The Hortiphile! Luculias at San Francisco Botanical Garden

Searching the internet can be enlightening.

As it was the other day when I discovered 'The Hortiphile' -- San Francisco Botanical Garden's blog written by Lisa Van Cleef: Lisa's not only super-savvy about plants, but a wonderfully engaging writer, too.

Richly fragrant Luculia had a starring role in a recent post: Photo courtesy of San Francisco Botanical Garden

Luculias grow in the Rhododendron, Asian Discovery, and Moon Viewing Gardens.

Should you be in the Bay Area, pencil in a visit to SFBG - a must-see on any itinerary!

Luculia - Plant of the Moment

A Garden Tale Worth Repeating .. Jimmy Nardello Peppers

'Jimmy Nardello'

Returning to my tour of Stone Edge Farm and Vineyards, head gardener Lena introduced me to these delectable sweet red peppers with an intriguing name.

Back home, my curiosity roused, I searched the internet before labeling the photographs I had taken as we explored the farm's ornamental and edible gardens, and the estate's modernist architecture and art.

I found the story about how the peppers were named on the 'Iowa Source' web site.

Reading the history of one Southern Italian gentleman, Giuseppe Nardiello, and his descendants exemplifies the endlessly engaging encounters that a love of gardening affords.

Needless to say, I'm itching to buy seeds and grow a crop next year--at T's community garden, of course! A side note: My Italian father introduced me to a melange of sauteed sweet peppers, and although I was not inclined to indulge as a child,

the zealous foodie I've become is mad about this dish.

Are you serving lunch? 'Potimarron' Winter Squash!

What's for Lunch?

During my visit to Stone Edge Farm and Vineyards, head gardener Lena Hahn-Schuman kindly handed me one of these beautiful 'Potimarron' squash. As the French name indicates, this winter squash is thought to have the flavor of chestnuts. I'll let you know as soon as it's been cooked: A simple preparation is planned - slicing in half and baking.

'Potimarron' is a golden color as it grows, achieving the lovely red-orange hue when fully ripe.

As you can see from the lead photo, chickens are part of the larger ecosystem at Stone Edge, where an approach to sustainable organic farming takes in ornamental and culinary gardens, along with the vineyards and olive trees.

If you're in Northern California, or expect to be in the area, you may want to sign up for the farm's Mailing List, to be notified of special events and receive news of the release of Cabernet Sauvignon and 'Surround' wines,

not to mention the award-winning olive oil produced at Stone Edge Farm.

Head-Turning Design .. Citron and Emerald

A Walkway of Citron and Emerald Green:

Sagina subulata and Sagina subulata 'Aurea' flanked by Verbena bonariensis:

Stonework punctuates the vignette.

It's the rare instance when I'm totally captivated by a design element,

but I took great pleasure in this moss walkway during a recent garden visit

to Stone Edge Farm 

The elegance of the clean-lined scheme turns heads, while the juxtaposition of cushiony mounds of moss beckoned me to remove my shoes and experience the sensation of the patterned planting beneath my feet!

Do you call it Scotch Moss or Irish Moss?

Both common names appear in the realm of gardening and horticulture.
... to read more, visit Alice's Garden Travel Buzz

Summer's End .. Gorgeous Grasses

Delicate plumes brush against the face along the entry path to Alice's Garden.

Photo © ALICE JOYCE

The showy display of Stipa - a welcome element in September.

Photos © ALICE JOYCE

And on the road... where late-summer gardens are buzzing with the effects of ornamental and native grasses!