16:21:52+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/10/05/life-inside-the-cell-waking-up-to-the-miracle-part-1a/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-victoria_amazonica_edit_1.jpg2-Victoria_amazonica_edit_1The ephemeral flower of Victoria amazonica lasts for only 48 hours. See Carlos Magdelena's chapter on this plant in his book, "Plant Messiah". Both pictures here are from the Victorian site, Racing Nellie Bly. https://racingnelliebly.com/weirdscience/giant-victoria-water-lily-sparked-fierce-competition/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-group-on-lily.jpg2-group-on-lilyThis plant created a stir in Victorian England. For historical context read, "The Flower Of Empire: An Amazonian Water Lily, the Quest to Make it Bloom, and the World it Created", Tatiana Holwayhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fourth-phase-water-1.jpgfourth-phase-water-1https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/7bcc70da8de5756abdf8b1ef8d79e3fb.jpg7bcc70da8de5756abdf8b1ef8d79e3fbThis schematic of a ‘modern’ eukaryotic plant cell is generalized. It is a teaching tool. This is not what all plant cells look like up close. Whether plant or animal an organism's cells can have very different structures, such as those within the xylem tissue, a leaf or a flowers ovary…they are not identical ‘blocks’ merely put together in different patterns. It does show many of the essential organelles within the cells of plants. The ribosomes, shown here as tiny dots, of which there can be upwards of 10 million living freely within a single cell or attached to the membrane within both the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, altogether which are responsible for the production of a cell’s proteins, varying from the organelle that produced it; the chloroplasts which serve as the sites for photosynthesis…in those cells that ‘require’ them, which transform into other bodies, serving other functions when not ‘needed’; the mitochondrion, singular, each cell will have several, which serve as energy production centers transforming the energy contained within the synthesized carbohydrates into ATP to directly power a cell’s functioning; lysosomes which break down damaged or degraded proteins for reuse; the various vesicles and vacuoles which store compounds, hormones and enzymes for later use and much more. While all cells contain many of these, the cells of more specialized tissues, such as the vascular/structural tissue of a plant’s stem have very unique shapes and utilize the thickened and strengthened cell walls in fulfilling their functions. All of this is coordinated within the organism. 2019-10-05T19:26:33+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/10/04/on-ecology-politics-and-climate-change-the-links-that-tear-us-asunder/2019-10-05T03:45:21+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/08/27/an-introduction-for-gardeners-to-the-eudicots-and-the-new-phylogeny-of-angiosperms-clades-cladograms-flowers-and-extinction-part-4/2019-08-29T14:43:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/08/26/an-introduction-for-gardeners-to-the-eudicots-and-the-new-phylogeny-of-angiosperms-genetics-and-the-apg-part-3/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/riley_ranchdraft_mp.jpgRiley_RanchDraft_MPThe Master Plan for Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, Bend Metro Parks and Recreation, Mar, 2017https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/image_5458e-rafflesia-kemumu.jpgimage_5458e-Rafflesia-kemumuRafflesia kemumu, was only discovered and described last year. Found in only 4 very small populations, it is critically endangered.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/schisandra-arisanensis.jpgSchisandra arisanensishttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/schisandra-rubriflora.jpgSchisandra rubriflorahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/640px-amborella_trichopoda_5.jpg640px-Amborella_trichopoda_5https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1024px-amborella_trichopoda.jpg1024px-Amborella_trichopodaThe tiny flowers are held in cymes that are attached at leaf axils.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chloranthaceaemap.gifchloranthaceaemapThe range of family Chloranthaceaehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/sarcandra-glabra.jpgSarcandra glabraSarcandra glabra w/ fruithttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chloranthus-oldhamii-bswj6788.jpgChloranthus oldhamii BSWJ6788Chloranthus oldhamii in flowerhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chlor734.gifchlor734Early drawing of details2019-08-29T14:42:57+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/02/19/evolution-speciation-and-what-it-means-to-the-new-phylogeny-a-primer-for-gardeners/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/welwitschia02.jpgWelwitschia02This is a 100 year old Welwitschia mirabilis growing in situ. These can live upwards of 1,000 years forming a broad 'trunk' from which the reproductive structures form. The leaves grow continuously gradually drying and shredding at their end.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/welwitschia03.jpgWelwitschia03Welwitschia mirabilis a very early Gymnosperm forms these female 'cones' which the Welwitschia Bug pollinates.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pteridophyte-life-cycle.pngPteridophyte Life CycleThis is the life cycle of Pteridophytes, vascular, non-flowering, non-seed producing plants. Their life cycle is very similar to the more primitive, non-vascular bryophytes, the mosses, liverworts, etc...with two primary differences: the Bryophytes dominant, photosynthetic stage is their haploid, gametophyte stage producing separate male and female gametophytes which then produce the sperm and egg cells which upon fertilization produce the diploid sporophyte. In Pteridophytes, ferns, the diploid sporophyte is the dominant form we recognize and the gametophyte is dioecious containing both sexes, producing both eggs and sperm from different organs.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/screen-shot-2018-01-26-at-7-21-50-am.pngScreen Shot 2018-01-26 at 7.21.50 AMThis is a screen capture from the Wikipedia page titled 'The Evolution of Sexual Reproduction'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/gymnosperm-reproduction.jpgGymnosperm reproductionLife cycle of typical modern Pine species. Other extant gymnosperms as well as their extinct progenitors vary somewhat from this illustration.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/female-cone-strobili-immature.jpgfemale cone, strobili, immatureFemale Pine cone or strobili, immaturehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/male-conestrobili-immature.jpgMale cone:strobili, immatureMale Pine cone or strobili, releasing pollenhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_7651.jpgIMG_7651This Fig, Ficus microphyllus I believe, photographed in the Palm Garden in San Diego's Balboa Park with its massive buttressing roots.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_9636.jpgIMG_9636This Metasequoia, @30" dbh, at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden has this broad 'flare' or mantle of roots giving the tree a rigid wide base, much wider than its trunk width, adding considerably to its stability. This trait developed early in primitive trees, that like this one, grew on swampy, wet sites. Other species like Cupressus decurrens and Ficus microhylla have an even more exaggerated mantle.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/prokaryote_eukaryote_cells.pngprokaryote_eukaryote_cellsOverall eukaryote plant cells, as illustrated on the left, are much more complex than those of the prokaryote shown on the right. The nucleus and the organelles are enclosed within their own protective membranes. The eukaryote shown is a more contemporary cell with its specific functions being met by more specialize organelles some of which are thought to be derived by including previously freely existing bacteria within their structures, i.e., mitochondria.2019-08-26T22:32:09+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/07/15/the-basic-code-of-the-universe-the-science-of-the-invisible-in-physics-medicine-and-spirituality-a-discussion-of-ideas/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/a1srgfykq3l.jpgA1SRgFYkq3L2019-07-15T17:23:27+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/06/27/experience-gardens-mentors-peers-and-friends-essential-elements-to-the-growing-gardner/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_5651.jpgIMG_5651Kaylee told us to visit the little Park next to the Comox marina where they build three very nice little crevice gardens...near a popular playground, yet the gardens were unprotected and impeccable!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_2286.jpgIMG_2286The formal courtyard garden at the Cloisters of Metropolitan Museum of Art located above the Hudson River in the Bronx.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_2228.jpgIMG_2228The native garden at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, a piece of a large garden that, along with the beautiful conservatory, really needs the visitor to spend at least a full day to explore it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_4350.jpgIMG_4350This is the , the research and administration building at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. I love this garden. Sitting on a ridge top above Santa Barbara, overlooking Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands, this particular part of the garden, still being planted, features the native plants of the Channels, more than a few of which are endemic and endangered. The Botanic Garden focuses on the regional flora, particularly on the Channel Islands where it carries out research and restoration projects. Aesthetically, this garden works beautifully and is a wonderful example of what can be done with one's own regional flora.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_3113.jpgIMG_3113Brundage Mountain up out of McCall, Idaho.2019-06-27T20:08:57+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/06/20/on-the-necessity-of-poetry-in-the-world/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_3757.jpgIMG_3757In Pinnacles National Park on the High Peaks Trail2019-06-20T22:59:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/05/29/hummingbirds-in-the-real-world-evolution-physiology-and-relationship/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1280px-archilochus-alexandri-003.jpg1280px-Archilochus-alexandri-003A male Black-chinned Hummingbird, Archilochus alexandri, one of the most adaptable and common Hummers in the US. They are found throughout the western US from forests and woodlands to grassland and chaparral, including eastern Oregon. from Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/broadbilledhummingbird.jpgBroadbilledHummingbirdA male Broad-billed Hummingbird, Cynanthus latirostris, another desert species primarily limited to the American SW including the Sonororan Desert and the mountains of the Maderan Sky Islands, https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1024px-male_broad-tailed_hummingbird_1.jpg1024px-Male_Broad-tailed_Hummingbird_1A male Broad Billed Hummingbird, Selasphorus platycercus, this less commonly observed species has a summer, breeding range, that extends into mountainous areas of eastern Oregon where it will forage in open Pine woodlands and adjacent grasslands. from Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1280px-allens_hummingbird_guarding_flower_patch.jpg1280px-Allen's_Hummingbird_Guarding_Flower_PatchA male Allen's Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin. This species is generally restricted to a narrow coastal band along California as far as part of southern Oregon.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hummingbird.jpgHummingbirdA male Costa's Hummingbird, (Calypte costae), more often found in the desert's of the American SW, these can range up into the arid SE Oregon.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1280px-pause_in_flight_calliope_hummingbird_stellula_calliope.jpg1280px-Pause_in_Flight;_Calliope_Hummingbird_(Stellula_calliope)A hovering male Calliope Hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope, generally found in mountainous to desert areas of the western US, in Oregon east of the Cascade crest in more open forested areas to scrub. from Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1024px-selasphorus_rufus_on_saltspring_island.jpg1024px-Selasphorus_rufus_on_Saltspring_IslandA hovering male Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus, the most common species ranging along coastal areas north into southern Alaska. from Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1280px-annas_hummingbird.jpg1280px-Anna's_hummingbirdA male Anna's Hummingbird, resident west of the Cascades, their entire heads can show the striking red iridescent color, depending on the light and your angle. from Wikipediahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/0.jpegBrugmansia sanguinea, an endemic to the Andes mountains from Colombia to northern Chile at elevations from 2,000 to 3,000 m (6,600 to 9,800 ft) unlike most of its sister species which release aromatics in the evening to attract Hawk Moths to pollinate them, isn't fragrant at all and is thought to be pollinated by long beaked Hummingbirds.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/800px-giant_hummingbird_patagonia_gigas_on_cactus_in_peru_by_devon_pike.jpg800px-Giant_hummingbird_Patagonia_Gigas_on_cactus_in_Peru_by_Devon_PikeGiant Hummingbird, Patagona gigas on Cactus in Peru, by Devon Pike2019-05-30T06:10:43+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/02/25/fabiana-imbricata-the-andean-un-tomato-a-non-heath-that-looks-a-lot-like-its-cousin-cestrum/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1024px-benthamiella_patagonica_150418.jpg1024px-Benthamiella_patagonica_150418Benthamiella patagonica a genus of compact cushion plants from Patagonia is a member of the tribe Benthamielleae.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/screen-shot-2019-02-24-at-2.05.36-pm.pngScreen Shot 2019-02-24 at 2.05.36 PMhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1024px-browallia_americana_flowers_closeup_1350px.jpg1024px-Browallia_americana_Flowers_Closeup_1350pxThe Jamaican forget-me-not, amethyst flower, or bush violet (Browallia americana) is native to tropical Latin America, from Mexico and the Caribbean, south to Peru and Brazil. Its broad, open-faced lobes contrast with its narrow tube. The flower pictured from its side show its long narrow tube.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/61ly7x-vfjl.jpg61Ly7x-VFJLPainted Tongue Velvet Dolly Mix (Salpiglossis Sinuata) has a broader,more open funnel form to the ovary at the bottom.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/220px-nierembergia_frutescens.jpg220px-Nierembergia_frutescenshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1280px-calibrachoa_flower_red.jpg1280px-Calibrachoa_flower_redhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/800px-starry_night_petunia_flower_in_porto_alegre_-_brazil.jpg800px-Starry_night_petunia_flower_in_Porto_Alegre_-_Brazilhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/800px-brunfelsia_pauciflora_flower.jpg800px-Brunfelsia_pauciflora_flowerhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_9316.jpgIMG_9316Cestrum x 'Orange Peel' taken in early November. This plant can bloom heavily and steadily here for 6 months plus for me depending on how hard it was frozen back in the preceding winter and how much of its previous years growth has to be replaced. In contrast the Fabiana has a much shorter flowering season limited to early summer.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/largephoto-1.php_.pnglargephoto-1.phpCestrum parqui has the long narrow tube of Fabiana and shares much of its range north and south is limited to the coastal mountains of Chile.2019-05-21T16:52:44+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/05/07/a-course-correction-the-wild-and-the-human-on-repairing-the-relationship-between-politics-economics-and-the-environment/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_8072.jpgLooking west along the Columbia R. from atop Chatfield Hill.Looking west along the Columbia River from atop Chatfield Hill, above Memaloose State Park.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1253.jpgimg_1253https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/clianthus-puniceus-yellow-pot-dscn2383.jpgclianthus puniceus & yellow pot dscn2383Garden compositions can be very simple. Simple often means a lack of complexity and brings with it instability and so puts demands on us to maintain our creations, but simple is also easier to understand for the beginner, requiring that they understand and balance fewer 'moving parts'.  Designers often create a series of simple individual vignettes for the visitor. This Clianthus puniceus is in my garden, sections of which I periodically rework.  Obviously it will not be possible for such a  garden to achieve a stable balance, to be sustainable.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1992.jpgimg_1992https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_2645.jpgimg_2645https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_0408.jpgimg_0408These beds at South Waterfront originally included Anemone hupehensis 'September Charm' which is an aggressive spreader and mat former. It took several years to eventually rid them of this plant which quickly threatened to dominate the area choking out the more 'docile'. These too have received regular 'editing' to keep the plants in balance. There was an attempt in the design to create a matrix planting, but the plants chosen did not form a natural community and were a volatile mix.  We have to work to create beds that live in relationship with. The giant inflorescences of Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' hover in the foreground.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_3113.jpgimg_3113https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dscn0182-south-waterfront-grass-harvest.jpgdscn0182 south waterfront grass harvesthttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_0424.jpgimg_0424These beds are in South Waterfront Garden including Penstemon 'Ruby', Crocosmia 'Lucifer', Rosa glauca, Perovskia atriplicifolia and Lonicera 'Baggesen's Gold' and like any perennial garden it requires regular monitoring, weeding and, for some plants, deadheading.  Over the years I cared for this garden its composition changed as I sought a balance between beauty and economy.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_2703.jpgimg_27032019-05-08T00:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/04/29/palms-bananas-all-monocotsoh-my-their-similarities-and-the-differences-that-distinguish-them-from-dicots-and-why-this-should-matter-to-you/2019-05-06T23:50:42+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/04/16/the-carrizo-plain-national-monument-super-bloom-2019-our-vacation-early-in-the-cycle/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_3967.jpgIMG_3967ohe soils here in the bottom of the Plain are quite alkaline and nutritively poor. These bare areas occur almost randomly and aren't the result of foot traffic. While technically termed a grassland, across much of this grasses appear to be a minor player, appearing much more frequently lower on the framing hills. It makes one wonder what do the cattle eat? I imagine much of this was never farmed either. Dry land farming was always a chancy endeavor in the West. Places like the Millican Valley, east of Bend, OR was the site of many a failed such farms, Semi-arid grasslands in general are fragile landscapes. Plowing them can lead to a rapid loss of organic matter and with it the ability to retain soil moisture reducing one's chances for success. The native people left here after having been resident here for centuries. Is it drier today???https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4020.jpgElkhorn Rd., Carrizo PlainLove this road shot. Elkhorn Rd., Carrizo Plainhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4028.jpgElkhorn Rd, Carrizo PlainWater tanks for livestock are scattered across the Plain, many now dilapidated...see the one here? Elkhorn Rd, Carrizo Plainhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4033.jpgCarrizo Plain, Elkhorn Rd.The fencing and gate like this one, is a reminder that cattle ranching still occurs here. Carrizo Plain, Elkhorn Rd.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4040.jpgElkhorn Rd., Carrizo PlainElkhorn Rd., Carrizo Plainhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4019.jpgFields of Yellow, Coreopsis, Elkhorn Rd., Carrizo PlainFields of Yellow, much of which is Goldfields, Lasthenia californica , Elkhorn Rd., Carrizo Plainhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4016.jpgElkhorn Rd., Carrizo PlainSaltbush, Ansinckia, road and sky....Elkhorn Rd., Carrizo Plainhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4015.jpgElkhorn Rd., Carrizo PlainLooking south with the Scarp's pressure ridge pushing up the hills to the west, the Temblors to the left or east. Elkhorn Rd., Carrizo Plainhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4012.jpgIMG_4012Light and landform are always one of the dominant elements of arid and semi-arid landscapes. Having grown up in such a place I have an affinity for them that many people from more 'lushly vegetated' landscapes often don't seem to have.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4010.jpgPhacelia, Temblor Mtns., Elkhorn Rd., Carrizo PlainPhacelia, Temblor Mtns., Elkhorn Rd., Carrizo Plain2023-02-04T21:42:23+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/03/31/on-our-expulsion-from-the-garden-how-our-ideas-of-the-garden-shape-what-we-do/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cri_000000299391.jpgmax-ernst-adam-and-eve-expelled-from-the-garden-of-eden-1946.jpgcri_000000299391.jpgMax Ernst, Adam and Eve Expelled from the Garden of Eden, 1946Max Ernst, brings a 1946 darkness of a fallen, very recent, post-war Germany to the Expulsion story.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1280px-god_judging_adam_blake_1795.jpg1280px-God_judging_adam_blake_1795A print made by William Blake, God Judging Adam, 1795https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/06-0009-0001-01.jpg.1200x0_q85.jpg-arthur-boyd-expulsion-gardenn-of-eden-1997.jpg06-0009-0001-01.jpg.1200x0_q85.jpg Arthur Boyd Expulsion- Garden of Eden 1997Arthur Boyd, Expulsion- Garden of Eden 1997, brings a modern sensibility to the story, an angry angel driving them out of Eden.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/bassano_jacopo_garden_of_eden.jpgbassano_jacopo_garden_of_edenJacopo Bassano, Garden of Eden. The artist's life spanned most of the 16th century and he spent most of his time depicting religions scenes, often including animals, here the domesticated farm animals he would have been familiar with while often composing night scenes and the powerful influence such light could lend his subjects.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/emil_keyser_e28093_expulsion_from_the_garden_of_eden.jpgEmil_Keyser_–_Expulsion_from_the_Garden_of_EdenA more modern interpretation of the expulsion story illustrated in very simplistic terms, two children, shame faced sent out of the garden for doing what they were told not to. Such a simple rendition loses much of the detail leaving us with little more than a 'do what your told' lesson while the values and beauties of the garden lost, setting up the future as an always repeating story of youthful rebellion against authority, in a world where the garden has little value in and of itself and an almost arbitrary sense of authority is the only thing preventing us from taking what we want.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/jan_brueghel_de_oude_en_peter_paul_rubens_-_het_aards_paradijs_met_de_zondeval_van_adam_en_eva.jpgJan_Brueghel_de_Oude_en_Peter_Paul_Rubens_-_Het_aards_paradijs_met_de_zondeval_van_Adam_en_EvaIn Peter Paul Rubens depiction of Adam and Eve picking fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, Eden is depicted as a peaceful 'Eden' with the animals, herbivores and carnivores alike laying down alongside one another, an idyllic and naive imagining of the garden. The image illustrates a powerful allegory of what we've lost due to our own insouciance, narcissism, even hubris, taking what we choose, selecting one 'fruit' or bit of knowledge over another and thereby putting the entire garden at risk, rejecting God and his 'plan'. For this 'sin' they were expelled.2019-04-01T01:06:49+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/01/22/growing-and-understanding-globe-mallows-in-the-urbanized-maritime-nw-sphaeralcea-spp-and-cultivars/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/perennials-sphaeralcea-coccinea-scarlet-globemallow-1_1024x1024.jpgperennials-sphaeralcea-coccinea-scarlet-globemallow-1_1024x1024https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sagebrush-steppe_rimrock.jpgsagebrush-steppe_rimrockThis picture of Sagebrush Steppe was taken near Vantage, WA. Sphaeralcea spp. don't ever dominate the natural landscape, they are a component species in the community. Collectors select from often massive landscapes plants or seed from particular plants with those characteristics they want to reproduce. From the progeny that follow individual plants may be chosen individuals with unique or notable characteristics. We plant these in our gardens often ignorant of them in their place and roles in nature. We select out little jewels to place in our gardens with little understanding of the landscapes and forces they come from also losing much of those 'emotional' impacts carried by those landscapes.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/screen-shot-2019-01-18-at-9.12.57-am.pngscreen shot 2019-01-18 at 9.12.57 amThis is a screen capture from Wildflower Search showing locations of where Sphaeralcea munroana have been observed in the field.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/screen-shot-2019-01-18-at-8.11.21-am.pngscreen shot 2019-01-18 at 8.11.21 amScreen capture of a section of the NRCS Plants Database map for Sphaeralcea coccinea.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/big_bend_chihuahuan_desert.jpgbig_bend_chihuahuan_desertBig Bend and the Chihuahuan Deserthttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/colorado-plateau.jpgcolorado plateauThe southern warmer parts of the Colorado Plateau also contain Sphaeralcea ambigua below 4,500'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/screen-shot-2019-01-12-at-4.16.51-pm.pngscreen shot 2019-01-12 at 4.16.51 pmThis map also show much of the Mojave Desert which includes Sphaeralcea ambigua populations.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/screen-shot-2019-01-12-at-3.55.01-pm.pngscreen shot 2019-01-12 at 3.55.01 pmThis is the Columbia Plateau phsiographic region with soils that formed from closely related lava flows over a period from 17- million years ago. The lavas buried the area as much as 6,000' deep the weight of it sinking the continent. This area is within the Columbia River watershed and is characterized as semi-arid to desert to various alpine regions.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/screen-shot-2019-01-12-at-3.36.30-pm.pngscreen shot 2019-01-12 at 3.36.30 pmThe Great Basin is defined by the fact that it has no outflowing streams to sea. It is a basin that overlays a large part of the Colorado Plateau. A significant portion of its physical geography, what is known as the basin and range country, has been created by a stretching and thinning, east/west, of the earth's continental plate producing a series of north/south ridges created by the dropping valleys between them.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/starr_010714-0013_bocconia_frutescens1.jpgStarr_010714-0013_Bocconia_frutescens2019-03-23T14:42:37+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/03/09/death-and-life-in-the-garden-learning-in-the-garden-classroom/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_2555.jpgIMG_2555The Towers of Phase 1, all of which are massive, the largest of which is over 1,400' tall. Why spend so much time on buildings, because these have become the dominant feature of the downtown area of a modern urban landscape, almost entirely determined by the human aesthetic and engineering, the near polar opposite of the wild native landscape in which we are ideally one of countless other players. If we are to live in such human concentrations then this is probably the best/least disruptive form of development. The same population spread across a suburban development would require many times more acreage, land that would also be pulled from the native landscape and serve relatively little biological function...however as living organisms ourselves we still require an active connection to the sustaining living world, both for our sake and the health of all organisms. Though our cities isolate us we must remain connected.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_2556.jpgIMG_2556Looking from the High Line easterly across the massive rail yard that contains train after waiting train, Penn Station just to the east. The second phase of the Yards will be built over the top of the the remaining rail yard here and is expected to be completed by 2024. This bit of greenspace along the High Line here, this section left mostly grown in with local ruderal weeds, is the largest of what remains in the area.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_8641.jpgIMG_8641Looking from the deck and house at Abkhazi Garden in southeastern Victoria, BC, on one of many granite rises at this end of Vancouver Island that were ground down beneath the western Ice Sheet. Victoria has the most amenable climate in western Canada and once served as home for many ex-pat Londoners, if my father's stories are true.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_1072.jpgIMG_1072An incredible Tree Aloe growing in the perfect climate of Santa Barbara's Lotusland, where it has found conditions much like the dry sub-tropical regions of the Old World where it comes from.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_1071.jpgIMG_1071Afternoon sun in the beautiful garden of Lotusland in the mild coastal climate of Santa Barbara, here amidst multiple Palms and Tree Aloes. This is one of those relatively few areas in the US where such plants as those that come from the Canary Islands, South Africa and Australia can grow outside.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_1027.jpgIMG_1027Up on Bishop Peak, one in the chain of the volcanic Nine Sisters that form an arc out to Moro Bay in the Pacific, above San Luis Obispo in Oak country, looking toward Cerro San Luis sometime locally called Madonna Mountain. These are remnants, the plugs of former vents. As the more level land forms of California are largely dominated by agriculture and residential development it is hillsides and the more rugged terrain of mountains and ridges that offer ever decreasing bits of land in the valleys and coastal areas for the more threatened Oaks and Manzanitas many of which are under threat.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_0433.jpgIMG_0433An entirely created Steppe landscape planted in a long narrow median in the street on the west side of Bend, OR. Steppe landscapes are biologically 'thin' in comparison to most of Earths other landscapes and biomes. They can be harsh with wide and rapid temperature swings, arid, they are only slightly wetter than a desert climate and as continentally influenced landscapes can get quite cold, that in Oregon averaging 0ºF to -10º and colder.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_0436.jpgIMG_0436The same created street-scape in Bend here with the waning flowers of Scarlet Gilia, Ipomopsis agreggata. The herbaceous perennials and annuals of this region tend to flower in spring and early summer taking advantage of the seasonally available moisture when it is most commonly available. Flowers in general are comprised of tissues that aren't water thrifty. Gardeners in these areas would do well to pay attention to this, though like gardeners in most regions there is a tendency to plant flowers that come from wetter temperate climates. We do want what we want, but such 'greening' of the desert comes at a price.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_0439.jpgIMG_0439A very common member of the Columbia Plateau Steppe region, the late blooming Rubber or Gray Rabbit Brush, Ericameria nauseosa, an allergen and bane to my wife, that blooms, paradoxically, at the end of summer into October.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_0440.jpgIMG_0440The Columbia Plateau Steppe is wide spread across eastern Oregon. Having grown up in this part of the state, I can say that it has historically been very undervalued and that it is only in recent years that agencies and private citizens have become more interested in both protecting what remains as well as beginning to utilize it as a model for responsible landscaping in the area. The native evergreen shrubs which can dominate thousands of acres in this region are 'designed' for aridity with their small, tough, sclerophyllous leaves.2019-03-12T21:00:37+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/02/16/the-fascicularia-and-ochagavia-question-two-worthy-and-relatively-hardy-bromeliads/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_9182.jpgIMG_9182The inflorescence of Fascicularia bicolor with its blue flowers. The center of the foliage on a blooming rosette, turns red when the flowers appear and then, like many Bromeliad, that rosette dies replaced be previously formed offsets. Taken in my garden, Sept. of '17.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/screen-shot-2019-02-19-at-10.03.19-am.pngScreen Shot 2019-02-19 at 10.03.19 AMOchagavia carnea individual flower. Taken from the above referenced paper from Botanical Garden and Museum Berlin.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/screen-shot-2019-02-19-at-9.11.48-am.pngScreen Shot 2019-02-19 at 9.11.48 AMFrom the UBC Biology 343 Blog. The epigynous tube is the style with the stigma atop it. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/800px-natural_regions_of_chile-1.png800px-Natural_Regions_of_ChileZona Sur, or the Lake District, is depicted in light green on the map. 45º latitude, comparable to Portland, OR is just south of its southern border. The west coast of chile here is characterized by hundreds of islands, bays, inlets and fjords. It shares much with the coast of British Columbia.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/chile-usa.pngchile-usaWe all need something we can relate to to understand the scale of a place like Chile that we have no experience with2020-05-18T09:52:57+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/07/31/bromeliaceae-and-dangerous-plants-adaptation-climate-change-and-gardening-in-portland/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_9182.jpgIMG_9182Fascicularia bicolor 'Spinner's Form' with individual flowers opening blue over time, Sept. 22, '17.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/screen-shot-2019-02-11-at-12.57.20-pm.pngScreen Shot 2019-02-11 at 12.57.20 PMImage of Puya berteroniana VII Region, Camino a Laguna Maule, Chile Altitude: 500-2200 m. 01 13, 2006https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/puya_berteroniana_02.jpgpuya_berteroniana_02I hope Annie at Annie's Annuals is ok with my borrowing of some of her pictures from here website! This is a gorgeous plant in bloomhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/puya_berteroniana_03.jpgpuya_berteroniana_03https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/puya_berteroniana_04.jpgpuya_berteroniana_04https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_8882.jpgIMG_8882A close up of the business end of the inflorescence here at near its maximum extension with its individual flower buds now swelling and filling out the space behind the shortening bracts...much like when an Agave flowers.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/puya_venusta_02.jpgpuya_venusta_02The flowers on Puya venusta...not mine. Credit to Annie's Annualshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/puya_venusta_01.jpgpuya_venusta_01A potentially beautiful plant that probably needs to stay in a large pot here or it will fall victim to our periodic colder winters that average once every four years or so. Credit Annie's Annualshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ochagavia_carnea_3.jpgOchagavia_carnea_3Ochagavia carnea, while the structure of this and the Fascicularia are very similar, even I can tell this inflorescence from the other....https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_67601.jpgIMG_6760Zooming in on the original photo you can see the Garden's tag for this planting, Puya alpestris. I'm assuming this planting filled in from several original plants.2021-11-02T17:45:45+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2019/02/09/our-gardens-as-teachers/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_3561.jpegIMG_3561Our back garden during our Feb. '19 cold blast. You can't see the birds hanging on around the feeder.2019-02-12T15:59:16+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/05/04/growing-agave-in-my-maritime-nw-garden/2019-09-09T20:05:46+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/12/21/the-politics-of-life-courage-imagination-and-living-a-new-world/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_1897.jpgIMG_1897Whatever it is that we come to love in this world, binds us to it. Taken one evening in our garden.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/photo.jpgphotoBeauty is not only based in nature, it is dependent upon the receptive soul, the person seeking it out....It is lost in a world of the fearful, greedy and indifferent. Gardenia jasminoides 'Frost Proof' in my garden.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_2308.jpgIMG_2308Taken at the Met's Cloisters, one of the many installations that comprised their 'Heavenly Bodies' show.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_2872.jpgIMG_2872Nature, in all of its wildness, is ultimately the seat of all beauty. If we are to continue on as a species we must find our place within it.2018-12-22T00:35:04+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/12/11/bocconia-frutescens-choice-tender-garden-plant-or-invasive/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pap-pap.gifpap-papThis map shows the distribution of species comprising the Papaveraceae around the world.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/plumepoppy.jpgplumepoppy2018-12-22T00:06:50+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/12/06/gardeners-garden-designers-and-their-role-in-saving-the-world/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_3256.jpgIMG_3256{"colorSpace":"kCGColorSpaceSRGB","cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":true,"qualityMode":2,"deviceTilt":0.11736182769271331,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_3211.jpgIMG_3211https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_3258.jpgIMG_3258{"colorSpace":"kCGColorSpaceSRGB","cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":true,"qualityMode":2,"deviceTilt":-0.11866219440964265,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_2685.jpgIMG_2685https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_2872.jpgIMG_2872https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_2570.jpgIMG_2570https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_2228.jpgIMG_2228https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_3309.jpgIMG_3309This is a homeless camp adjacent to the NE approach to the SE Holgate overpass...a waste space. It is minimally 'managed' as a low value landscape by the City Department of Transportation, which translates to maybe once a year having part or all of the site sprayed or chopped down with a side-arm mower. Trash is never removed.  This is along a common route for me so I have observed the site's continuing decline as more aggressive weeds and invasives gradually move on to the site due to its location and mismanagement adding to the trash problem. It is dominated by Trees of Heaven, Scots Broom and Blackberry with many common herbaceous weeds and virtually no natives.  The homeless have gravitated here to benefit from the same neglect, security and 'invisibility' the site provides the weeds, both on their own, languishing, playing our their futures as best they can.  No accommodation has been made for them in terms of sanitation, water or shelter so they have improvised adding to the general degradation of conditions which includes the cutting of a path to their site, without reinforcement, which will speed erosion and compound the weed problem.  It should not come as a surprise that such sites become a refuge for the homeless, neither are valued.  The original 'design' of the space gave no consideration for the life that inhabit it, one way or another. The conditions that exist here are all too common in the City.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_3356.jpgIMG_3356The Portland Japanese Garden, two well shaped Acer palmatum2018-12-09T02:32:22+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/12/03/the-insect-apocalypse-is-here/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/02mag-insects-image1-superjumbo-v3.jpg02mag-insects-image1-superJumbo-v3From the title page of the NYTM article2018-12-03T18:08:47+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/11/28/the-banana-industry-and-panama-disease-the-ongoing-devastation-caused-by-fusarium-wilt-tropical-race-4/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bananenblc3bcte.jpgBanane (Musa sp)Developing fruits on a Cavendish banana, the remains of the female flowers still attached.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/screen-shot-2018-11-27-at-1-03-23-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-11-27 at 1.03.23 PMA plant displaying gross symptoms of TR4. Scientists believe that like the strain TR1, this new strain invades the cells of bananas and 'turnoff' the cell's ability to metabolize and grow, effectively killing the cell and making it available to the fungus to feed off of.  Spreading around the base, where the dividing meristem is located, the upper plant eventually collapses, the plant's vascular system severely compromised unable to grow new tissue and leaves. (From "Transgenic Cavendish bananas with resistance to Fusarium wilt tropical race 4" listed below.)https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/banana_ancestors_musa_acuminata_and_musa_balbisiana_original_range.pngBanana_ancestors_(Musa_acuminata_and_Musa_balbisiana)_original_range2018-12-07T18:00:38+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/10/26/anisodontea-capensis-el-rayo-a-closer-look-at-jimis-beautiful-obsession-and-the-growing-conditions-in-south-africa/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/southafricazones.jpgsouthafricazones2018-10-26T16:08:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/09/14/a-closer-look-at-jimis-beautiful-obsession-a-review-of-chosen-plants-from-his-presentation-part-2/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/map-europe_r1-final.jpgMap europe_R1 finalhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/825_gall.jpg825_gallA picture of the new foliage emerging in Springhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a6b18d_82242969a8b54f18bcc61ffdf77235f8mv2_d_3581_2705_s_4_2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis little combination shot of Brassaiopsis mitis comes from the French JardinJungle.com site https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/screen-shot-2018-08-23-at-1-05-08-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-08-23 at 1.05.08 PMThis satellite shot shows how the trade winds tend to bring ocean moisture to South Africa from the east moving westerly leaving the Region wetter in the east and drier in the west, which has a summer/dry, winter/wet climate much like the west coasts of the major climates around the world.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/florenreiche.jpgFlorenreicheThis map shows the 6 Floristic Kingdoms. Each contains a flora that shares a common history and genetics associated with the development and movement of their land masses strongly influenced by the floras that existed on them many millions of years ago. The continents have been undergoing a perpetual 'car crash' of masses over hundreds of millions of years while their climates changed with them, the composition of the atmosphere and the currents within the oceans that together go toward determining climates. At one time current South America, Africa, Antarctica and Australia were joined into the super-continent of Gondwana.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/746358f0-eef1-4e32-82e5-b191a221f74c.jpg746358F0-EEF1-4E32-82E5-B191A221F74Chttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/250px-ray-floret-svg1.png250px-Ray-floret.svghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/inula_magnifica_-_ubc_botanical_garden_-_vancouver_canada_-_dsc07784.jpgInula_magnifica_-_UBC_Botanical_Garden_-_Vancouver,_Canada_-_DSC07784https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/inula_helenium_-_kc3b6hlere28093s_medizinal-pflanzen-210.jpgInula_helenium_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-210https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/impatiens-omeiana-07366.jpgImpatiens-omeianaThis is Impatiens omieanfa as it should be...a pretty spectacular filler and blender that can help knit your shade garden together while providing an subtle and elegant touch. This picture is from the eGardenGo site that provides a lot of plant info as well as suggesting plant combinations, design ideas and some 'how to' for growing many of the plants in your garden.  It is a PNW regionally produced and relevant site and, as such, is a good resource.  Check it out!2018-09-14T20:16:21+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/07/15/on-choosing-salvias-for-my-garden/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/uk_zonemap.pngUK_zonemaphttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/photo-41.jpgphoto 4Salvia chiapensis, I wintered this plant in my cool/lit basement, having dug it last Fall. It doesn't need much of a rootball when I do this and I cut the top growth back fairly hard to keep it from desiccating so quickly. I do the same for S. 'Wendy's Wish' has a little more red in its flower, is less fuzzy, larger and has a smaller, lighter colored calyx than Sl chiapensis. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_69201.jpgIMG_6920Salvia convertiflora in the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Octoberhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_6913.jpgIMG_6913https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_6911.jpgIMG_6911Deppea splendens though they may look very Fuchsia like, they aren't. If you follow their genetics back up the phylogenetic tree, the two genera are in different families, orders, with the Deppea included in the Asterids and Fuchsia are in the Rosids. You have to go all of the way to the Eudicots to find common genetics...but, they look quite similar.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/photo-21.jpgphoto 2Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/photo-31.jpgphoto 3Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dscn1246-salvia-patens-guanajuato.jpgDSCN1246.JPG Salvia patens GuanajuatoA flower on Salvia patens 'Guanajuato' I grew a few years ago.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dscn1241-salvia-luecantha-santa-barbara.jpgDSCN1241.JPG Salvia luecantha Santa BarbaraSalvia leucanta 'Santa Barbara'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_3270.jpgIMG_3270Lepchinia hastata, I and everyone else keep trying to call this a Salvia. I've grown it for several years now and always get a few volunteer seedlings for trading.2018-09-14T18:13:08+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/08/17/a-closer-look-at-jimis-beautiful-obsession-a-review-of-chosen-plants-from-his-presentation-part-1/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/trillium-chloropetalum-bob-gordon-grown-by-billy-moore-9.jpgtrillium-chloropetalum-bob-gordon-grown-by-billy-moore-9The photographer of this shot is a 9 year old boy who, from his posting, is infatuated with yellow flowers!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/calanthe_tricarinata.jpgCalanthe_tricarinataI found this picture in the Wikimedia Commonshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/lophosoria-christian-monnet.jpglophosoria christian monnetLophosoria quadrapinniahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/screen-shot-2018-08-08-at-4-20-49-pm.pngScreen Shot 2018-08-08 at 4.20.49 PMI captured this from a PDF titled, "Diversidad y Charactizacion Floristica de la Vegetacion Natural en Tres Sitios de los Cerros Orientales de Bogata D.C., by Edgard E. Cantillo Higuera and Melisa Garcia Cuellar...I'm sure it's an interesting read, in Spanish, but I love the several illustrations they include in section of hillside plant communities. It shows the physical relationship of the listed species, in this case including two Oreopanax species, neither of which are the ones discussed here. Taking the climate, soils and aspect together with this pattern of growth would be very helpful when considering how one might plant these in their own garden. Too, bad such drawings aren't more often included when acquiring such plants.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/aralia_echinocaulis_17701100238.jpgAralia_echinocaulis_(17701100238)Aralia echinocaulis in all of its spiny splendiferousness.2018-08-17T17:50:50+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/08/06/the-lower-deschutes-river-the-incursion-of-invasive-plants-and-our-failure-to-responsibly-maintain-native-plant-communities/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1121.jpgIMG_1121https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-28.jpgphoto 2{"colorSpace":"kCGColorSpaceSRGB","cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":true,"qualityMode":2,"deviceTilt":0.046382590136255786,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-35.jpgphoto 3{"colorSpace":"kCGColorSpaceSRGB","cameraType":"Wide","macroEnabled":true,"qualityMode":2,"deviceTilt":0.10918442805739836,"customExposureMode":1,"extendedExposure":false,"whiteBalanceProgram":0,"cameraPosition":1,"focusMode":1}https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1107.jpgIMG_1107https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1106.jpgIMG_1106https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1104.jpgIMG_1104https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1101.jpgIMG_1101https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1120.jpgIMG_1120This almond orchard is fading from the landscape and will one day be gone as its requirements are ultimately incompatible with the conditions here. Exotics are not always invasive, in fact they rarely are such. Like most plants exotics still have their basic requirements. Invasive plants often 'tag along' with us, with our livestock, as contaminants in seed or on our equipment as we move from place to place modifying the landscape to meet our needs. It is our actions that make the successful introduction of invasives possible.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1114.jpgIMG_1114While definitely an exotic here, the growing conditions here act on it in such a way as to shape its form into a plant that looks almost like it belongs here.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1115.jpgIMG_1115Most of the original orchard is long gone and its failure speaks to the sparseness of native landscape.2018-08-06T19:03:17+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/07/30/resurrection-my-butia-and-its-near-death-experience/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_7484.jpgIMG_7484We woke up the morning of Jan. 11th with this about ten hours after the snow began to fall.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1714.jpgIMG_1714The emerging spear of fronds 'migrate' outward across the expanding cortex of the trunk.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1715.jpgIMG_171556" circumference, 18" dia. at the base of the trunk. 36" above, the circumference is 26", 8" dia...very striking tapering. The diameter at the base does not keep increasing indefinitely and I'm guessing mine already has. The trunk above is still expanding.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1711.jpgIMG_1711The head or canopy is very thin/open right now because no new growth was added to it since the summer of '16. The older fronds having aged, I cut off. No frond lasts more than 3 years.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1712.jpgIMG_1712The newest frond/spear in center frame. The leaflets all open, unzipping from their emerging position tightly adpressed to the stem, their tips all connected by a continuous thread of tissue which later falls away. The two 'framing' fronds have opened this summer, having spent the previous year in limbo tightly held in the central spear. The spear always remains each new one emerging from the meristem in the base of the trunk in a continuous process of growth.2018-07-31T14:34:17+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/06/03/hiking-at-riley-ranch-nature-reserve-and-along-the-deschutes-river/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_0727.jpgIMG_0727Building such a structure across was not straightforward. Posts required drilling into the largest rocks and relies heavily upon the bracing turnbuckle system seen here.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_0726.jpgIMG_0726The 'bridge' provides a stable, uniform surface upon which anyone can cross this rockfall...and it is done rather beautifully! Without it only the most intrepid would likely cross this tumble of massive rock. There are benches from which to pause to watch the rapids below or for listening for and spotting birds as we did on this morning.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo2.jpgphotoThe rapids here suggests that the river continues as it has for thousands of years, unimpeded. Upstream significant flow is diverted away through a series of irrigation canals to 'green' the desert. There are several small dams that effect flow rates and the larger ones at Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs built to assure summer flows for irrigation.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-64.jpgphoto (64)This portion of the canyon, toward Tumalo State Park, is marked by relatively uniform, steep slopes, on both sides without flat bottom land such as is on the former ranch property.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-11.jpgphoto (11)Before the regulation dams were built to limit stream flow by the local irrigation districts, now managed by the federal Bureau of Reclamation, the Deschutes flowed more irregularly with the seasons, occasionally flooding and washing more of the canyon bottom.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-510.jpgphoto (5)This is immediately downstream of the previous photo, below the rapids, with a 'swimmable' pool and a rock the water fowl has obviously used to rest on. Above, the 'red' basalt identifies it as a product of a different lava flow from the rock that otherwise dominates here.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-22.jpgphoto (2)The green riparian edge of the river is very narrow within most areas of the canyon. the land rising quickly, drying, in just a few feet, while the river constantly wears at the rock within its channel.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_0757.jpgIMG_0757This shows the canyon that has carried Tumalo Creek to its confluence here with the Deschutes. The Tumalo drains the lands rising west of Bend including the Tumalo Mountain area and east of Broken Top its formal beginnings at the spring just passed Skyliner's Hill, the first formal ski site in the Bend area.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_0752.jpgIMG_0752All of this rock began somewhere above. These, worn smooth, have been polished by thousands of years of river action.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo1.jpgphotoThis area, just outside the main path around the Meadow in the upper Reserve is currently overwhelmed by the invasive Cheatgrass, already turning red with its ripening seed.2018-07-05T23:15:54+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/07/02/on-being-a-defacto-pteridophile-fern-lover/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1575.jpgIMG_1575I'm not the only one who likes Athyrium otophorum...so do the editors at Timber Press! https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1557.jpgIMG_1557Polystichum polyblepherum grows well for me, here nearly 6' across and 3'tallhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1558.jpgIMG_1558https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1537.jpgIMG_1537This is the NW corner of my garden where I've tried many of my ferns. Palms, the fence, our bamboo and steel pagoda and a large Mahonia x media provide more shade than most of the gardenhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1551.jpgIMG_1551https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1552.jpgIMG_1552Onoclea sensibilishttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/photo-2.jpgphoto-2The fronds of Dryoopteris sieboldii are unique on this rhizomatous fern.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/photo-3.jpgphoto-3Pyrrosia hastata shown here growing in the ground where its been the last three years increasing. I grow this is a pot too and it is in need of division. True to their name, the undersides of the leaves of all of these have thick 'felt' covering.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/photo-4.jpgphoto-4Athyrium nipponicum 'Ghost'? with Acorus gramineus 'Aureus' and 'Aurea Minima'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/photo-5.jpgphoto-5The one healthy frond left on my 'rescued' Woodwordia unigemmata2018-07-04T02:25:15+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/06/27/the-2018-garden-riots-awards-for-the-northwest-perennial-alliance-seattle-study-weekend/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-29.jpgphoto-2In Lisa Bauer's front garden, Senecio candicans 'Angel Wings' one of the weekend's stars of many pot vignettes, said to be of unknown hardiness for the wet PNW, but but gorgeous with its somewhat succulent leaves.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-36.jpgphoto-3This was the only photo I took at Mcmenamin's Anderson School in the steady drizzle. Several in the group were struck by this plant, Allium 'Red Mohican'. There were many remarkable plants here including a Chain Fern, Woodwardia unigemmata, with 4' fronds leaning over a low planter wall, which I saw later growing at Old Goat Farm, which prompted me to go home, dig mine up to put in a pot, saving it from where it was struggling in the roots of my neighbor's Kwanzan Cherry! The many, very different gardens at Anderson are especially impressive in their design and size when you consider that it is only Riz and his assistant, Michelle, who are the sole worker bees there.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-41.jpgphoto-4The flower on Julia's Calycanthus chinensis, beautiful, and very different than the flower of either of North America's two species, which Julia pointed out, that there is some question to whether they should be in the same genus...but, in botany and most other things 'looks' aren't everything!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo1.jpgphotoMid-Century Modern Ranch style homes were predominant on the tour. This one, of Ryan Smith and Ahna Holder, settled perfectly on its site offering several formal patio/social areas for entertaining. Very nice!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1452-1.jpgIMG_1452 (1)This Cupressus arizonica var. glabra 'Sulphurea' echoes the same colors as the Pines shown here...in a very different textural 'package'! It has very different soil and water requirements, that have thus far caused me to hesitate before buying it. Previously I've tried a few other Cupressus cultivars that in my rich soil has grown too quickly, requiring excessive bracing and toppled, or threatened to do so where I planted it in my xeric bed. I still love this tree.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1405.jpgIMG_1405I had to include this shot of Kari and Walter Thompson's Cornus controversa 'Variegata', a beautiful plant on its own, here well grown with its distinctive form, set off by its dark background. This was maybe the 'stealthiest' garden, the front garden quiet, established and unassuming, the back a riot of well placed collector plants and knitters!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1432-2.jpgIMG_1432-2This is just to the right of our room. Beyond the garden lies the public forested ravine with a spring and creek that continues on down through the community.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_14321.jpgIMG_1432These two pictures combine to form the view as we left our room.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1374.jpgIMG_1374Abies koreana in one of the gardens, looking exquisite.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1410.jpgIMG_1410This beautiful rock fountain was in a little plaza where we got gelato. It was lit perfectly by the evening sun.2018-06-30T15:41:31+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/06/13/cottonwood-canyon-on-the-john-day-river-place-plants-and-experience/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-33.jpgPhlox viscida (?)Sticky Phlox, though it could be Long-leaf Phlox which has less 'hairs' and has white membranes between the green keeled clayx lobeshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_0933.jpgLomatiumWhich Lomatium is this?https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-26.jpgChaenactis spp.Maybe Douglas' Dust Maiden, love that name, Chaenactis douglasii, but would really need to see it in flower.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cottonwood-map-poster-lower-res_page_1.jpgcottonwood-map-poster-lower-res_page_1https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/photo-25.jpgphoto 2Russian Knapweed. whenever a plant has a common name that includes a foreign country...you can be pretty sure that it doesn't belong here! This can grow in dense stands.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1022.jpgIMG_1022The only Russian Knapweed I saw in bloom this date.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1031.jpgIMG_1031https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1032.jpgIMG_1032https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1029.jpgIMG_1029https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_1035.jpgIMG_10352018-06-13T23:25:40+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/05/16/echium-wildpretii-in-bloom/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/521627b7e98c605499b264ca78bca5e7-1024x576.jpg521627b7e98c605499b264ca78bca5e7-1024x576In situ on Tenerife from https://spotlight.it-notes.ru/images/521627b7e98c605499b264ca78bca5e7https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-31.jpgphoto 3A close relative Anchusa azurea 'Alkanet', another member of the Boraginaceaehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_0587.jpgIMG_0587Not all Echium are from the Canary Islands. This one E. russcicum is a zn6 plant from the Ukranian steppes. New for me, this perennial is getting ready to bloom with its rosy red flowers. While not as jaw dropping this perennial will hopefully perform here next to my Agave montana, an Eryngium and the Stachys 'Primrose Heron'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/echium-pinanana-dscn0353.jpgEchium pinanana DSCN0353I only grew Echium pinnana one cycle and it bloomed in summer of '03. I discontiued it as its 12" inflorescence arced dangerously into my front sidewalk and needed support that I couldn't hide.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/echium-wildpretii-dscn0738.jpgEchium wildpretii DSCN0738Taken in the spring of '03 along my parking strip. I had renovated and planted the strip two years previous. Sadly, dumbly I removed the Cistus x aguilari, don't know what I was thinking sit had large crepe paper white flowers and heavily scented, sticky, glossy dark green leaves...oh well!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/echium-wildpretii-dscn0736.jpgEchium wildpretii DSCN0736I love this picture, one I took along my parking strip in 2003, Echium wildpretii growing with the leaf segments of a Trachycarpus fortuneii growing through it. I used a modified version of this on my business card.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_8916.jpgIMG_8916Even if this succumb to winter and don't bloom in their second or third spring, I find these well worth the effort here. I've been growing this species for almost 20 years and this may be the fifth time its bloomed. I think I've only had to rebuy it once as it is very messy with its seed, producing seedlings all around it that are easy to prick out early in the season for potting up and moving about. Saving seed isn't difficult either though cleaning it is a pain. literally as the little hairs are everywhere, stiff and can get into your gloves, resulting in an irritating, itch rash....but still worth. Save some in an envelope to bridge a couple of bad winters and you should be good. Just remember good soil drainage, plenty of sun, the hotter the better here, with good air circulation. Don't let its plant neighbors shade it and keep the organic mulches away that can hold moisture over the winter months. I've never tented mine, but you could.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_9915.jpgIMG_9915The Canary Island native has a tougher winter climate here to endure than back home. After a relatively mild winter here in inner SE Portland the later half of February chilled down with a little snow as shown here on Feb. 22.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_9930.jpgIMG_9930This shothttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_0213.jpgEchium wildprettiiMarch 272018-05-18T23:01:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/05/10/on-the-demise-of-my-ensete-ventricosum-maurelii-red-abyssinian-banana/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_05001.jpgIMG_0500Still in its death shroud.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_05021.jpgIMG_0502Like many monocots, if this were alive and healthy there would be a center 'spear' emerging from the center of this.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_05051.jpgIMG_0505This cross-section shows the relatively healthy leaf tissue, still connected to the otherwise health and life giving rhizome surrounding the central rotting spear of the now unsupported newest growth.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_05031.jpgIMG_0503Black, in general, is never good when it comes to plant tissue.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_05011.jpgIMG_0501The outer sheath of leaf tissue is rotting here along with most of the roots, save a few white ones in a futile attempt for the plant to continue on.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_05061.jpgIMG_0506Waiting for the vultures to pick the bones clean.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_05041.jpgIMG_0504With my machete, an essential tool for diagnosing certain plant problems.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_0519.jpgIMG_05192024-09-20T00:54:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/04/25/rimrock-springs-on-the-crooked-river-national-grasslands-a-look-at-the-eastsides-sagebrush-steppe-region/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0397.jpgIMG_0397Milk Vetch, at least last year's growth this week at Rimrock. You could see the pinnate foliage just emerging down at the base.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/photo-4.jpgphoto (4)Many herbaceous plants are ground hugging under these conditions.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0387.jpgIMG_0387This Phlox is ubiquitous in Sagebrush Steppe country brightening it for several weeks in the Spring. The entire plant stays below 2".https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/photo-9.jpgphoto (9)This is early in the Spring flower cycle and many/most plants are yet to come. I don't know what this is but I like its twisted foliage.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0393.jpgIMG_0393The soil is very thin on the high ground at Rimrock as it is across much of the Columbia Plateau region. Wind is a big factor here. On much of this country the soil has blown thinning high ground like this and filling low points creating what geologist call loess where it has built up.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/photo-5.jpgphoto (5)There was a serious wild flower guy at Rimrock when we were there. He said these cottony little seed pods were from Milk Vetch, but I don't know which one.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0389.jpgIMG_0389Here a crew has come through in the last week or so cutting Juniper, to reduce its impact on the surrounding shrubs and grass. Many species have a vey limited tolerance for mature stands of Juniper and the decision has been made to reduce the Juniper in terms of its density and maturity.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/photo-6.jpgphoto (6)I think this is an early Lomatium, again of which there are several. This one is budded, but yet to open its flowers. The rosette hugs the ground closely. My eye is not well trained enough, but the fleshy, grass like foliage next to it...could it be Lewisia? As I said there are many gems here.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0396.jpgIMG_0396There are several Eriogonum's that grow in Sagebrush Steppe. This one, still sporting last years inflorescence stems, is yet to flower, here where it clings to rock, several different lichens surrounding it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/photo-7.jpgphoto (7)Here, near the center of the photo, is alone Lithophragma, a Prairie Star amidst a loose group of Gold Stars, Crocidium multicaule. These seem to be more dwarfed by their conditions than to specimen I recall from the Columbia Gorge.2018-05-05T16:37:09+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/03/30/podophyllum-and-the-sometime-quixotic-life-of-plants-in-my-garden/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_5157.jpgIMG_5157Podophyllum pleianthum. This planting, at Portland's City Hall is accompanied by Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', a hardy Fuchsia and Epimedium. All of the Podophylla erupt quickly in early Spring, launching themselves up with their leaves like collapsed umbrellas, all becoming quite large in contrast to many or most of their likely neighbors.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/podophyllum_hexandrum_w_img_7315.jpgPodophyllum_hexandrum_W_IMG_7315This picture shows this species, unique for it, flowering structure, blooming singly, upright and above the leaves. Here we see the early bloom open before the leaves have fully expanded shortly after having emerged in early Spring.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/pone-0110500-g001.jpgpone.0110500.g001Qingling Mtns. contains separate populations of Sinopodophyllum with distinct genetics. Other populations in Tibet and elsewhere are all relatively small and isolated from each other genetically with little gene flow between them. Conservation efforts are trying to increase these distinctions while increasing their numbers, not 'muddying' them and losing their diversity.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/epimedium-g-lilafee4362.jpgEpimedium g. Lilafee4362A cluster of flowers on Epimedium x 'Lilifee'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_5188.jpgIMG_5188Vancouvera hexandra, another close 'cousin', like our Achlys triphylla, or Vanilla Leaf, all emerge every spring from their hidden running rhizomes, all with distinctive and attractive foliage. Epimedium spp share the same growth habit. All of them do well in similar moist, well drained shady conditions. The Himalayan and Chinese species will require more moisture than our summer dry NW species. This particular planting is in one of the beds at Portland's City Hall.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_5189.jpgIMG_5189https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_5190.jpgIMG_5190Podophyllum pleianthum blooming, clusters of stinky, dark burgandy flowers hanging below the leaves. All of the above ground structure 'melts' away in the Fall.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_0207.jpgIMG_0207Podophyllum x 'Spotty Dotty' emerging this Spring.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_0209.jpgIMG_0209Two little nubs of P. pleianthum emerging next to the old rhizome.2018-04-01T14:05:29+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/01/11/my-fathers-america-and-tomorrow/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1998-family-denman-island-lone-pine-farm-art-and-gordon-wright-bc.jpg1998 Family Denman Island Lone Pine Farm Art and Gordon Wright BC1998, my dad with his brother Gordonhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1930-denman-island-family-arthur-wright-bc.jpg1930 Denman Island Family Arthur Wright BCMy father in 1930 on the Green Ridge family farmhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/06-2007-art-dale-denman_crop.jpg06-2007 Art & Dale Denman_CropWe would vacation on the island every summer. This is my dad and oldest brother around '53-54' at Lone Pine, Baynes Sound and Vancouver Island in the backgroundhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/aleutian-island-ww2_people-art-wright-02.jpgAleutian Island WW2_People Art Wright 02Dad in the Aleutian Islands during the warhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wright_artgordondallendenmanisland.jpgWright_ArtGordonDallenDenmanIslandMy nephew spent two summers helping his grandpa and great uncle with ranch choreshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wright_art_firsttruck.jpgWright_Art_FirstTruckDad with his first truck, probably in California, with chaparral in the backgroundhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/park02.jpgpark02My father with all of us, prior to my youngest sister's birth, probably in Californiahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_9640.jpgIMG_9640Our son walking through a pasture at the old Green Ridge place, my uncle's cattle in the background.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_9646.jpgIMG_9646Looking from the upper road across a pasture to Vancouver Island.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_9650.jpgIMG_9650Here my 68 year old father stacking bales on the back of the truck. My uncle is driving while a neighbor and I picked them up from the field. They were calling these 'old man' bales as they only weighed 45-50 lbs. The bales still in the field are on end in hopes that they don't pick up too much moisture which can lead to mold degrading its quality. It's June, cool and moist.2018-01-19T16:42:03+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2018/01/09/my-red-abyssinian-banana-testing-its-limits-to-cold-this-winter/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_9684.jpgIMG_9684I took this the morning of January 9. It is showing 3/4" of leaf extension. Were the meristematic bud frozen/dead this could not happen.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_9613-1.jpgIMG_9613 (1)My Red Abyssinian Banana after our return home on Tuesday after Christmas. The next few days warmed slightly and topped, dug and moved it into the basement on the 28th of December.2018-01-10T15:03:55+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/09/whychus-canyon-preserve/2017-12-20T22:20:43+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/10/31/dividing-iris-x-pacifica-and-the-species-of-i-californiae/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5219.jpgIMG_5219One of Xera's Iris tenax 'Watercolor' series, I believe, blooming above the marina near Riverplace.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5200.jpgIMG_5200One of my favorites I. x pacificas, 'Pacific Rim', a smaller statured hybrid growing in a partly shaded portion of my parking strip.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5096.jpgIMG_5096This is a fortuitous cross that resulted from a planting I made a few years ago. I'd planted Iris douglasiana and Iris x pacifica 'Big Money' near each other and found this offspring in-between! I dug this plant and divided it into 7 one gallon pots, passing some on.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9295.jpgIMG_9295https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9294.jpgIMG_9294https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9296.jpgIMG_92962017-11-02T17:03:33+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/10/06/argyle-winery-a-look-at-a-landscape-in-dundee-as-an-example-for-those-on-the-trail-to-xeric-design-and-sustainability/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9208.jpgIMG_920899.9% of commercial landscapes would have had all of these Cistus squared up, boxed or balled instead of the letting them spill on to the sidewalk, destroying their natural form. It will be interesting to watch this landscape 'age', see how it is cared for and watch it evolve. No landscape is static. As living systems they are dynamic each plant an individual with a role to play. They won't necessarily meet our expectations and may die at some inopportune time. Those who care for and use a landscape all play a significant role in its success or failure. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9207.jpgIMG_9207Looking back through the parking lot towards the old winery buildings and the tasting room.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9206.jpgIMG_9206I don't know my Cypresses, but I love the color and texture of this one next to the little 'house' in the parking lot.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9205.jpgIMG_9205Choysia, Cistus, Carex and Oaks guide pedestrians through the parking lot safely removed from moving cars.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9204.jpgIMG_9204Moving back into the parking lot plantings, would that all parking lots be planted so richly with plants able to celebrate in the light and heat that so often bakes typical such landscapes. Here the Stipa has room to gracefully arch while the Ceanothus and the Oak provide presence and help 'guide' pedestrians through the parking lot to the garden entrances, event space and tasting room.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9203.jpgIMG_9203The blue Yucca rostrata repeat in this garden repeating the form of the grasses with more bold foliage in a making a 'stiff' architectural statement amongst all of the softer moving grasses.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9202.jpgIMG_9202More Zauschneria and the red Salvia spark up the scene here with the bluish foliage in the background and of the broad glaucous leaves of the Manzanita in the middle...this really works for me.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9201.jpgIMG_9201The red flowers of this Salvia float above the foliage here along with the flowerhead of the Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition', again.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9200.jpgIMG_9200I love this! I don't know which Zauschneria this is, but the interplay with its gray foliage, the purple and dark brown seed heads is...spectacular.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_9199.jpgIMG_9199Typically a native meadow would include some grasses that are low spreaders to help the perennials fill in between the larger plants. Bunching grasses need to have some space to perform best. Too crowded and they will lose their characteristic form. When you are planting and maintaining a landscape for aesthetic/ornamental purposes maintenance tends to look more at plants as individual performers. In the larger landscape, where the goal is more of a plant community as a whole, the individual plants are viewed as an ensemble. It is a different intent than a landscape like these at Argyle. Whichever landscape is chosen the owner, the designer and those performing the maintenance, must all be on the same page.2018-06-05T19:34:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/09/22/my-droughted-weedy-lawn-what-do-i-do-with-it-now/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9179.jpgIMG_9179This is a Rubus calcynoides, a durable, vigorous, ground cover, but it would be much more effective as a weed suppressor with a shrub and canopy layer. Geranium lucidum, an aggressive weed, is upper right. Problematic weeds in this bed include: Common Groundsel, Small Leaf Vetch, Dutch White Clover, Poa annua, Dandelion, Yellow Flowered Oxalis, Prostrate Knotweed, Creeping Bentgrass and Perennial Ryegrass. Like most Parks here this one is understaffed with horticulturally knowledgable staff. The horticulturist had just spent the previous 2 hours in the bed hand weeding trying to get rid of the flowering weeds before they could go to seed. There were several hours worth of weeding work left. The same person is responsible for many other parks in southwest which demonstrates an inadequate staffing level and will, inevitably lead to the failure of landscapes, no matter who that person is. Landscapes must be adequately maintained.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9178.jpgIMG_9178This large bed, around 3,000 sq.ft. arcs around the west side of a berm that backs the large central lawn at Caruthers Park in SW Portland. This was originally all Kinnickinnick, but became so overwhelmed with weeds that it was removed and replaced by this single species sweep of Rubus calcynoides which grows more densely and is more resistant to light foot traffic. The lawn is heavily used by area dogs and kids with the expected spillover.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_7961.jpgIMG_7961This meadow was installed several years ago at Tanner Springs Park. From the beginning the site was subject to invasion by the exotic Holcus lanatus, Velvet Grass and Canada Thistle, Vetch and others. Its maintenance has been problematic. More recently a group of volunteers has formed to work on the site moving it to a more stable meadow community.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_91281.jpgIMG_9128Both of these shots are of the 'bowl' area as well. In this closeup you can see that the turf grass is actually the weedy Poa annua, with its little 'boat shaped tips at the end of each blade. This forms a very short and shallow rooted turf. It is common throughout Parks often occurring on compacted sites. After the summer events this area was mostly bare soil that was top seeded with Lolium perenne.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9162.jpgIMG_9162A closer neighbor of mine got uncharacteristically ambitious and removed 3 Juniperus sabina Tamariscifolia here that were encroaching on the sidewalk and inhibiting car access.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9161.jpgIMG_9161He left this one. It is mostly buried beneath Clematis vitalba and sports a prominent Hazel along with a young Black Walnut and Tree of Heaven. Part of the issue here is the narrowness of the planting and a long 'edge' with thin cover that has allowed aggressive and strong growing species to gain a foothold. Now that these are established all will dominate if allowed and will overtop the Juniper weakening it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9160.jpgIMG_9160This little stucco house, in the Woodstock neighborhood, is one of Julie's favorites. It sits on a little rise of clothed in the unbroken sea of green of Juniperus sabina Tamariscifolia (?) punctuated with several Italian Cypress. This has been here for decades and appears to be completely weed free. A completely xeric landscape with enough density to choke out weedy interlopers. Even if you wanted to apply a pre-emergent herbicide I don't know if it could get to the soil. There is no way for anyone to enter this to remove volunteer Blackberries, Clematis, Canada Thistle or anything else for that matter. Junipers contain volatile oils and phenols in their foliage that no doubt builds up in any organic layer on the soil surface discouraging weed germination as well.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9159.jpgIMG_9159Hypericum was once widely used in this area by agencies on street area landscapes like road medians, strips and islands. Very often these were planted without irrigation. Very few or none of these are around anymore. This planting at one of my neighbors, on a west facing bank has dead spots and contains a variety of weeds including Vetch, Blackberry and Trees of Heaven. Even a 'good' ground cover, when grown under stress, can fail.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9158.jpgIMG_9158Iris x pacifica well grown in my garden. This is a rhizomatous grower and can be quite thick, but if its neighbors are stronger growing this will get choked out and weakened. You have to tilt the 'field' in the favor of your plants.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_9157.jpgIMG_9157Geranium x cantabrigiense can make a nice, weed suppressing ground cover if you give it enough water. It isn't very 'thirsty', but it has its needs. Larger more aggressive weeds can invade it, but I use it in my garden. Geranium macrorrhizum, one of its parents, does the same, only it is a larger plant and is more effective on larger weeds. It is a balancing act. The rhizomes of each are relatively easy to remove if need be unlike a lot of other rhizomatous spreaders.2017-09-22T18:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/09/01/a-healthy-lawn-drought-stressed-turf-and-a-meadow-finding-our-way-to-a-better-landscape/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9076.jpgIMG_9076This shot is from late August and it is as close to 'perfect' as you are likely to get. There is not one broad leafed weed in it. Across the whole length I saw three individual weed grass plants noticeable by their slightly coarser texture. This is an aesthetic lawn. It is a foil for the house and a public front.2017-09-15T19:13:26+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/09/03/the-droughted-lawn/2017-09-08T18:10:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/08/17/puya-mirabilis-flowering-place-and-choice-the-wonder-and-magic-of-gardening/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9033.jpgIMG_9033The following Saturday morning, 36 hours shy of a full week since first bloom opening. The last flower is extending while all of those below continue to dry. Even the the oldest flowers here still have pollen on their anthers though their filaments are flaccid and the stigmas look well passed their receptive stage. A short accelerated flowering. Will they form seed?https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9028.jpgIMG_9028Tuesday, the petals all began to tightly spiral about themselves.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9025.jpgIMG_9025https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9024.jpgIMG_9024By Monday night, 24 hours later, the petals were beginning to roll in upon themselves, though still flaring back.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9023.jpgIMG_9023The following morning the whole flower began to sag.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9022.jpgIMG_9022Even while the flowers are collapsing the pollen is still heavy on the anthers.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9019.jpgIMG_9019https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9018.jpgIMG_9018https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9017.jpgIMG_9017The big paddled 'bloody' blades of my Musa acuminata 'Zebrina'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_9015.jpgIMG_90152017-08-19T14:46:59+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/06/02/on-amelanchier-serviceberries-their-susceptibility-to-rust-and-their-use-in-our-gardens/2023-05-15T13:21:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/05/17/what-to-do-about-bamboo/2017-05-19T21:53:38+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/02/20/manzanita-rock-roses-and-friends-the-strength-to-stand/2017-02-22T14:52:35+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/02/05/the-strength-to-stand-surviving-the-load-of-ice-and-snow-in-portland/2017-02-22T14:52:22+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/01/31/the-problem-is-who-and-what-to-believe-and-the-necessity-of-regaining-trust-in-humanity/2017-02-21T05:21:45+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/01/26/truth-harmony-and-life-toward-a-world-in-which-we-can-all-flourish/2017-01-27T19:24:32+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2017/01/10/weeds-politics-and-commitment-when-doing-the-right-thing-is-outside-of-the-box/2017-01-12T18:49:36+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/12/06/fionas-carrot-gardening-in-a-fantastical-world/2019-10-20T20:31:13+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/08/07/the-subterranean-dance-plants-nutrients-water-and-their-relationship-in-soil-health/2016-11-28T19:04:40+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/07/23/following-the-vascular-trail-the-path-of-water-from-soil-to-atmosphere/2016-11-28T18:13:45+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/04/14/the-fields-park-brownfields-compaction-drainage-a-missed-opportunity/2016-11-28T17:19:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/10/25/failing-landscapes-failing-practices-a-look-at-tri-mets-landscapes-and-how-we-could-do-them-better/2016-10-28T17:53:20+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/10/16/agave-sharkey-death-and-the-meaning-of-life/2016-10-16T22:40:27+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/10/10/helping-homeowners-choose-trees-wisely-what-you-need-to-know/2016-10-13T17:29:49+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/09/19/portland-sustainable-landscapes-toward-health-and-diversity-creating-an-organizational-structure-for-implementation/2016-09-19T21:33:42+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/09/02/what-really-is-a-sustainable-landscape-why-does-it-matter/2019-12-13T15:04:01+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/08/21/floweringa-reason-of-their-own-a-look-at-agave-flowers-structure-and-relationships/2016-08-21T20:01:26+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/08/11/losing-our-urban-landscapes-sustainable-goals-and-our-crisis-in-leadership/2016-08-14T16:30:10+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/07/01/agaves-hybrids-and-our-role-as-gardeners-stewards/2020-10-17T20:45:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/07/06/summer-tree-failure/2016-07-26T18:56:26+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/12/02/chilling-freezing-surviving-understanding-hardiness-preparing-your-plants-for-winter/2016-05-05T14:38:54+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/04/23/gardening-at-city-hall-lessons-in-reality-frustration/2023-06-20T09:49:35+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/04/02/iris-x-pacifica-hybrids-jewels-of-the-west-coast/2016-04-02T20:09:44+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/03/21/jefferson-circle-of-waterfront-park-nw-tropical-theme-the-question-of-design/2019-07-15T22:44:12+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/03/09/reed-canyon-and-crystal-springs-creek-reclaiming-a-natural-area/2016-03-09T22:27:08+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/01/13/public-portraits-of-xeric-plantings-at-riverplace-and-south-waterfront-part-1/2016-02-29T17:34:36+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/08/26/drought-tolerant-plantings-a-review-of-riverplace-and-south-waterfront-summer-12-updated-aug-14/2016-02-29T17:26:36+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/01/23/pruning-101-health-structure/2022-04-21T18:14:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2016/01/05/pruning-the-aesthetic-choice-consistency-good-horticultural-practice/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/pretty-deadly-007-003.jpgPretty Deadly 007-003Illustrations from 'Pretty Deadly', written bj Kelly Sue Deconnick, art Emma Rios, colors Jordie Bellaire, Image Comics 2015, (007-003)https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/pretty-deadly-007-002.jpgPretty Deadly 007-002Illustrations from 'Pretty Deadly', written bj Kelly Sue Deconnick, art Emma Rios, colors Jordie Bellaire, Image Comics 20152016-01-19T02:50:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/16/tools-of-the-trade-pruning-shears-loppers-and-saws/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dscn0183-south-waterfront-grass-harvest.jpgDSCN0183 South Waterfront grass harvestIn this photo of a crew cutting down the 1 acre of ornamental grasses at South Waterfront Park you can see the difference in body position. In the foreground, using an articulated shear in an upright position vs. using the traditional style hand held gas shear while squatting and reaching.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-12.jpgphoto-1My Felco foldable 60 with a 6" blade. I routinely cut 1 1/2" and bigger wood with this. It's sharp!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0368.jpegIMG_0368My trusty old Felco #2's. Vinyl cracking and wearing off the grip, with multiple replacement blades and springs w/ my 4" flat file and hone.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo.jpgphotoMy extendable Fiskars. In the above the jaws are open to accept a 1" branch. The tape measure indicates a 25" reach while the outside of the grips are 50" apart. You can see how these might be hard to use in more congested plants.2023-02-04T21:52:00+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/12/21/pruningwhy-do-we-do-it-cutting-woody-plants-down-to-size/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_4300.jpgIMG_4300I did this planting of Rhapholepsis indica (?) some 15+ years ago the vacated portion of SW Mill St downtown immediately west of Pettygrove Park. There are 3 beds here all once planted on a cycle with annuals and bulbs. The annuals program was cut and planted all three beds in smaller shrubs. At some point the properties north and south had new structures built on them and the beds were removed from Parks care. The Hamamelis 'Arnold's Promise' was hacked off at around 5' several times destroying its upright vase form until more recently it was cut nearly to the ground with the more random sprouting here resulting.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_4308.jpgIMG_4308This is a Ribes sanguine down the street from my house that the owners have tried to keep in bounds. The other shrubs are pruned in the same manner. You can see the oldest structure at the base and then moving up it has be prune hard twice, each time 'releasing' more buds to grow making the top denser and into a flat top as their cuts are mostly in a horizontal plane and they've made no thinning cuts.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_4299.jpgIMG_4299My hand against one of the two South Park Blocks Beech trees. As young trees these can grow quite quickly.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_4298.jpgIMG_4298These two Fagus sylvatica are in the South Park Blocks where Salmon St cuts them off. These were planted here around '88 from11/2" of so BxB stock. They are well over 50' tall.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_4297.jpgIMG_4297This Fagus sylvatica has been in this pot around 20 years. I grew it from seed 30 years ago from a mother tree in Sellwood that has a canopy 100' across. It is approximately the same age as they trees pictured below.2016-01-05T13:26:24+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/12/08/waterfront-parks-success-and-a-question-of-purpose/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_2762.jpgIMG_2762Okay, this is not Vancouver. It is Victoria Harbor. I haven't been back to Vancouver for a few years and as a result of an accident and poor back up, I lost all of those pictures. Right country, almost the same latitude with a gorgeous natural harbor you would have to try hard to screw up!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_3021.jpgIMG_3021This is an example of how some of the 'collateral' damage occurs from events with fixtures and structures erected next to planted areas. Event staff and vendors often 'push' into these areas because they offer available space separate from the crowds of visitors who themselves will sometimes move through these to avoid bottlenecks.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_3019.jpgIMG_3019This is the 'bowl' where the Blues Festival's two main stages are set up the day after the close of the event. It was a record hot summer and had only the irrigation system been shut down, without the tens of thousands of visitors the turf would be in a similar state. It took many more weeks to bring the turf back this year because of the heat and much higher evapo-transpiration rates.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_3172.jpgIMG_3172Setting up for the Bite in '15. The turf had not recovered from earlier eventshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_3718.jpgIMG_3718Looking toward the Bay Bridge along San Francisco's Embarcadero.2015-12-08T22:18:39+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/11/27/trimets-orange-line-landscapes-sw-lincoln-4th-to-se-milwaukie-ave/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3545.jpgIMG_3545The Orange Line swings through space above on it way to its crossing with Naito Parkway with the bike path following below. Very little of this portion is 'landscaped'. It is left to its own 'devices'. The column on the right tells something of ODoT's commitment to its landscape. The support on the right holds one of the ramps on its way to the Marquam Bridge. The Ivy is cut sporadically.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-56.jpgFullSizeRender-5Not the greatest picture but it show the depth of the green streets and how abruptly they grade up to where the street trees are planed.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-77.jpgFullSizeRender-7Typical Lincoln planting.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender3.jpgFullSizeRenderThis is Lincoln St. There is very little in its 4 blocks that street trees and narrow green streets plantings.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-115.jpgFullSizeRender-1The Orange Line swinging in here at Naito Pkwy crossing the old Harbor Dr. property that still contains tunnels beneath it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-210.jpgFullSizeRender-2A great little bike path segment isolated from heavy car traffic until it is pinched down at Harrison. The large slope down to the right is a sporadically mown rough area created when Harbor Way was vacated to make Tom McCall Waterfront Park in 1974. Not much has been done with it since.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-310.jpgFullSizeRender-3Looking down Harrison along the trolley tracks with a sprouting planting of Gleditsia. Honey Locust regularly sprouts forming thickets if no on is available to thin or remove them. This can form thorny hiding places or effective traps for trash obscuring line of sight. Next to a trolley stop this might inhibit the stops use. It also creates an unobservable area in the adjacent parking lot.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-39.jpgFullSizeRender-39Here the trolley passes under the Orange Line above where it lands at Naito Pkwy. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-431.jpgFullSizeRender-43Looking north from the trolly tracks, close to Naito Pkwy. The canopied structure in the distance is the Park Ranger headquarters. This was once a Parks maintenance facility. Prior to the construction of the Trolley line here there was an entrance for the parking lot here. TriMet has never taken responsibility for this area. Parks would send occasional crews in here to do gross cleanup.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-40.jpgFullSizeRender-40Looking back toward the trolley crossing at Harbor Dr, this is nothing but weeds. The whole bank is Ivy, Blackberry, Clematis, Black Locust and many herbaceous perennial weeds. There appears to be no maintenance other than cutting the mass back from interfering with vehicular traffic and pedestrians. This portends nothing good for the Orange Line in its future.2015-11-30T03:20:41+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/11/06/selecting-trees-surviving-in-hellstrips/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4170.jpgIMG_4170This row of 20 year old maples received to structural pruning in their youth resulting in large cuts/wounds when they were finally dealt with. One of the original neighbors, an arborist, moved a couple years after the planting and the other owners didn't recognize the need. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4159.jpgIMG_4159Parrotia persica has become more popular in recent years. Strongly vase shaped these can become quite broad over several years. Mine is 25'+ tall and a good 20' wide. This one branches low to the ground and will quickly be in conflict.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4163.jpgIMG_4163These plums, restricted as they are to such a narrow space, show their ungainly branching. These are unirrigated and show stress every summer as well.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4169.jpgIMG_4169There are 4 of these Acer griseum, Paperbark Maples, in this planting that are growing with some vigor. Planted along a west facing strip they receive some protection by the structure and trees across the street. There growth is restricted to a very narrow space and are growing in a nearly 'flat' fan so as not to conflict with the sidewalk and street. This exposes a very ungainly structure. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4180.jpgIMG_4180A neighbor's Dogwood planted in a narrow parking strip. It has no space to grow into.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4161.jpgIMG_4161This Stewartia pseudocamellia has been here for almost 20 years. I'm surprised by its trunk size as its leaves scortch early ever summer, has suffered much vandalism/breakage and an occassional, inexplicable clunky pruning job.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4153.jpgIMG_4153This Gingko biloba, planted about 15 years ago, is still small by Gingko standards, but has been doing very well even with next to no supplemental water.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4166.jpgIMG_4166This Liriodendron tulipifera, a heritage tree in my neighborhood, has a canopy over 90' across. It is a beautiful and dominating tree dropping tons of drain clogging leaves and negating any need for actual street trees in the vicinity.2015-11-07T17:12:21+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/10/27/choosing-trees-for-larger-public-landscapes-and-your-yard/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_1992.jpgIMG_1992Still one of my favorite Oak photos. This one take in the late afternoon beneath a canopy of Interior Live Oak (I think) at Shiloh Ranch Park, last March.2015-10-27T21:11:40+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/10/01/tri-mets-orange-line-landscapes-bybee-stop-to-oak-grove/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-44.jpgFullSizeRender-4The literal end of the line.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3523.jpgIMG_3523This large 'bed' I estimate at around 24,000 sq.ft. With irrigation, no tree canopy to intercept solar energy and the big start the weed population has here its future is problematic.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-54.jpgFullSizeRender-5This shows the Trolley Trail disappearing into a grove heading south from the bio-swale west of the parking structure providing riders with a safe, from car traffic, route to the Orange Line.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3519.jpgIMG_3519This is south of Park Ave looking east toward the parking structure, which was full at the time of my visit. The bio-swale and wider landscapes in front are largely planted with natives.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3516.jpgIMG_3516I included this picture for scale. Several of the beds here at the Park Ave terminus are each by themselves larger than the typical 5,000sq.ft. Portland lot. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3515.jpgIMG_3515https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-75.jpgFullSizeRender-7Here i'm approaching the station a strip of Clover to my left and a security guy heading toward me. He was curious where the path went as passengers ask him and he had no idea.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3513.jpgIMG_3513A little passed the sculpture here's a wide shot of the bank above the gabion showing the stressed Cedars and ground layer plantings that are already invaded by an aggressive flowering stand of Canada Thistle. Is anybody watching?https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-63.jpgFullSizeRender-6This shows the rising grade as we approach the station, abrupt enough to allow for the use of the rock filled gabions.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3510.jpgIMG_3510This piece of public art is surrounded by more Dutch White Clover at its base with a narrow native planting including Doug Fir, Western Red Cedar and Amelanchier, Serviceberry.2015-10-01T18:10:49+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/09/16/tri-mets-orange-line-landscapes-clinton-se-12th-to-harold-st/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-24.jpgFullSizeRender-2This is adjacent to the bio-swale looking toward Mcloughlin Blvd. The road lies behind the trees and is buried in Blackberry, English Ivy and Clematis. By all appearances this section, the trees separating Mcloughlin from the railroad tracks, receive little if any maintenance. I would expect that this whole area will become overwhelmed and dominated by weeds.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-33.jpgFullSizeRender-3This bio-swale is planted with the typical native choices and appear to be doing well. It is also obviously suffering from a lack of maintenance as a serious weed problem is already developing which is not surprising given the surrounding 'landscape'.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-82.jpgFullSizeRender-8Incense Cedars,wedged into their narrow space, frame the truck entrance to the Brooklyn Yards at Harold St. While these are columnar they can reach 8' in diameter. It probably won't conflict with pedestrian use as there likely won't ever be much.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-42.jpgFullSizeRender-4The Parthenocissus planted to the south of Harold against the ramp have protection from the late afternoon sun.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-73.jpgFullSizeRender-7Interestingly they have planted Parthenocissus at the base of ramp launching the tracks up an over Harold St. Drip heads are installed at their bases. This section is 'baked' with all of the reflected heat added to our high ambient temperatures. The meager bark mulch intended to conserve soil moisture is inadequate.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-52.jpgFullSizeRender-5It does not appear that there is any plan for this section paralleling Mcloughlin Blvd. with nothing planted at all in this gravelly fill.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-141.jpgFullSizeRender-14This fenced off service area along the curving tracks of the Orange Line is set up as another 'dead zone' that will have to be maintained clean. It currently contains mature Horseweed amongst others which can infect adjacent landscapes.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-131.jpgFullSizeRender-13This curb planting approaching the intersection of 17th and Mcloughlin Blvd repeats the use of Magnolia 'Galaxy' where it will again be subject to inundation and reflected heat and light.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_3469.jpgIMG_3469This shot is not of any of the Orange Line properties. It is from an adjacent vacant property. It illustrates what can easily happen with large plantings of low evergreen groundcovers.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-121.jpgFullSizeRender-12The stubby streets that tee off from 17th from Holgate south feature Parrotia persica. These should be a good match. Their premature leaf color likely indicate the effects of the summer we've just had and the fact that they were not yet established.2015-09-22T21:38:09+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/08/28/the-plaza-blocks-practicing-horticulture-at-lownsdale-and-chapman-squares/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3333.jpgIMG_3333Thompson's ill proportioned Elk.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3282.jpgIMG_3282This shows the bed behind the women's restroom on Chapman with its thirsty Thuja plicata underplnated with the Azalea's I could save, Mahonia x media 'Charity', Corylopsis pauciflora and Hydrangea petiolaris anomala climbing the building that we keep pruned off of the roof so that it doesn't tear it apart. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3281.jpgIMG_3281The NW entry to Chapman with Sambucus nigra 'Sutherland Gold', Sacrococca confusus and Epimedium x versicolor 'sulfureum' fronting a more mature Gingko with its less aggressive roots.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3278.jpgIMG_3278The men's restroom bed on Lownsdale Square with the 'new' plantings.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3276.jpgIMG_3276Daphne odora fronting Magnolia 'Susan'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3275.jpgIMG_3275The wooded Chapman Square with two newer beds here at the NE corner.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3111.jpgIMG_3111The NE corner Chapman beds with flanking Daphne tangutica, Hellebores, Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' and more.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3110.jpgIMG_3110One of my 'newer' favorite ferns Dryopteris sieboldii between the Phyllostachys and Rhododendron yak. 'Teddy Bear'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3108.jpgIMG_3108Achlys triphylla, Asarum caudatum and Vancouveria hexandrahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_1594.jpgIMG_1594Crocus t. 'Whitewell Purple'. You can see how thin the lawn is and, much of it is the weedy Poa annua that is pictured here and common in compacted soil.2015-09-14T17:45:27+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/09/10/political-paralysis-direct-democracy-and-personal-action-if-the-people-lead-the-leaders-will-follow/2015-09-11T05:24:36+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/08/28/revisiting-holgate-overpass-a-mistake-repeated/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fullsizerender.jpgFullSizeRenderThe southeast approach the dormant cool season grasses, Scotch Broom along the lower fenceline heavy with dark dry pods. Fennel stretches to the east around the 'volunteer' English Walnut tree.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fullsizerender-6.jpgFullSizeRender-6Holgate Overpass - the northeast approach. This was taken Aug. 28 of the landscape cut down in April showing regrowth in a hot drought year.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fullsizerender-5.jpgFullSizeRender-5This regrowth of Tree of Heaven is at or over my head. Of course the mother plant is still looming and seeding in the background.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fullsizerender-4.jpgFullSizeRender-4https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fullsizerender-3.jpgFullSizeRender-3I walked this whole site and nothing has emerged in the intervening period that isn't an aggressive weed.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fullsizerender-2.jpgFullSizeRender-2This is looking west on the northwest approach. The cool season grasses stayed dormant while the perennials have come back even though it was cut down a month later. The Blackberries against the lower fence were never touched.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fullsizerender-1.jpgFullSizeRender-1This is the southwest approach with the uncut Blackberry, the Fennel returning strongly and blooming at a lower height.2015-08-31T20:42:54+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/08/24/horticulture-gardening-in-portland-parks/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3304.jpgIMG_3304The land occupied by Kenilworth Park and most of the Kenilworth neighborhood was part of the land claim owned by Clinton Kelly, a Methodist minister from Kentucky who settled in the area in 1848. In 1909 the Portland Park Board purchased 9 acres from Kelly with funds from a 1908 bond measure created specifically to acquire land for parks in Portland. In 1910, Park Superintendent Emanuel Mische created a design for the park that was inspired by the park's natural topography and vegetation. The design included a bandstand, tennis courts, sports field, wading pool and play area, sand courts, walkways, and vista points. Today, the basic layout of the park remains intact and is indicative of the strength and appeal of Mische's original design. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dscn0183-south-waterfront-grass-harvest.jpgDSCN0183 South Waterfront grass harvestCutting down the one acre plus of ornamental grasses above Riverplace Marina, Feb. of '032015-08-24T23:37:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/08/23/weeds-patterns-and-pokeweed/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3295.jpgIMG_3295It does have several ornamental attributes including its dark fruit on red stems and birds seem to like it as well. This could explain its frequency of occurence in parking strips with birds perching above, which should also warn us to look out for it under tress.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3294.jpgIMG_3294Pokeweed, Phytolucca americana in my neighborhood growing in a parking strip well over my 6'2" height.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3293.jpgIMG_3293Remember this is a first year seedling. Obiously it's rather promiscuous, flowering in its first summer and here it hasn't taken on any of its 'showy' red stem color.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3292.jpgIMG_3292Here it is having insinuated itself in my own garden with its almost succulent leaves and little panicles of flowers.2015-09-23T01:12:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/08/15/gardening-in-public-the-duniway-park-experiment/2015-08-29T17:48:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/08/06/turf-in-public-parks-a-note/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3085.jpgIMG_3085The upper portion of Duniway Park. A Nyssa sylvatica growing at the toe of the slope below OHSU. The turf is completely unirrigated, is very compacted and has poor drainage. In much of it is dominated by a few broad leaf weeds while most of the grasses that survive are weedy as well. The whole Park is built over one of Portland's first dumps.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3083.jpgIMG_3083https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3026.jpgIMG_3026Tom McCall Waterfront Park north of the Morrison Bridge looking toward the Battleship Oregon's Mast. This shot was taken mid-way through the summer's event schedule. Park's makes a herculean effort to keep this Park up. Much expense is taken, but it simply gets trampled down to bare soil regularly. It is nursed back and then trampled again repeatedly by scheduled events. One use of this area is by children from area day care centers who will often dig in the exposed soft sand.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_3020.jpgIMG_30202015-08-07T16:08:43+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/07/01/musa-basjoo-to-musa-sikkimensis-to-musa-s-red-tiger-garden-updates-july-1-15/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_3022.jpgIMG_3022Musa sikkimensis by the Riverplace Hotel showing regrowth after being cut down.2015-07-09T00:36:48+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/06/29/the-day-after-our-open-garden-for-the-hpso-study-weekend/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2980.jpgIMG_2980Hesperaloe parviflora. This is one tough, drought resistent, sun loving, cold tolerant Agave relative and it blooms much of the summer to the delight of resident Hummingbirds!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2975.jpgIMG_2975Looking east up the sidewalk along my dry borders. The beautiful green agave is A. montana, or so it was lableled, and is 15(?) years old, the best and cleanest performer I have.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2970.jpgIMG_2970This little composition is really coming together! Another couple of years to grow and the perfect vine on the Trachy's trunk and I'm done. It's joined by Kiniphofia 'Coral Glow', Phlomis 'Sunningdale Gold', a Puya venusta I'll move in for the winter, Olearii haastii, Stacyhs 'Primrose Herron', and a new Ascelpias speciosahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2968.jpgIMG_2968Many thought my Oak Leaf Hydrangea was a smaller leafed form, but know its the species and the magic of drought stress. The Agave parryii 'Hauchuca Blue' is clean, unprotected and doing well since it was planted over 6 years ago.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2967.jpgIMG_2967My big Butia capitata just keeps cranking along without protection.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2966.jpgIMG_2966This shows the gate, built by Madden Fabrication, who also did all our other steel work on the house and adjacent stairs.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2964.jpgIMG_2964A long shot, from beneath the 'Pagoda' towards the house and front gate.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2962.jpgIMG_2962The Pond bed fronting the 'Pagoda'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2961.jpgIMG_2961The 'Pagoda', built by Troy Susan of Bambo Craftsman over 15 years ago after a recent roof power-washing, bamboo sanding and re-oiling. All of our stone work was done by Pete Wilson over a period of several years. This is a tensile structure and flexes in the wind or if you're standing on the roof...a little disconcerting when you're working on it.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2960.jpgIMG_2960Looking south from the 'Pagoda' along the fence that needs replacement. A very young Magnolia insignis is very slowly filling some of the space and will eventually serve to screen the neighbors duplex. A Chusquea culeou was removed two years ago. It was a great screen but a beast and it threatened to destroy me. A Dioon spinulosum rests temporarily here in a pot where it is beginning push new growth. D.s. is the fastest growing Cycad that I've tried.2024-10-26T07:36:47+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/06/25/on-planting-in-drought-conditions-the-relationship-of-roots-water-and-soil/2015-06-28T05:07:54+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/06/23/on-healing-the-broken-urban-landscape-portlands-holgate-overpass-the-brooklyn-yards/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2681.jpgIMG_2681This building lies south of the South East site. A very common problem between properties, especially when access is limited, often results in these weedy edges. Here the brush is the invasive Buddleia davidii, poised to infect the site. Buddleia d. is a relative newcomer to our weed repertoire, but is rapidly asserting itself in the landscape.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2886.jpgIMG_2886Mid-June regrowth. The Blackberry and Trees of Heaven are coming back strongly. The unusually dry spring/June are evident in the lack of newly germinated weeds.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2885.jpgIMG_2885The dry spring conditions favor the established perennial weeds , like Field Bindweed beginning to spread here. Fennels and Mustard also have an advantage.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2884.jpgIMG_2884This is recent work by the Water Bureau in the South West site. This kind of work is indicative of an undervalued landscape where back filling is done to finish grade with gravel. This will always be a problem for landscaping efforts in the future.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2683.jpgIMG_2683The 'treated' Fennel twists beneath last years mature stems, long gone to seed.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2688.jpgIMG_2688A row of Scotch Broom crowds the lower fence line while Fennel pushes quickly above the ripening Cheat Grass seed heads.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2690.jpgIMG_2690This section of the SE site is crowded with Tree of Heaven seedlings.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2651.jpgIMG_2651Trees of Heaven and Blackberry dominate this section Railroad fence line where it intersects with the NE site.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2648.jpgIMG_2648https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2694.jpgIMG_2694The giant sized 'Dandelion' type seed head of Oyster Plant2015-06-23T16:44:40+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/03/17/a-look-into-colony-collapse-disorder-ccd-and-the-use-of-neonicotinoids-a-view-from-two-extremes-part-1/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dscn0186-washington-edgeworthia-chrysantha-flower-bee.jpgDSCN0186 Washington Edgeworthia chrysantha flower beeA bee visiting the flowers of an Edgewortia chrysantha in Washington Park.2015-05-19T15:40:37+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/05/06/my-garden-behind-the-scenes/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_2290.jpgIMG_2290One of my newer Arailiaceae acquisitions still looking for a home in the ground.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_0341.jpgIMG_0341Coming through the gatehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dscn5459.jpgDSCN5459Iris ensata 'Cascade Crest' w/ Arundo donax 'Variegat' and friendshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_0262.jpgIMG_0262Bomarea sp. with Azara microphylla Variegatahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_2619.jpgIMG_2619https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_0659.jpgIMG_0659https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/wright240911-5008.jpgWright240911-5008Photo thanks to Josh McCulloughhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_0247.jpgIMG_0247Pelargonium and Anigoanthos sharing porch space with an Agave coloratahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_2626.jpgIMG_2626https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_2621.jpgIMG_26212015-05-14T19:28:51+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/04/21/himalayan-cloud-forest-garden-update-plant-pilfering/2015-07-01T01:52:06+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/04/20/hiking-in-phoenixs-south-mountain-preserve/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2433.jpgIMG_2433This is the first Park I visited and the buildings here are indicative of those I've seen elsewhere well cared for and designed to fit into the landscape utilizing native regional stone. This is at the main gate to the South Mountain Preserve.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2432.jpgIMG_2432Looking west from the high point. The Estrella Mountains in the distance; the Gila River Valley and its irrigated fields; San Juan Lookout the light 'tan' area at the mid right edge of photo; and the line of the trail I just ascended at the west end of the Ma Ha Tauk Range.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2431.jpgIMG_2431Near the high point of the Alta trail looking north toward Phoenix.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2429.jpgIMG_2429https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2427.jpgIMG_2427Echinocereus sp. on the Alta Trail. What's not to love?https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2424.jpgIMG_2424What is it about look up? It never looks as far or high as it actually is.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2422.jpgIMG_2422https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2421.jpgIMG_2421A typical portion of the steep section of trail.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2420.jpgIMG_2420Some form of Smokebush, Psorothamnus sp. (?), but the only references I have would say not because it occurs at lower elevations??? Guess I'll have to dig through some keys. Very pretty though but not common on the Alta trail. I did see it later at Boyce-Thompson though.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_2418.jpgIMG_2418Echinocereus sp., with a dead and dried Cholla 'skeleton' next to it.2015-04-21T05:18:38+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/03/24/a-look-into-colony-collapse-disorder-ccd-and-the-use-of-neonicotinoids-a-view-from-two-extremes-part-2/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/fullsizerender-1.jpgFullSizeRender-1https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dscn2100.jpgDSCN2100A bee working the large inflorescence of a Heptacodium miconoides.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dscn1031.jpgDSCN1031A Bumble Bee, another pollinator, visiting the inflorescence of an ornamental Sea Holly.2015-03-24T18:10:55+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/03/16/red-abyssinian-banana-planting/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fullsizerender.jpgFullSizeRenderThis shows the second flush of growth in the basement after I cut it a month earlier. https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_448242422.jpgIMG_448242422And...planted on another beautiful March afternoon. 03/16/2015https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_448239536.jpgIMG_448239536When I pull the diaper away you can see how wet the banana is. I left it sitting in the sun for it to surface dry so I didn't get wet bear hugging it and moving it to its hole.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_448239524.jpgIMG_448239524Okay, this seemed heavier than last year. I stand the Banana up, bear hug it, and lift it one step, move forward and repeat seven times!!! Here you can see how the roots as well grow through the winter in its diaper. One of these years I should weigh it, first when I dig it and later when I plant it so you can see how much respiration and transpiration happens during winter storage.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_448239131.jpgIMG_448239131Rolling it to the stairs2015-03-17T23:59:41+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/02/22/the-himalayan-cloud-forest-garden-in-washington-park-a-collection-of-species-rhododendron-asian-companions/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1507.jpgIMG_1507These early blooming R. mucrunolatum 'Cornell Pink' are just south of the beginning of the 'Coming of the White Man' loop on SW Wright St. There is a small parking area below the sculpture, other wise you should park at any of the nearby metered parking.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1505.jpgIMG_1505A good sized Viburnum cylindricum with amazing leaves growing alongside a R. taliense.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1503.jpgIMG_1503Epimedium stellulatum Long Leafed Form. This one is of larger stature than the E. wushanensehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1502.jpgIMG_1502Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata'. Small now but this little evergreen Fern with its variegated mid-rib is looking to be one of my new favorites.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1500.jpgIMG_1500Edgeworthia chrysantha in fabulous bloom!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1501.jpgIMG_1501https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1498.jpgIMG_1498R. thayerianum has wonderful glossy narrow leaves with a prominent mid-rib. The leaves stand out in whorls to great effect!https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1497.jpgIMG_1497R. strigillosum Grieg's Formhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1495.jpgIMG_1495R. bhutanense. Guess where this one's from.... Bhutan! at over 10,000' in the Himalayas just south of Tibet. Another small plant that can get 10' or so.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_1493.jpgIMG_1493R. bureaviodes as the description says, very similar to R. bureavii only with larger leaves. When names are this close it makes it hard for me to keep them separate.2015-03-07T16:24:57+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/02/09/trip-to-lan-su/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_9403.jpegIMG_9403Lan Su Portland's Classical Chinese Garden - photo by Stephen Morgan2015-03-03T03:51:14+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/01/31/public-portraits-of-xeric-plantings-at-riverplace-and-south-waterfront-part-2/2015-02-02T16:31:23+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/12/30/observations-on-the-cold-leonotis-salvia-and-rhodocoma-pot-culture-hardiness/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1398.jpgIMG_1398https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1397.jpgIMG_1397Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1396.jpgIMG_1396Leonotis menthafolia 'Savannh Sunset'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1391.jpgIMG_1391Leonotis menthafoliahttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1387.jpgIMG_1387Rhodocoma capensishttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1386.jpgIMG_1386Salvia x 'Wendy's Wish'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1384.jpgIMG_1384Leonotis menthafolia x 'Savannah Sunset'2015-01-29T20:33:14+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/01/21/palms-i-have-grown-a-look-into-trachycarpus-and-its-intimates/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1531.jpgIMG_1531The pinnate leaf of Butia capitata. The rachis arching to the tip with leaflets alternating and nearly upright.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1530.jpgIMG_1530The costapalmate leaf of Sabal minor. The difference isn't obvious on S. minor. You can also see a compressed unexpanded spear.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/533615_4223545352879_1063168565_n.jpg533615_4223545352879_1063168565_nTrachycarpus fortunei inflorescence, probably malehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1527.jpgIMG_1527Sabal x 'Birmingham' - Another young experiment for me. This is its second winter in a pot. These love heat and can form palmate fronds several feet across, much larger than the Trachys. I will keep this in pots, periodically up-potting for several more years. It's origin is confused. Some palm experts think one parent is S. minor which is very slow. In North Carolina these can take 13 years before they start to form a trunk! So, ten more years??? No problem! On the plus side, S. minor has added considerably to this palm's hardiness. I have a vision of this at the top of my retaining wall when we redo the fence.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1526.jpgIMG_1526Chamaerops humilis cerifera - The Blue form of the Mediterranean Fan Palm from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. I planted this one out the summer before last and protected it by packing it in leaves last winter. Chamaerops form multiple stems at the base. This plant rebounded from significant loss last winter. This winter, so far so good.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1525.jpgIMG_1525Chamaerops humilis - This Mediterranean Fan Palm probably has a virus which gives it a very distinctive 'tie-diyed' effect to its fronds. I've never planted it out. I lost its parent plant 8 years or so ago messing around, dividing off 'pups' before I tried the mother plant in the ground, so I don't want to screw it up and wait another 8. This was the only pup with enough roots to survive. All of the other plants, mom included, died after the procedure...I'm not a propagator. These are slow. Got the original plant from Sean Hogan.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1524.jpgIMG_1524Trachycarpus latisectus - This palm too is less hardy than the fortunei and wagnerianus. I just planted it this fall from a 20 gal pot. Its base is protected with fiberglass insulation and plastic to keep it drier this winter. Considered experimental, 20F or so.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1523.jpgIMG_1523Trachycarpus wagnerianus - This palm has small, in diameter, fronds with segments that are deeply vee shaped forming a very stiff frond that is highly resistent to wind damage. This tree has been in the ground for 3 summers and is just starting to increase to its faster, adult, growth rate. All palms take several years to grow their bases and root structures before they ever start to add elevation.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1522.jpgIMG_1522Trachycarpus martianus - Still in a pot, about 20gal, this is my least hardy Palm. Still debating about what to do with it. All Palms increase in hardiness as the trunks increase in caliper. The trunks serve as insulation for the bud at the tree's base. My records are thin, but I believe this is the Nepal form that ordered some years ago from Plant Delights in North Carolina. Tony says zn 8a, others aren't so 'generous'. Growers in Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. give it a thumbs down, they do T. latisectus also, but how big were there's when planted? Can I find a superior micro-site?https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1521.jpgIMG_1521Sabal minor McCurtain (from Oklahoma) - This is my third oldest palm, so, you guessed it, it's approaching 15 years old, a little younger than the T.f. next to the house. It's very slow. Planted out about 4 years ago. It flowered the last two summers each inflorescence arising from the ground as a spike. This species does not grow an above ground trunk. Each year the individual fronds are getting larger.2017-05-15T22:02:21+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2015/01/17/seed-banks-and-the-future-of-our-gardens-and-landscapes/2015-01-29T17:20:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/11/13/weeding-in-a-dynamic-landscape-a-goal-oriented-strategy/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/the-hori-hori-type-i-use.jpgThe hori-hori type I useA traditional hori-hori of the type I use2015-01-08T21:21:39+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/11/12/gardening-is-not-for-wimps/2014-12-06T21:42:42+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/10/28/tools-of-the-trade-shovels-implements-of-construction-and-maintenance/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0789.jpgShovel Maintenance ToolsWD-40, 10" File and a wire brush...the essentialshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fullsizerender-4.jpgBamboo SlammerBlade and shaft are in perfect alignment for best transference of power to cut.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fullsizerender-5.jpgBamboo SlammerSlammer in the closed position. You can see the pin clipped in place. It slides through the outer sleeve and the inner shaft keeping both pieces together.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fullsizerender-3.jpgBamboo SlammerDisassembled to show the solid hammer that slides up and down inside the shaft.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0787.jpgPony 00Solid piece of steel. You can see the 'sweep' for holding soil and the long forged neck that reinforces its connection w/ ash handlehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0786.jpgPony 00Forged with an angle that works for chopping down and scooping outhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0782.jpgSquare PointUsed for scraping and scooping up loose material.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0783.jpgStamped ShovelCut from a piece of sheet metal the failure point is at the bottom of the 'arrow'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0781.jpgSmith Hawken Bulldog SpadeMy Smith Hawken spade forged from a single piece of steel, 'softer' than that used in the King of Spades, bent about 5" up from the tip and is forever weakened. I don't use it much anymore.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fullsizerender-1.jpgKing of Spades 3Blade set at a nearly flat angle to handle2019-09-12T15:18:07+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/10/23/my-fall-garden-after-an-1-5-of-rain/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0762.jpgIMG_0762https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0754.jpgIMG_0754Brugmansia 'Miner's Claim' with the bloom of Canna 'Wisley Dwarf' poking throughhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0752.jpgIMG_0752https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0751.jpgIMG_0751https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0750.jpgIMG_0750Our 'pagoda' nestled in the NW corner, temporary home of our hot tub while work goes on on our deck.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0749.jpgIMG_0749The banana is Musa sikkimense 'Red Tiger' looking a bit too green this year. A Trachycarpus latisectus is just behind it to the left.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0748.jpgIMG_0748Those big paddle leaves are Heleconia schiediana. The purple is Strobilanthes dyerianus next to a strappy Crinum powellii 'Alba' backed up with Canna 'Bengal Tiger' https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0747.jpgIMG_0747Mahonia x media 'Arthur Menziesii' flower buds beginning to swell for winter's bloomhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0746.jpgIMG_0746https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0745.jpgIMG_0745Cordyline 'Pink Sensation' in front of Canna 'Bengal Tiger', Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger' and the fat pseudostem of my Ensete, Gloxiana floating in the shadow2014-10-25T05:11:27+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/10/13/gardening-as-a-political-act-growing-a-better-public-landscape-the-ross-island-bridge-west-approach/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0651.jpgIMG_0651Anything not a Rose, a Phitzer Juniper or mature tree has volunteered/invaded on this sitehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0650.jpgIMG_0650Matured Buddleia seed heads, the landscape Roses and a wash of many weedshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0654.jpgIMG_0654This shot is filled with the Roses, volunteer Pin Oaks, Holly, Thistle and Blackberryhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0655.jpgIMG_0655Trees o Heaven volunteered above the wall, while Birch, Butterfly Bush and Clematis compete to overwhelm the landscape Roses.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0658.jpgIMG_0658Looking east from the overpass on Naito at the Clematis vitalba burying the bank and blackberrieshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0649.jpgIMG_0649Adjacent neighbors tended gardens with Clematis buried plantings pushed up against their fenceshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0647.jpgIMG_0647Obviously little used pedestrian underpass below Naitohttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0646.jpgIMG_0646A hodge podge of weeds and volunteers totally overwhelming the Roseshttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0645.jpgIMG_0645One of the mown 'lawns' dominated by Canada Thistle and Cat's Earhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_0642.jpgIMG_0642One of the old lawn areas that sweep down to the southbound Naito ramp dominated by Canada Thistle2014-12-06T22:00:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/30/choosing-a-tree-issues-of-structure-and-growth/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0625.jpgIMG_0625C. betulus 'Fastigiata'https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0626.jpgIMG_0626Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' w/ 16" diameter trunk and massive heavy branchinghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0624.jpgIMG_0624The decurrent Big Leaf Maple responding to damage with vigorous shooting. Growing in a natural closed canopy this would have a more sinuous form having shed some of the shaded out lower branchinghttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0623.jpgIMG_0623Purple Leaf Plum pruned up showing the bare limbs of its decurrent structurehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0622.jpgIMG_0622An 'abandoned' 20 year old Friends of Trees planting that never received structural pruning now with low heavy branching & big wounds from removing conflicting branches.https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0621.jpgIMG_0621https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0620.jpgIMG_0620https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0619.jpgIMG_0619https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0618.jpgIMG_0618https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0617.jpgIMG_0617Hornbeams across the street from my house after pruning2020-09-02T14:47:09+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/19/butia-x-jubaea-a-pinnate-palm-for-portland-first-test-for-me/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-31.jpgphoto-3The Butia x Jubaea hiding for now in the center of Jefferson Circle backed by Canna 'Bengal Tiger' and Fargesia nitida ‘Jiuzhaigou IV’https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-23.jpgphoto-2Butia capitata at my front stairs along with a new Beschorneria yuccoides 'Flamingo Glow' and a Agave parryi 'Hauchucense'2014-09-20T22:46:14+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/17/pretty-picture-philler-a-little-september-tropicalisimo/2014-09-17T21:52:34+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/12/arctostaphylos-patula-greenleaf-manzanita-seeing-a-plant-in-context/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-4.jpgphoto 4The new landscape with mounds from grade work in the backgroundhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-3.jpgphoto 3https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-22.jpgphoto 2The mixed brush coverhttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-2-1.jpgphoto 2-1Watering the xeric native landscapehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-11.jpgphoto 1Greenleaf Manzanita in fruithttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-1-11.jpgphoto 1-1Watering the xeric native landscapehttps://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0473.jpgIMG_0473Arctostaphylos patula growing on site near Whychus Creek south of Sisters, OR. Here it is 5' tall growing in a mixed condifer forest along with Doug Fir, Grand Fir, Noble Fir, Ponderosa Pine and Western Juniper.2014-09-13T14:41:02+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/08/landscape-and-culture-redefining-the-urban-landscape-single-use-corridors-railroads/2014-09-08T22:12:10+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/05/photosynthesis-types-c3-c4-and-cam-a-simple-overview/2014-09-05T18:00:42+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/04/crassulacean-miracles/2014-09-04T18:22:23+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/09/01/dispatches-from-bend-or/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-8.jpgphoto-8Chamaebatiaria millefolium2014-09-02T17:36:04+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/08/31/fatsia-japonica-variegata-camouflage/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_0017.jpgIMG_0017For those of you who haven't seen Dan Hinkley's introduction. Julie saw it and said we had to have it. I said, "Where will we put it?" So it's living on the front porch hiding from the sun.2014-09-01T17:53:37+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/08/20/erythrina-x-bidwillii-coral-bean-shrub/2014-08-31T20:01:17+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/08/27/katsuras-as-street-trees-picking-the-right-tree/2016-11-20T01:40:48+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/08/15/blurfillication-and-the-neutering-of-language/2014-08-15T20:58:23+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/08/12/hello-is-anybody-there/2014-08-15T05:38:37+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.com/2014/08/14/evaluating-your-garden-site/https://gardenriots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_0318-1.jpegMetapanax delevayi2014-08-15T02:34:44+00:00monthlyhttps://gardenriots.comdaily1.02026-03-31T15:01:52+00:00