Category Archives: Flora

The Dwarf

Posted on January 22, 2022 by sputterpub

The lemon tree’s a dwarf and in a pot,and though the garden’s shady, most the plantsare thriving whether weather’s good or not,but that poor lemon never had a chance.No matter where, it drooped like it forgotthe path to prosper and … Continue reading →

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Limbs and Leaves

Posted on November 28, 2021 by sputterpub

The noise of wind awoke me late last night,exhaling harsh and analog above.I heard at times the clunk of branches, rightoutside my door, as autumn gave a shoveto limbs and leaves migrating to the ground,without a forecast warning. That’s okay … Continue reading →

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Feeding Time

Posted on November 27, 2021 by sputterpub

Observing squirrels through a pane of glass,I see them growing fatter every day.Voraciously they forage, adding massand making tree limbs bounce from what they weigh.They’re full of flora calories and sass.They vandalize the plants and throw awaythe bulk of what … Continue reading →

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Persimmon

Posted on November 20, 2021 by sputterpub

Persimmon leaves turndownward and to shades of blaze,fall-ready to fall.

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Shade

Posted on July 10, 2021 by sputterpub

To match this gardenyou must love shade. You can’t plantlike this in full sun.

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Rock Garden

Posted on June 3, 2021 by sputterpub

Inhabiting this cottage 14 years,I haven’t changed its footprint, outer wallsor roofline, but the rest of it appearsimproved since I established residence.The latest demolition (new frontiers)removes bamboo and ivy to exposea heap of lava rock, a pipe that rearsabove the … Continue reading →

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A Healthy Range

Posted on May 25, 2021 by sputterpub

The price I pay for shade is bloom delay.The cost of filtered sun is leggy limb.The plants are healthy, by and large, today,but parasols of eucalyptus dimthe light intensity, as redwood armsand jacaranda branches modulatethe brilliant zap that gooses as … Continue reading →

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Overgrowth

Posted on May 23, 2021 by sputterpub

The garden needs a pruning now, becausetoo little rain all winter had me turnthe sprinklers on so early. We’ll have lawsor regulations soon that we decreaseconsumption, and we hope it’s just a pause,but honestly, I think our climate’s toast.Too few … Continue reading →

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First Wisteria

Posted on March 19, 2021 by sputterpub

I saw my first wisteria Mondayat 9 a.m., in 46 degrees.I shot a picture walking, on my wayto stock my pantry with some groceries.The purple blossoms formed a scant arraybut promised spring in Berkeley more than bees.My own wisteria’s a … Continue reading →

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Plum Petals

Posted on March 2, 2021 by sputterpub

Plum petals show like snowflakes on the woodbeneath my feet, against the crooked limbsabove my office shed. Their whiteness skimsand flits on wind as if they understoodtheir blossom purpose has been served. I couldavert my glance – no other act … Continue reading →

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