it's almost dahlia planting time! actually the last picture on the right is an artichoke, but i thought the petals were cool, like the dahlias. i used to hate dahlias when i was growing up. they looked so stiff and plasticy. now i appreciate them for their enormous blooming season (up until they are killed by frost). the trick is to get them past that stage when they are oh so delectable to the slugs. once the emerging plants reach a certain size they seem to outgrow the chomping abilities of those slimy critters and off they go to produce bazillions of blooms. i try to find dahlias that are the anemone or waterlily types. they seem less artificial looking and are great for bouquets. happy gardening season to you...

...sprinkles...it's a baking extravaganza lately....

i made lime tarts for birthday treats that were yummyliscious! a flavor explosion in your mouth. recipe from the barefoot contessa cookbook by ina garten. i love her cookbooks!

prunus 'accolade' is at its peak today. i love looking out the window at a big frilly puff of pink.

i just feel like dancing lately!

it was the thrill of a lifetime to meet dr. wangari maathai before her lecture, in seattle, and have her see my fiber art tribute to her and the greenbelt movement!!!! i gave her a copy of my piece with an explanation of the project. this woman is a goddess! listen to her nobel peace prize acceptance speech and it will bring you to tears. for more information go to the greenbelt movement and join the effort to heal the earth.

ahhhh.....the details in nature.....

the colors of koigu yarns + kaffe fassett & oilily fabrics+ botanica inspire me

	another unfinished painting project, this one on silk: a scarf about wildflowers of northern california. brodiea laxa, iris douglasii + orthocarpus. the common name for orthocarpus is owl's clover and if you look at the tiny flowers up close they actually look like little owls....

messin' around....
bits of the "green belt" project. for more info click here and here.

this has to be the tiniest garden i ever designed but it is one of my favorites.