A Year of Gardens - Day 2

 While in Los Angeles this week, I was able to see thousand of roses as they were being prepared to go on floats for the Rose Parade. But the prettiest rose I saw was this one rose shrub growing in the front yard of my daughter-in-love's mother in Van Huys, CA.

This rose was planted over 10 years ago in memory of Tommy Garcia, my daughter-in-love's daddy.

It's been blooming through Christmas and still full of buds

If you can help me identify the variety of this rose, please feel free to comment below.

 In the center of their front garden is a beautiful loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) tree. 

...bringing in the pollinators.

Spring Plant Trials 2013 - Day 1

 The Proven Winners courtyard display at Chaminade Spa and Resort in Santa Cruz, Ca.

 I arrived as a guest of Proven Winners (I've go into that more tomorrow) the day before Spring Trials began and was able to snap a few photos. Still pinching myself that I get to be at this event!

I enjoyed getting container combination ideas like this one with begonias and Diamond Frost Euphorbia

Ready for show and tell!

The views from the trial garden patio was fabulous! 

I kept getting distracted by the wisteria - so elegant!

Supertunia Vista Bubblegum and Vista Silverberry have been 2 of my favorite for years because of their vigorous habit and because they don't need to be deadheaded. 

The scent of wisteria always gives me a feeling of comfort and home - had it growing right outside my window growing up. 

Did I say I loved the Wisteria? 

Ligularia "Bottle Rocket" with Hosta 'Hudson Bay'

Jeanine Standard - my hostess for the Proven Winners event. Jeanine is the head of media and public relations for Proven Winners plants and is a completely delightful person to enjoy dinner with!!