Chubby Baby

Some things look cuter when they're chubby. Sadly, middle-aged women are not among them. But hedgehogs are. Read more about this big bundle of joy.

Vancouver Library

Built in 1995, the roof on the Vancouver Public Library was designed to echo the Fraser River and its surroundings. The roof is planted in 14 inches of growing medium laid over a drainage layer and a rubberized asphalt membrane (designed by American Hydrotech, from whose website this photo was taken). Plants include various blue fescues, to represent the river, and kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva ursi). The roof is visible from surrounding buildings and has some runoff mitigation benefits.

The building was designed by Moshe Safdie. The landscape architect was Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. More about her work soon.

Meticulous Gardening

I look out in dismay at the fact that my old friend oxalis is already invading the garden despite the fact that the temperature hovers close to freezing and only the brave snowdrops have emerged. Perhaps I need a new attitude toward weeding. Like this man, gardening with tweezers at the Portland Japanese Garden, making the moss as perfect as it can be.

Outdoor Boudoir

The famous grass bed, with sedges and sweet-smelling Acorus as a mattress, designed by John Greenlee in Pomona, California. Taken about 8 years ago.

Sleeping Beauty

Julian, fallen asleep to the tune of 'If I had a Million Dollars' by the Bakenaked Ladies. Now that's peaceful.

My Furniture Line?

This is the Fiona chair, sold by The River Cottage company of Maine. It is, apparently,

Charming around the dining table or otherwise around the house. Waterproof, sun-loving and you can use this chair inside or outside. Only $690 US.

Lost and Found

One of my favorite things in the garden are objets trouvé. This pretty paving circle was built after the owners dug out an old pond on their property. Although they liked the pond, raccoons repeatedly made a mess of it and ate their fish. When they excavated the bottom of the pond, they found a collection of broken headstones. Fortunately, they recycled them into another part of their patio.