Category Archives: Plantz

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PARENT: Plant Lust

A Trip to the Local Nursery

Posted by M - on

While we were out and about yesterday we stopped by Summerwinds Nursery in Cupertino. Since I’ve been back in the South Bay, I’ve visited both this one, the Summerwinds in Campbell, and of course Yamagami’s. While Yamagami’s has a track record of unusual outdoor plants, the Cupertino Summerwinds has THE BEST selection of indoor plants – some of which I’ve not seen anywhere but online – and the prices are very reasonable. (Thumbs up to both their Houseplant Buyer AND the nurseries!)

  • The Crocodile Fern (aka Microsorum musifolium) is something I’ve been on the lookout for since seeing one at the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco. Until yesterday I could only find them online. This was a real SCORE!!!
  • Having recently lost a Bird’s Nest fern (My bad – don’t ever let them dry out.) I was looking for one this size to replace it.
  • I had a beautiful Tillandsia xerographica but it died up north (A lot of things died up there…) and this one came at a great price.
  • Baby Tears groundcover (aka Soleirolia soleirolii) is a staple in my houseplant pantry and I couldn’t find it anywhere up north. Another score!
  • Finally, I absolutely love Selaginella mosses, but they can be tricky to keep alive. This one is hardier than most and at $2.99 I could afford to take a chance on it.

I was heartbroken that I had to leave my Epazote (“Emilio”) behind when I moved north. It died while I was gone. (It probably would’ve died up there, too.) Serendipity shone upon me when I happened upon a gallon-sized Epazote – the only one in the nursery. BIG SCORE!!! I rounded-out my purchases with a 4″ lemongrass. (One more plant that perished in Hootersville.)

I’m in heaven when I’m around cats and plants. BUYING plants brings that to a whole other level. Happy Happy Joy Joy.

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Looks Like I’m Not the Only One Who’s Happy to be Back!

Posted by M - on

Given that Stapelia gigantea (aka “carrion flower”) is native to the desert regions of South Africa, you’d THINK it would’ve loved being in the hot and dry city of Placerville (aka “Hootersville”). Apparently not so much. In fact, 99% of the succulents I moved up there perished.

Fortunately my Staplia giantea survived long enough for me to move it back to Santa Clara – where it IMMEDIATELY produced two buds. What’s even more curious is that these buds formed with the plant receiving an hour (at best) of direct sunlight per day!

Went downstairs this morning where I found TWINS!

– and there are two developing bud-lets!

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2018 Inspirations (and Aspirations)

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inspiration
n. the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially
to do something creative;a person or thing that inspires

aspiration
n. a hope or ambition of achieving something;
the object of one’s hope or ambition; a goal

Current background image on my laptop…

One of my “resolutions” was to get back into Yoga

and I was very happy to find episodes of Inhale on YouTube

The Slug and the Squirrel has been a major inspiration for me in designing terrariums. The owner, Jose Agatep, had been quiet since his last Post in May of 2017. Since I follow him on Google+ I received a pleasant email today notifying me of a NEW S&S Post! Check out some of his amazing creations:

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