Sophia Arnold

With the exception of the Fava beans and garlic and the swelling buds on the Star Magnolia, most of the garden is sleeping. It is either dark outside, bitterly cold, or sopping wet—an internal time for dreaming and restoration.

This morning I discovered Sophia Arnold's mind-blowing art work: visually epic, psyche-laden scenes set in dreamlike gardens. Wow. Visit her site to see the images large.

Dark Side of the Lens

Dark Side of the Lens is a beautiful documentary by photographer Mickey Smith.

Amy Jean Porter

Amy Jean Porter is creating stunning artwork, often centered around the intersection of the natural world and human culture.

Growing on Trees

This time of year the licorice ferns appear high up on the tree trunks. I think this was the first time I have seen a thistle growing in a tree hollow.

On the Street

Smitten with Oak Leaves

The highlight of my walk to Stumptown this grey morning were the oak leaves, stark and bold in their undulating profiles.

BioScapes Images

Images from the Olympus BioScapes Digital Imaging Competition.

Licmophora juegensii on red alga by Mr. Wolfgang Bettinghofer


Solitary Coral, Fungia sp by Mr. james Nicholson


Wildflower seeds by Ms. Yanping Wang


Astragalus compactus bud by Dr. Somayeh Naghiloo


Colonial coral, Acropora chesterfieldensis by Mr. James Nicholson


Algae by Mr. Nathan Pallace


Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) by Dr. Gerhard Rohringer

Lemon Tree

Just in case you have every wondered about growing a lemon tree indoors, I say DO IT!!! My friend, the Meyer Lemon Tree who lives in my house brings me delight. It is presently in full blossom. Its sweet tangy fragrance wafts about and greets me first thing in the morning. Although there is a ladybug or two tucked away in the crevice of the blinds, I don't think they are pollinators, and since they are sleeping I definitely will not count on them. Now begins my first paintbrush pollination foray.

Lost Springs

Ralph has an amazing place in the Texas Hill Country. See more here. Photos by Ralph Arvesen.

Lost Springs Ranch is located in the Texas Hill Country west of Austin. We care deeply about nature and provide a safe habitat for all of the creatures on the land. We nurture and propagate native plants on the land, especially plants endemic to Central Texas. The ranch is named Lost Springs due to the numerous springs found on the land. This site contains two main items - photos, and information about the native plants found on the land.

Dan Holdsworth

Photographer Dan Holdsworth blows me away.

Mt. St. Helens

Yesterday, lured by declarations of "one of the most amazing things I've ever seen" and "breathtaking", and despite the thick drizzle and fog in town, I ventured for the first time to see St. Helens. Turns out the PNW soup was not to be escaped, no matter the climb in elevation. It was fun despite not being able to see 50 yards. We did see a plentiful herd of elk and hints of spectacular scapes.

More February

Shots from a February hike in the Gorge. I love how the landscape cascades from such heights into the depths of ravines, and the richness of so many lichens, mosses, and ferns. The colors and textures go on forever!