Palm Desert

A study in contrasts between the tamed and wild of Palm Desert -- the amount of sprinklers going off in the middle of the day made my blood pressure rise.  But a tour of The Living Desert opened my eyes to the sculptural treasures of the desert.  While some are used to great effect in town, lush green grass is definitely king here. 

I left Palm Desert via HW 74, the Palms to Pines Highway, and as I climbed the landscape changed every few miles.  I made it to Idyllwild, an hour by car, but a world of difference, and will post pictures of that landscape next.

From boutonniere to back porch, this little succulent has grown much like my love does everyday.  Happy anniversary, sweet.

Top photos by Jill Thomas.

Snails and other things

These past month has been very busy here in the wilds of LA.  We've had several wonderful visitors, with more to come.  Paired with our trip to the jungle, a job promotion, and getting back into design coursework, I have been swamped.  As part of a Trees class I am taking, I spent last weekend in Palm Springs and Idyllwild, and will post pictures soon (so many trees!). This past weekend we were in north Mississippi, celebrating a lovely marriage (pictures also forthcoming).  In these busy weeks, I have stumbled across several things worth sharing:

When I need to switch careers someday, I might begin farming snails.

If the world feels too big, wear it on your hand.

I'm thinking ahead to Christmas, and what I will get for all of the lovely women I know.

This planter is calling my name.

I'm also interested in this method for growing some baby lettuces, but am a little concerned about what that tarpaulin might leach into the soil.

The soft carvings by Chris Weaver, pictured above, which are tools made from New Zealand driftwood, have captured my imagination.  It might be time to bring out the carving tools I bought on a whim in college.  Found via Jen Causey's Pinterest.

Evolution

If only we knew the origins of this beast.

Photo by Sally Mann.  Quote via Tomboy Style via Beautiful Nomad.

Autumn in LA

I realize this photo looks like nothing but the epitome of dry and dead to most people.  After months of no rain, lots of harsh sun, and many days over 100º, it's hard to expect anything to thrive.  But next to the frighteningly large forest of Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a drift of my favorite plant, Longstem Buckwheat (Eriogonum elongatum).   Can you see it's cheerful stems of rust and cream colored pom poms?  Let's go in for a closer look... 

Another hopper in the black sage (Salvia mellifera).