The Icy Onset of Winter

Emerald Bay State Park, CA

When the winter temperatures drop and it’s raining in the mountains, ice glazes over the landscape.  

Last Harvest

Santa Cruz Mountains

The last of autumn’s harvest. Squashes and pumpkins abound. Apples picked and Brussels sprouts stalks cut. Cold weather greens like kale and chard appear again.

Rainforest Rain

Olympic National Park

In Washington’s temperate rain forest, little rain falls in summer. So the first rain of the season is a joyful occasion for plants, animals, and human visitors. ~Willaby Creek, Quinault Rainforest

Butchart Gardens Bounty

Victoria, BC, Canada

Unlike most public gardens, Butchart Gardens displays different types of plants with complimentary colors together in their beds. Plant varieties and color combinations are endless.

July Whites

Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

Easter lilies are not really a spring plant. Pure white and deeply scented, they’re symbolic of springtime resurrection. And yet, left to their own devices they prefer summer blooming.

Dogwood Days

Santa Cruz Mountains

It’s an exceptional year for dogwood in the Santa Cruz mountains. Our tree, gracing us with April blossoms, is more prolific than ever this year.

Mardi Gras in the 19th Century

New Orleans, LA

Visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras and jazz, we were thrilled to see an exhibition of 1893 Mardi Gras float designs by Bror Anders Wikstrom at NOMA, the New Orleans Museum of Art.

January’s Rare Flower

Santa Cruz Mountains

No matter how cold the nights, the camellia will bloom come January. In damp woods or beside seaside homes, this winter wonder brightens winter days throughout Santa Cruz county.