obviously, i’m not so sophisticated, but, philip, i don’t think i’ve ever seen a website that’s so lovely, complex, and interesting all at once. i hesitate to write anything because i feel like such a rube.
and i thought i was a gardener. hmmm.
Hi Brooks. Thank you! Really happy you enjoyed the Patch and its “inhabitants”, and don’t you dare hesitate to write! I always love to receive comments about anything whatsoever, so let it rip.
Thanks for dropping in.
Love your website and creative use of words/pictures/movie references. I have shown it to the landscaper helping me re-work our backyard and said “do it like this!”
One suggestion (as if you asked for it): It does take rather a long time to load for those of us on connections less-than-blinding fast. I wonder if you’d ever consider re-sizing your photos down a bit or shortening your pages somehow? Your home pages is 33MB! That’s huge…bigger than my first hard drive!
OK…sorry. I love your site, want to have your yard and will continue to read.
Hi Fay. Glad you enjoy the Patch.
Sorry it is taking a while to load on your system. I use a lot of quite large images that basically fill up the width of the working area, and yes, this does tend to be memory hungry. I have to go with larger pictures though…it is a trade off. I am curious as to what type of connection you have?
Thank you for your feedback Fay. And just why did you not hire me!!!
ESP.
Aloha,
I’m soooo impressed with your artistry, and can’t wait to see how you’ll incorporate my favorite plant into your designs! Your sense of texture, as well as color and design, are remarkable. Keep up the good work!
Mary
Hi Mary and Aloha to you.
Thanks, though I doubt that I will be using quite as much vetiver grass as you :-)
I just went through your website…amazing!
Hope you don’t mind that I added a link to your site in my latest post?
Thanks Mary…and happy you like the ESPatch.
Regards,
Philip.
Philip, the Patch looks so beautiful, unlike any other patch on earth. I’ve no doubt it was the jewel in the Conservancy’s crown on Saturday’s tour.
Next time you come across a Giant Swallowtail caterpillar, give the nasty looking fellow a gentle chuck under the chin and be amazed by the bright yellow antennae that spring from his brow, complete with a somewhat repellent odor reminiscent of rancid oil. (Come to think of it, he might deserve an inglorious spot in Looks Like … )
Thanks for another delightful visual extravaganza. I so look forward to these weekly browses!
Hi Nena.
Thanks very much.
I did try to do this to the G.Swallowtail caterpillar to show the hobbits but it refused to deliver the goods! Perhaps I was not quite in the right spot? Perhaps it has seen me staring at it so many times I am no longer considered a threat? :-)
Glad you like the weekly Patch posts.
ESP.
Hmmmm. That surprises me. Maybe the booger actually enjoyed the chin chuck – or perhaps you’re a caterpillar whisperer! Well, next time, try a gentle touch on the body. I promise he’ll deliver. Even an unexpected sprinkling of water can cause the reaction. But hurry! He’ll be off to pupate before you know it. Is he on your lime tree? There are bound to be others, perhaps still much smaller and easily overlooked as they look like mere bird droppings.
I did try the gentle body prod also…nothing! I tried everything…I had an audience of hobbits hovering over my shoulder waiting for the big event, but it just sat there all fat and bloated like Jabba the Hutt.
Perhaps my guy was apathetic as it was so close to pupating?
Yes, he was on a Meyer Lemon plant, though I also have a lot of “droppings” on my Mexican lime tree, naturally.
I’m shocked! Well, don’t be too discouraged by your disappointing experience with Jabba. I just know the little blobs will perform for you and the hobbits. If the small caterpillars don’t respond, I don’t know what to think. Lest you think I’m pulling your leg, here’s a link to a picture of another giant swallowtail caterpillar, possibly even less attractive than Jabba. I know, you think that’s not possible. But behold and be amazed: http://www.butterfliesandwildlife.com/2010/05/11/giant-swallowtail-caterpillar-on-orange-tree/
Hi Philip,
I admire your macro shots of flowers and fauna…I photograph flowers as well and I’m interested in knowing what kind of camera and lens do you use when shooting the macro shots?
thanx,
Nina
Hi Nina.
Thanks on the macro front.
I use a small Sony Cybershot point and click (an old one) nothing fancy, but it is slim so that I can carry it around with me as I work.
Regards,
Philip.
Hey Philip,
Can you tell me what software program you use for landscape design? Thinking about stepping into the 21st century and getting a program instead of drawing on paper.
Thanks!
Toni :-)
Depending on the job, and it really does depend on the job, for 3D work I use Autodesk Alias, I am also currently playing around with “SketchUp”. I also use Adobe Photoshop on top of digital photography for “in-situation” renderings. For 2D Plan views I use Photoshop and Illustrator with a ridiculous amount of layers and opacity changes! So, as you can see, a rather unorthodox set of software tools for me, no dedicated landscape design software…yet!
I ALWAYS start with hand-sketches on paper though, you cannot beat it for quick concept layouts / multiple “up-front” design schemes, I then flush out and detail the design on the computer.
Hope this helps,
Hi Terri.
Not too well! Currently it is bright yellow and about to drop all of it’s leaves, but it will recover. I am not holding my breath for fruit once again this year. I do nothing to protect it and it is not in a strategic location. I will be posting pictures of it in my next blog post. It really does look quite amazing at the moment…a little sick but amazing nonetheless.
ESP.
Hi Philip,
I took two of your offerings at Pam’s Go Go Design day last Saturday. And I have a couple of questions (because I am notoriously bad at paying attention when information is first presented):
Would you keep the acorn cactus in a pot or can it go in the ground?
And, what is the spotted, green leafed plant which I greedily took without absorbing the name, or how big it gets, or whether it likes sun/shade etc.
I don’t want to put it in the ground until I know what it likes.
Thanks, and it was nice to meet you and other Austin gardeners that day.
Cathy
Hi Cathy.
I am exactly the same in the heat of a plant swap!
The acorn cactus can go directly into the ground, full sun naturally. I put mine directly into decomposed granite, it likes this! If this one does not grow, let me know and I will give you a bigger piece in the summer.
The spotted green leafed plant is a Drimiopsis maculata (Perennial African False Hosta), a compact plant that will ever-so slowly get to a small clump. It likes mid-full shade and in my experience more organic soil. It will die back in the winter and quickly bounce back in the spring – very dependable plant.
Hope this helps, and likewise.
ESP.
Although I am supposed to be finishing a paper, I have spent the last two hours reading your blog, admiring the photographs, enjoying the lightness and warmth of your writing, smiling at the pictures and stories of your children, and wishing more people were as creative and happy as you are. I intend to spend more hours reading your entries (after the paper is done)! Thanks for sharing your ideas and talent; they are inspiring.
Hi Eugenia.
Sorry for my late reply.
What a nice message…I love getting feedback from my writing and my blog, especially when it is all positive :-) I am happy you find it all interesting. I wish you luck with your paper and do stay in touch. Now…get back to that paper, immediately!
ESP:-)
Hi Philip,
I’ve really enjoyed your web site, and all the images of all the hard work and thought you’ve put into your garden. I am at step 3 (learning), but making
progress. After seeing your digital plan view of your garden, I’ve decided to layout a hand sketch or our yard for the purpose of planning.
Then I am going to attempt a digital plan view in CS maybe Photoshop and/or Illustrator.
Hi Mark.
Happy you like my web site…I wish you a good (and calm) voyage with your own design work and garden…I look forward to seeing some pictures of it…ESP.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
great seeing your design services!
obviously, i’m not so sophisticated, but, philip, i don’t think i’ve ever seen a website that’s so lovely, complex, and interesting all at once. i hesitate to write anything because i feel like such a rube.
and i thought i was a gardener. hmmm.
Hi Brooks. Thank you! Really happy you enjoyed the Patch and its “inhabitants”, and don’t you dare hesitate to write! I always love to receive comments about anything whatsoever, so let it rip.
Thanks for dropping in.
Philip.
Hi. I am returning to Austin after 15 years in Arkansas. Your web site is interesting, I too am a gardner. Thanks, Terry
Hi Terry, welcome back to Austin! You will notice quite a few changes I am sure. Happy you found the East Side Patch interesting.
Love your website and creative use of words/pictures/movie references. I have shown it to the landscaper helping me re-work our backyard and said “do it like this!”
One suggestion (as if you asked for it): It does take rather a long time to load for those of us on connections less-than-blinding fast. I wonder if you’d ever consider re-sizing your photos down a bit or shortening your pages somehow? Your home pages is 33MB! That’s huge…bigger than my first hard drive!
OK…sorry. I love your site, want to have your yard and will continue to read.
Hi Fay. Glad you enjoy the Patch.
Sorry it is taking a while to load on your system. I use a lot of quite large images that basically fill up the width of the working area, and yes, this does tend to be memory hungry. I have to go with larger pictures though…it is a trade off. I am curious as to what type of connection you have?
Thank you for your feedback Fay. And just why did you not hire me!!!
ESP.
Hello!
Found you a few months back while reading “Digging”.
Love your photos. Love your garden.
Thank you for sharing!
Hello to you too Ella.
Glad you found the East Side Patch!
Thank you very much, and thank you for reading.
Aloha,
I’m soooo impressed with your artistry, and can’t wait to see how you’ll incorporate my favorite plant into your designs! Your sense of texture, as well as color and design, are remarkable. Keep up the good work!
Mary
Hi Mary and Aloha to you.
Thanks, though I doubt that I will be using quite as much vetiver grass as you :-)
I just went through your website…amazing!
Hope you don’t mind that I added a link to your site in my latest post?
Thanks Mary…and happy you like the ESPatch.
Regards,
Philip.
Philip, the Patch looks so beautiful, unlike any other patch on earth. I’ve no doubt it was the jewel in the Conservancy’s crown on Saturday’s tour.
Next time you come across a Giant Swallowtail caterpillar, give the nasty looking fellow a gentle chuck under the chin and be amazed by the bright yellow antennae that spring from his brow, complete with a somewhat repellent odor reminiscent of rancid oil. (Come to think of it, he might deserve an inglorious spot in Looks Like … )
Thanks for another delightful visual extravaganza. I so look forward to these weekly browses!
Nena
Hi Nena.
Thanks very much.
I did try to do this to the G.Swallowtail caterpillar to show the hobbits but it refused to deliver the goods! Perhaps I was not quite in the right spot? Perhaps it has seen me staring at it so many times I am no longer considered a threat? :-)
Glad you like the weekly Patch posts.
ESP.
Philip,
Hmmmm. That surprises me. Maybe the booger actually enjoyed the chin chuck – or perhaps you’re a caterpillar whisperer! Well, next time, try a gentle touch on the body. I promise he’ll deliver. Even an unexpected sprinkling of water can cause the reaction. But hurry! He’ll be off to pupate before you know it. Is he on your lime tree? There are bound to be others, perhaps still much smaller and easily overlooked as they look like mere bird droppings.
-Nena
Haha Nena.
I did try the gentle body prod also…nothing! I tried everything…I had an audience of hobbits hovering over my shoulder waiting for the big event, but it just sat there all fat and bloated like Jabba the Hutt.
Perhaps my guy was apathetic as it was so close to pupating?
Yes, he was on a Meyer Lemon plant, though I also have a lot of “droppings” on my Mexican lime tree, naturally.
Thanks Nena.
ESP.
I’m shocked! Well, don’t be too discouraged by your disappointing experience with Jabba. I just know the little blobs will perform for you and the hobbits. If the small caterpillars don’t respond, I don’t know what to think. Lest you think I’m pulling your leg, here’s a link to a picture of another giant swallowtail caterpillar, possibly even less attractive than Jabba. I know, you think that’s not possible. But behold and be amazed: http://www.butterfliesandwildlife.com/2010/05/11/giant-swallowtail-caterpillar-on-orange-tree/
Fingers crossed for an awesome display,
-Nena
Hi Philip,
I admire your macro shots of flowers and fauna…I photograph flowers as well and I’m interested in knowing what kind of camera and lens do you use when shooting the macro shots?
thanx,
Nina
Hi Nina.
Thanks on the macro front.
I use a small Sony Cybershot point and click (an old one) nothing fancy, but it is slim so that I can carry it around with me as I work.
Regards,
Philip.
Hey Philip,
Can you tell me what software program you use for landscape design? Thinking about stepping into the 21st century and getting a program instead of drawing on paper.
Thanks!
Toni :-)
Hi Toni.
Depending on the job, and it really does depend on the job, for 3D work I use Autodesk Alias, I am also currently playing around with “SketchUp”. I also use Adobe Photoshop on top of digital photography for “in-situation” renderings. For 2D Plan views I use Photoshop and Illustrator with a ridiculous amount of layers and opacity changes! So, as you can see, a rather unorthodox set of software tools for me, no dedicated landscape design software…yet!
I ALWAYS start with hand-sketches on paper though, you cannot beat it for quick concept layouts / multiple “up-front” design schemes, I then flush out and detail the design on the computer.
Hope this helps,
Philip.
Hi,
How did the Mexican Lime survive the freeze? Do you do anything to protect it or have it planted in a strategic location?
Thanks,
Terri
Hi Terri.
Not too well! Currently it is bright yellow and about to drop all of it’s leaves, but it will recover. I am not holding my breath for fruit once again this year. I do nothing to protect it and it is not in a strategic location. I will be posting pictures of it in my next blog post. It really does look quite amazing at the moment…a little sick but amazing nonetheless.
ESP.
have you checked out http://www.lagunadirt.blogspot.com? I just found her and I’m overwhelmed!
Hi Cheryl…I will go and take a look! Thanks for the link.
Hi Philip,
I took two of your offerings at Pam’s Go Go Design day last Saturday. And I have a couple of questions (because I am notoriously bad at paying attention when information is first presented):
Would you keep the acorn cactus in a pot or can it go in the ground?
And, what is the spotted, green leafed plant which I greedily took without absorbing the name, or how big it gets, or whether it likes sun/shade etc.
I don’t want to put it in the ground until I know what it likes.
Thanks, and it was nice to meet you and other Austin gardeners that day.
Cathy
Hi Cathy.
I am exactly the same in the heat of a plant swap!
The acorn cactus can go directly into the ground, full sun naturally. I put mine directly into decomposed granite, it likes this! If this one does not grow, let me know and I will give you a bigger piece in the summer.
The spotted green leafed plant is a Drimiopsis maculata (Perennial African False Hosta), a compact plant that will ever-so slowly get to a small clump. It likes mid-full shade and in my experience more organic soil. It will die back in the winter and quickly bounce back in the spring – very dependable plant.
Hope this helps, and likewise.
ESP.
Thanks so much, that is exactly what I needed to know.
Cathy
Although I am supposed to be finishing a paper, I have spent the last two hours reading your blog, admiring the photographs, enjoying the lightness and warmth of your writing, smiling at the pictures and stories of your children, and wishing more people were as creative and happy as you are. I intend to spend more hours reading your entries (after the paper is done)! Thanks for sharing your ideas and talent; they are inspiring.
Hi Eugenia.
Sorry for my late reply.
What a nice message…I love getting feedback from my writing and my blog, especially when it is all positive :-) I am happy you find it all interesting. I wish you luck with your paper and do stay in touch. Now…get back to that paper, immediately!
ESP:-)
Hi Philip,
I’ve really enjoyed your web site, and all the images of all the hard work and thought you’ve put into your garden. I am at step 3 (learning), but making
progress. After seeing your digital plan view of your garden, I’ve decided to layout a hand sketch or our yard for the purpose of planning.
Then I am going to attempt a digital plan view in CS maybe Photoshop and/or Illustrator.
thanks
Hi Mark.
Happy you like my web site…I wish you a good (and calm) voyage with your own design work and garden…I look forward to seeing some pictures of it…ESP.