Botanical Inspiration: A Costa Rican Landscape

I just returned from a week long yoga retreat in Costa Rica. The country's lush landscape is abundant in hues of greens, layered leafs, rich textures and unusual flowers.  I was completely in awe of it, but what really mesmerized me were the sounds of its rain forest canopies.  I've never heard so many interesting insect calls, howling monkeys and tropical birds.  Even the jeeps and motor bikes traveling on gravel roads and beeping their horns seemed to contribute to the busy jungle noise.  Unfortunately, I don't have an audio of what I heard, but I can provide a visual of the beautiful botanicals I encountered.  Take a look:

I hope to one day return with my family.  Costa Rica is truly an amazing place.  

Botanical Inspiration: My Very Own Image

About 6 months ago, I was asked by Tucker, an Organic T-Shirt company, if it could feature one of my botanical images on its tops.  They chose a photo of a Phormium plant I had taken in Berkeley for their Swing shirt.  I just received mine and I love the way it looks and feels.   Check out it here.

Botanical Inspiration: Boston Ferns

This week's Botanical Inspiration is the Boston Fern:  Nephrolepis Exaltata.  I often associate them with the East Coast,  particularly with Boston, where you see them flanking brownstones' entrances along Commonwealth Avenue.  However, when I needed a hanging plant to create privacy by a window right here in Cali, they came to mind immediately.  Their dense hanging leaf pattern and vibrant color proved to be the perfect choice.  As beautiful as Boston ferns are as hanging plants, they also look amazing placed on a table or a plant stand.  Their elegant leaves drape over each other creating a mass of lush green texture and color.  Boston Ferns love indirect, filtered light, moist soil and fairly humid conditions.  Feeding them once a month will ensure they keep their vibrancy.  Luckily, in California we can keep these beauties outside most of the year depending on your location.  As long as the temperatures stay between 55-65 degrees your fern will remain happy and healthy. 

Groove Salon and PodArt!

I'm super excited to announce that my mother in-law, Natalia, is exhibiting her PodArt at Groove Salon in San Francisco.  The salon features a different bay area artist every 3 months, thus offering its clientele and staff an interesting, rotating backdrop for their enjoyment.  Natalia's show runs until September 10th.

On August 26th there will be an artist's reception, where you can meet Natalia and learn more about her art.   Keep posted for event details.  In the meantime be sure to check out PodArt here.  Congratulations, Natalia, your work is beautiful! 

Botanical Inspiration: Orchid Cactus

This week, I'm sharing with you a new favorite:  the orchid cactus.  I bought this lovely botanical a few weeks ago and ever since then, it has proven to be the perfect plant for this brightly lit room.  Its flattened, scallop-edged leaves offer interesting shapes as they gently cascade over the pot making them great for hanging planters as well.  Being part of the cacti family, watering requirements are less then for your usual orchid variety, but they do like a soil mixture that drains well but retains a bit of moisture.  Your standard potting mix would work great.  With bright indirect light, the flowers will bloom off the edges of the leaves creating a pop of color in the room.  

Do you have a favorite botanical?  If so, do share.