happening in my life.
This week has been quieter at my house. I enjoy TLA (see the incredible bluebonnet bouquet I made from the little pins Sarah created for the event?) and speaking at schools, garden centers and events, mainly because it’s so much fun to make with new friends. It is nice to have a down week, though.
It was great to finally meet STEVE CHAMBLEE of CHANDOR GARDENS at Arbor Gate in Tomball, TX when I spoke there last weekend. Not sure how he did it, but Steve managed to put up two gorgeous pergolas in a 40 MPH wind! Then he actually “signed” his pieces of garden art….with a chainsaw! Maybe it’s a guy thing, huh?
Now it’s crunch time preparing my upcoming talk for the Herb Society of America conference in Austin May 3rd-5th. The research makes for an intimacy with rose history that’s competing with my OTHER love. When I was asked to lecture on “the herb of the year,” it seemed a fairly easy task to expound on our national flower’s past. The problem I’ve run across is knowing when to stop. Rose roots run deep, that’s for sure! Even though they are native only in the northern hemisphere, it seems everyONE, everyWHERE has an opinion on our past when looking through rose-colored glasses. I’m especially excited to hear fellow conference presenter SUSAN WITTIG ALBERT. Susan’s many best-selling mystery novels might already be familiar to you. Her newest book out is from the China Bayles series, which centers on ex-Houston lawyer/current herbal shop and tea room owner who helps uncover who-dunnits in tiny Pecan Springs. The stories are unique in perspective of plants and place. If you love the Hill Country, you’ll love this series from Susan, one of several series she manages to juggle. Also on the menu will be Lucinda Hutson whose cookbooks – THE HERB GARDEN COOKBOOK and COOKING WITH THE SPIRIT OF MEXICO – are a yummy feast to the eyes and tummy. She’ll be sharing photos of her beautiful gardens in Austin, which have been featured in magazines (Southern Living and Fine Gardening, to drop a couple of names) and on PBS’ CENTRAL TEXAS GARDENER.
At my house, the poppies are getting old and pruny, the seeds almost dried and ready to share, so remind me…..who wants some? I’ll miss their lively dance every time a breeze gets them going. It’s like DANCING WITH THE STARS, only they get a resounding 10 every time. Eat your heart out, Kirstie Alley! c:
-
- Steve Chamblee
-
- Steve Chamblee’s easy-to-build (for him!) pergola demo at Arbor Gate
-
- bouquet of bluebonnets
-
- last of the poppy blooms
Posted on April 27, 2012, in happening in my life. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
cherie foster colburn 
Cherie, I am a fellow Great Garden Speaker and I saw your name and information and thought I would ask you a question. I’m not sure where else to turn. My question is about the Arizona Sicamore. I am building a home in central Mexico (San Miguel de Allende) and wish to use this tree there. I have only ever seen one in Sedona, Arizona. The bark is stark white and smooth as skin. Wonderful free-form habit. Do you know of this tree or others who may know about it? How available it is? Whether it will grow easily from seed? And just how drought and cold hardy it is?
Hi Doug. Glad you found me! Since I’ve not grown the Arizona sycamore, I cannot give you any firsthand experience. However, I LOVE my Mexican sycamore, Platanus mexicana. There are a number Texas sources for it, but not sure if they ship internationally……