Friday, February 17, 2012

Geisel Geyser

All it takes is a neighborhood walk to know that Dr. Seuss used to hang out around here.

I have it on good authority that he spent time at the Huntington Library and Gardens. Go there and visit the desert garden and you'll know what I mean.

Perhaps he never walked down this particular sidewalk on this particular street in Pasadena. But just the other day, someone stood on this very spot and thought about him.

24 comments:

Hilda said...

That is such a funky plant!

Unknown said...

Nice angled shot...giving it a touch of illusion. Excellent work Petrea.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

BTW, the nursery that did the Huntington has that specimen u have posted... They do great work and have transformed my backyard and front yard into a great drought tollerant garden... In fact they're going to do a Dr. Seuss garden in a small area of my yard...

Speedway said...

That is so cool! I want one! Would it survive in the Midwest?

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Hilda! It's some kind of succulent but I don't know what it's called. I need a horticulturist around here!

Thank you, R1.

Such a cool idea, Kalei!

I'm no expert, Speedway. These are hearty plants and can probably survive all kinds of conditions but I have a feeling your winters might do it in.

Bellis said...

Karin can tell us if she's ever seen a cat in a hat in the Huntington desert garden. I never made the connection with Dr. Seuss before, but now I know what that alien landscape reminds me of.

I love that swan's head plant, and the way it makes an arch just the right height over the sidewalk.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Great photo, Petrea!
That is really a gorgeus and amazing plant! It's named Agave attenuata, a succulent plant sometimes known as the “elephant’s trunk” or "lion's tail", for its development of a curved stem. It is native to central Mexico. It may take up to 10 years to bloom. I have many Agave attenuata in my garden and my plant take up 20 years to blooming!

If you would like to see my Agave, please, click on these links:
Agave Attenuata:Queen of my garden and Agave attenuata.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

He's not there because he's here. Across the street we have 5 of these agave in full bloom. My friend calls them "erectile disfunction plants" - that friend is a guy (but not Mr Suess)

TheChieftess said...

Dr Seuss has ED???

Bellis said...

Have you tried putting some Viagra tablets round the base?

Petrea Burchard said...

There's nothing dysfunctional about this plant, I'm sure. Did you look at Sonia's links? Lovely garden.

pasadenapio said...

There was a huge one poolside in our back yard when we lived in Palm Springs. It was surrounded by ocotillos. There was a fabulous splash of red-and-white color when they were all in bloom together!

Petrea Burchard said...

How can you not like such an ostentatious fun-lover!

Margaret said...

Tha t is a very Seussical plant!

Steven said...

Beautiful photo. I like that it is nicely hung. You and your camera have a jeweler"s eye. Keep "up" the good work.

Petrea Burchard said...

Yes it is, Margaret, and may I remind you, Steven, that children read Seussical things. No more flora for you, buddy. Not so much as a dandelion.

Vanda said...

PA, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's reminded of flaccid penises when seeing this plant.

Do they bloom every year once they start?

Petrea Burchard said...

Sonia says more like ten years, Vanda. I've known this plant for about 6 years and this is the first time I've seen it bloom.

Ms M said...

That plant does look "Seussian". I like how you caught the light; it seems to make the plant glow.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Ms. M. It's such a lovely thing, it seems to know how to pose.

LGreenWriter said...

Further proof that Mother Nature has a fantastic sense of humor. : )
I've never seen such a thing, thanks for sharing!

Petrea Burchard said...

LGreen, when I first moved to California (I grew up in Illinois) I felt I was in Wonderland. Everything was unfamiliar, especially the flora. I had to think of it as a vacation on another planet in order to get adjusted.

Virginia said...

Would you look at that!! Sam I am!
V

Petrea Burchard said...

Virginia, I just want to click "Like" on that.