Category Archives: Flora

First Rose

Posted on March 19, 2026 by sputterpub

This year crocosmia assumes the placewhere iris stalked last spring. Perhaps it growsby pokeweed’s influence; there’s little spacefor other sprouts. And yet I spot a roseabloom above the boardwalk. I supposethat bush will bud from now through early fall.Its limbs … Continue reading →

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Pre-Spring Cleaning

Posted on March 16, 2026 by sputterpub

It took some weeks to get the gardener here,but I and winter wilt could stand the wait.He came last week, with tools to prune and shearthe overgrowth away from door to gate.There’s more to do before all paths are clearand … Continue reading →

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Lilies

Posted on March 12, 2026 by sputterpub

A former neighbor carved our yard, contouredthe square of weedy dirt between our doors,and planted chosen foliage: assuredto us a garden here. She moved away,but her design and many shrubs endured,and I esteem her work, and volunteersthat found the ground … Continue reading →

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Silvergrass

Posted on January 1, 2026 by sputterpub

We saw the tented house across the streetthree days ago, when heading with a friendto lunch. The draping figures in defeatof residential insects. To defendone’s home from infestation’s now completedisruption; human dwellers must contendat distance, while they let a toxin … Continue reading →

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Phytolacca Icosandra (Pokeweed)

Posted on November 13, 2025 by sputterpub

My phone identifies the volunteerthat colonized the space beside the gateas Phytolacca Icosandra: queer,gigantic, berried, bending from the weightof rainfall. I see birds appreciatethe fruit, but it’s no food our species loves.The common name is Pokeweed, and its fatewill be … Continue reading →

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Warm Day Walk

Posted on October 14, 2025 by sputterpub

I walk to buy the sour gummy bearsdescendants like, and frozen things for mebefore predicted heat can rise, while air’sstill cool and crowds have reached no quantity.The weight’s in vest and pack; my arms are free,and I examine gardens as … Continue reading →

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Like Dogwood

Posted on July 1, 2025 by sputterpub

I notice Berkeley dogwoods every year,when they put forth their multitudes of bloom.My brother said they cannot flourish here(our air’s too damp, there’s insufficient roomfor roots to find the needed pedosphere),but I don’t see impending any doom.Today I aim to … Continue reading →

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Pruned

Posted on June 30, 2025 by sputterpub

Chaotic as that photograph appears,my gard’ner spent last week almost a dayengaged with rake and bucket, broom and shears,and filled two bins with what he cleared away.A neighbor planned and planted it ten yearsago, and now the yard’s a lush … Continue reading →

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A Happy Text

Posted on June 26, 2025 by sputterpub

I’m pleased to read a message from the manwho comes when he has time and when I needsome garden help. I tend it as I can,but lack the tools and heart to prune and weedas much as necessary. Bushes seedabundantly … Continue reading →

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Some Minutes Before Sunrise

Posted on June 2, 2025 by sputterpub

Inspired by the outside solar light,still on at 5 am, amid tall weeds,and knowing I’d the cart to haul, despiteagreement with the neighbors, what succeedsis topping off the compost bin with seedsand stems and leaves of rangy volunteers,and wheeling to … Continue reading →

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