Flora Grubb

Yesterday I stopped by Flora Grubb to get some garden inspiration and I was transported to a magical place.  I had not been here in over three years and the nursery has blossomed even more in to such a special place.  I didn't want to leave.  At every turn and corner there is an unexpected surprise and beautiful, beautiful displays of plants.  I truly think these are the happiest plants I have seen at a nursery.  It's almost sad to buy them and take them away because they look so beautiful in their environment.  All the people that I came across while slowly making my way through the garden gave me a lot of information and useful tips for taking care of plants.  I know there are a lot of pictures but hey, why not?  I can't wait to stop in again, this time it won't be three years in between!  Happy Fourth of July weekend.   

ps- I also took some photos for Berkeleyside here and here (only the portrait of the director on the second one).

In the Garden With: Tracey Dupre

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to spend an afternoon with Tracey in her beautiful garden!  Her and her partner in crime, Jim have created a magical space in their backyard and are truly the definition of urban farmers.  Tracey, assisted by cute little Parker, gave me a tour through their garden and I discovered many surprises at every turn.  On top of being the most gracious host and making one of the best tasting pizzas I have ever had with ingredients straight from her garden she has also agreed to a little mini interview (a first for my blog)!

How long have you been gardening for and do you have any advice for urban gardens?
12 years. From a porch in Boston with Astro Turf and plastic flamingos to L.A. container boot camp (it's a desert!) to a lovely yard in the east bay! Don't be shy, you can fit a lot of plants in small spaces!

Which three words best describe how you feel when you are in your garden or gardening?

Contemplative, relaxed and hungry!

What is your favorite thing about your garden?

The sense of fulfillment on all levels.

How many different varieties of fruits/vegetables are you growing (roughly, I know you have a lot!)?

Just a hair over 50 edible varieties!

How do you get your hair to be sooo shiny??!!! ( you don't have to answer this :))

Life force of Magpies!

Tracey also runs a beautiful blog and makes beautiful things! Thank you so much Tracey!!!

Urban Garden

I walked by this beautiful sidewalk garden yesterday afternoon, it stopped me in my tracks! I took over 60 pictures, here are a few...Now THIS is urban gardening!!!