A Gardener's Notebook http://welchwrite.com/agn Come and join me in my garden! Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:51:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 http://welchwrite.com/agn/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/cropped-agn-artwork-itunes-32x32.jpg A Gardener's Notebook http://welchwrite.com/agn 32 32 Douglas E. Welch false Douglas E. Welch agn@welchwrite.com © Douglas E. Welch © Douglas E. Welch podcast A Gardener's Notebook http://welchwrite.com/agn/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/agn-artwork-itunes.jpg http://welchwrite.com/agn Sword Ferns, Sydney Botanic Garden, Sydney, NSW, Australia [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/09/ferns/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/09/ferns/#respond Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:47:31 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17964

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  1. Welcoming Family Retreat Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California
  2. Quince Flowers (Cydonia oblonga ‘Pineapple’), Adelaide, Australia [Photography]
  3. Airplants, Sherman Library and Gardens, Corona del Mar, California
  4. Swing Into Spring Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California
  5. Koi Pond in Tropical Conservatory 2, Sherman Library and Gardens, Corona del Mar, California
]]> A dense, close-up view of various types of foliage including bright green ferns and dark purple leaves. The upper portion is dominated by lush, serrated green fern fronds that overlap one another. Tucked beneath and around these ferns are larger, broader leaves in deep shades of burgundy and dark green. This arrangement creates a highly textured surface made of overlapping plant layers. No soil or containers are visible within the frame.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Read more on this topic:

  1. Welcoming Family Retreat Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California
  2. Quince Flowers (Cydonia oblonga ‘Pineapple’), Adelaide, Australia [Photography]
  3. Airplants, Sherman Library and Gardens, Corona del Mar, California
  4. Swing Into Spring Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California
  5. Koi Pond in Tropical Conservatory 2, Sherman Library and Gardens, Corona del Mar, California

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/09/ferns/feed/ 0 full Azalea Flowers, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Prints Available] http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/08/azalea-flowers/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/08/azalea-flowers/#respond Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:19:02 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17954 Continue reading →

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  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. Clivia Flowers, Rancho Los Alamitos, California [Photography]
  3. California Room Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. California Room Garden 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  5. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
]]> A close-up photograph shows a dense cluster of pink and purple flowers. The blossoms range in color from vibrant magenta to pale pink with darker pink markings near their centers. Many petals feature white edges and delicate dark pink speckles or streaks. Thin stamens extend from the center of several flowers, which are interspersed with dark green leaves. The overlapping blooms fill the entire frame.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Dedicated in April 1981, the 1.3 acre garden was built through the generosity of Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller. Following three years of planning, in cooperation with California State University Long Beach, landscape architect Edward R. Lovell was chosen to oversee its creation. The resulting garden reflects the university’s continued interest in international education, student and community engagement, as well as the Miller’s interests in nature and wellness.  The university is delighted to share this educational, cultural, and aesthetic resource with you. – CSULB

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Read more on this topic:

  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. Clivia Flowers, Rancho Los Alamitos, California [Photography]
  3. California Room Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. California Room Garden 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  5. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/08/azalea-flowers/feed/ 0 full Pines, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/07/pines/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/07/pines/#respond Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:43:15 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17950

Read more on this topic:

  1. Welcoming Family Retreat Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California
  2. Boho Book Nook, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  3. Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri), Santa Barbara Botanic Garden [Photography]
  4. Video: In the garden…March 27, 2013 – No green potatoes and some flowers are blooming
  5. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]
]]> A vertical photograph displays a dense collection of various green trees against an overcast sky. In the center, a tall coniferous tree with layered, horizontal branches extends upward. To the left, other trees feature broader leaves and visible greyish-white branches. The bottom of the frame is filled with thick, dark green foliage and overlapping evergreen branches. Above the canopy, the sky consists of heavy, textured clouds in shades of blue, grey, and white.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

 

Read more on this topic:

  1. Welcoming Family Retreat Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California
  2. Boho Book Nook, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  3. Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri), Santa Barbara Botanic Garden [Photography]
  4. Video: In the garden…March 27, 2013 – No green potatoes and some flowers are blooming
  5. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/07/pines/feed/ 0 full Swing Into Spring Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/06/scsgs-10/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/06/scsgs-10/#respond Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:48:41 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17945 Continue reading →

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  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. Lake and Bridge View 2, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. Idyllwild Gardens View, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
]]> A photograph of an indoor atrium featuring a large wooden pergola structure over a landscaped seating area. Hanging from the slatted wooden frame is a woven, dome-shaped lamp emitting warm light, positioned above a white cushioned lounge chair with green and cream pillows. Below the pergola, two black wire chairs sit on a small wooden platform surrounded by gravel and various lush plants including dark purple foliage.

SWING INTO SPRING

This garden display highlights the fluidity between indoor and outdoor living, designed to serve as an open-air extension of the home into the garden. The warm palette and comfortable furnishings create a sanctuary that balances structural privacy with organic softness. At the heart of the design is a suspended swing, reimagining the traditional garden bench as a luxury interior piece. This garden offers a peaceful, flowing connection – a destination tailored for indoor/outdoor enjoyment.

DESIGNED BY Camille Beehler Landscape Design

 

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Read more on this topic:

  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. Lake and Bridge View 2, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. Idyllwild Gardens View, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/06/scsgs-10/feed/ 0 full Lantern, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/04/lantern/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/04/lantern/#respond Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:08:31 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17940 Continue reading →

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  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. California Room Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. California Room Garden 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  5. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]
]]> A black and white photograph shows a multi-tiered stone pagoda situated within a lush, wooded garden. The scene is framed by the thick, textured trunk of a tree on the right and large branches arching across the top of the frame. In the center, the small stone structure stands among various trees and plants. A large rock rests in the midground, surrounded by leafy groundcover and ferns. The background consists of dense, overlapping foliage and more trees.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Dedicated in April 1981, the 1.3 acre garden was built through the generosity of Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller. Following three years of planning, in cooperation with California State University Long Beach, landscape architect Edward R. Lovell was chosen to oversee its creation. The resulting garden reflects the university’s continued interest in international education, student and community engagement, as well as the Miller’s interests in nature and wellness.  The university is delighted to share this educational, cultural, and aesthetic resource with you. – CSULB

Read more on this topic:

  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. California Room Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. California Room Garden 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  5. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/04/lantern/feed/ 0 full Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri), Santa Barbara Botanic Garden [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/03/matilija-poppy/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/03/matilija-poppy/#respond Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:48:10 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17935

Read more on this topic:

  1. Boho Book Nook, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. Lavender Flowers with Bee [Photography]
  3. Giant Spider Lily Flower (Crinum asiaticum) [Photography]
  4. Geranium Flowers In The Garden [Photography]
  5. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]
]]> A close-up photograph features a single large white flower with a bright yellow center against a dark, textured background of foliage. The wide petals are white and have a delicate, crinkled texture with irregular edges. At the heart of the blossom is a dense cluster of many small, vibrant yellow stamens. Below the flower, green leaves with serrated edges are visible among dark stems. The surrounding background consists of out-of out-of-focus greenery, including small white buds and shadowy branches.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Read more on this topic:

  1. Boho Book Nook, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. Lavender Flowers with Bee [Photography]
  3. Giant Spider Lily Flower (Crinum asiaticum) [Photography]
  4. Geranium Flowers In The Garden [Photography]
  5. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/03/matilija-poppy/feed/ 0 full Welcoming Family Retreat Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/03/scsgs-9/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/03/scsgs-9/#respond Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:13:14 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17930 Continue reading →

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  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. Idyllwild Gardens View, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
  4. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
]]>

 

RELAX, PLAY & ENTERTAIN

Step inside your new outdoor living space. Bring the comfort of home to the yard while you lounge on yc shaded outdoor bed and take in the garden sights. Lovely shade trees, native and low-water plants create garden rooms that welcome children and pets with treats and water play areas. Later enjoy your private shower under the sun and then sip beverages while you enjoy appetizers and pizza from your chef’s kitchen. Watch the sun go down on a perfect day as you bring the inside to your outdoor retreat.

Designed by Perfect Circle Gardens & Interiors

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Read more on this topic:

  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. Idyllwild Gardens View, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
  4. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/03/scsgs-9/feed/ 0 full Lake and Bridge View 2, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/02/bridge-3/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/02/bridge-3/#respond Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:43:33 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17925 Continue reading →

Read more on this topic:

  1. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. From My Shop “Rhododendron Splendor with Raindrops” Prints and More!
  5. California Room Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
]]> A vertical photograph shows a lush, green garden featuring a small stream and an arched bridge. In the center, a white, low-arched bridge with horizontal railings spans across a narrow waterway. The dark water of the stream reflects the surrounding greenery and contains several pink water lilies on floating green lily pads. Manicured evergreen shrubs, rocks, and patches of purple flowers line the edges of the water. A variety of tall, dense green trees and pine branches frame the scene against a blue sky with light clouds.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Dedicated in April 1981, the 1.3 acre garden was built through the generosity of Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller. Following three years of planning, in cooperation with California State University Long Beach, landscape architect Edward R. Lovell was chosen to oversee its creation. The resulting garden reflects the university’s continued interest in international education, student and community engagement, as well as the Miller’s interests in nature and wellness.  The university is delighted to share this educational, cultural, and aesthetic resource with you. – CSULB

Read more on this topic:

  1. Lobelia Flowers, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  4. From My Shop “Rhododendron Splendor with Raindrops” Prints and More!
  5. California Room Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/07/02/bridge-3/feed/ 0 full Welcoming Family Retreat Show Garden, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/06/30/scsgs-8/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/06/30/scsgs-8/#respond Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:28:14 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17919 Continue reading →

Read more on this topic:

  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  3. Idyllwild Gardens View, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
  4. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
]]> A large dark wood wall serves as a shelving unit for numerous small potted plants and three hanging woven lanterns. Attached to this structure is a wooden bench adorned with several decorative pillows in shades of white, blue, and green. The foreground contains a stone bench surrounded by manicured green bushes, copper-colored copper-colored pathway lights, and large ceramic jugs on a brick and gravel path.

WELCOMING FAMILY RETREAT

Designed with families in mind, this inviting outdoor space blends creativity, comfort and natural beauty.

A sculptural mix of wood and stone seating creates a relaxed spot for parents while children explore a charming sandbox and a large outdoor chalkboard made for imaginative play. A shaded pergola shelters a cozy built-in banquette, perfect for storytelling or watching the kids play. Beautiful potted trees soften the space and add a sense of garden elegance, creating a welcome retreat for both children and adults to enjoy the outdoors together.

Designed by Skylines Landscapes

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Read more on this topic:

  1. Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  3. Idyllwild Gardens View, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
  4. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/06/30/scsgs-8/feed/ 0 full Nurtured by Spring Floral Display 2, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/06/27/scsgs-7/ http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/06/27/scsgs-7/#respond Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:21:37 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/agn/?p=17912 Continue reading →

Read more on this topic:

  1. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. From My Shop: “Queen Anne’s Lace Flowers” Prints and Products!
  4. From My Shop: “Butterfly in Spring” Prints and Products!
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]
]]> A large, vertical floral and wildlife sculpture stands in the center of a multi-level, brightly lit shopping atrium. The centerpiece features a tree- tree-like structure with branches covered in clusters of pinkish-purple flowers and white spherical blossoms, accented by figurines of birds in flight and a deer. Below the branches, animal figures like squirrels are nestled among mossy surfaces alongside patches of yellow wildflowers and green ferns. The base of the installation is a large, textured brown mound surrounded by dense greenery and more yellow flowers. In the background, multiple curved balconies of the mall are visible under a blue dome ceiling, with people walking along the lower levels behind a gold-colored railing.

“Welcome to the California ‘Room’ Garden where there is no clear boundary between garden and room, no enclosed wall, no barrier – just a seamless transition that makes you feel relaxed and at ease while your field of vision fills with an intimate, meditative landscape. The composition is restrained, but never empty — every element feels intentional. This is a garden you don’t just visit – you live with. Designed by Saddleback College.”

The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Read more on this topic:

  1. California Room Garden 3, The 36th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa, California [Photography]
  2. View. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB, Long Beach, California [Photography]
  3. From My Shop: “Queen Anne’s Lace Flowers” Prints and Products!
  4. From My Shop: “Butterfly in Spring” Prints and Products!
  5. Guzmania Flower, Idyllwild, California [Photography]

]]> http://welchwrite.com/agn/2026/06/27/scsgs-7/feed/ 0 full