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Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

“Who’s at the front door?”
“Another extra from Resident Alien”

September 28, 2025 at 7:39 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

I look outside and it seems so dark today, it’s raining

But I walked by this living thing and it is in bloom

Still.

I think it’s been in bloom at least since Jan 20, if not before

Through the heat and the wind, never failing

Now the rain honors it

I’m standing in the rain

A wooly blue curls plant in the yard, Trichostema lanatum. Reputedly fussy about its culture, this individual stubbornly continues to bloom.

Closeup of the blue curls. If lightly rubbed, the leaves release a scent reminiscent of pine or cedar.

September 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

Free bulbs!

Hey Bluesky people, years ago I bought these cool South African bulbs from Telos Rare Bulbs (a great nursery) and they’ve done so well I have too many-I want to give them to anyone who’d like to have some. DM me a US mailing address and I’ll send you some!
#gardening
#bloomscrolling

Ferraris crispa close up, they have amazing details!

Ferraria crispa in the ground. This group is from a bulb that fell out of my wheelbarrow and I lost track of it. The bulbs like a lot of sun and can do well in the earth or in a pot. Each flower lasts only a day or so but new blossoms appear. These pictures are from March of last year and like all bulbs, they go dormant after blooming. But the the cool weather of fall brings them back to begin their cycle anew.

I will send a pack of bulbs but honestly they’ve intermixed on me so I’m not sure which you’ll get, maybe both or just one variety or the other. Still, can’t lose!

Ferraria divaricata close up, a rich nearly maroon shade.

August 31, 2025 at 1:13 AM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

I thought the fourth was over but I walked into my yard this morning and saw these fireworks

Stands of Hooker’s evening primrose (Oenthera elata), a drought tolerant species native to the western US. It produces prodigious amounts of seeds; we planted one a few years back and now they’re rampant.

July 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

So I was picking up Dr. Seuss for yesterday’s #NoKings event, and before we left he offered me this garlic blossom.

#bloomscrolling

A garlic plant in bloom with an absurdly twisty bloom stalk

June 15, 2025 at 10:35 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

“You’re the one with the tape machine, right?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a few…”

A reel of tape poorly stored in a box for 60 years

June 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

Fried eggs anyone? This plant can be invasive when things line up for it-plant it where you can let it take over!
#gardening
#flowers
#FlowersOnFriday
#bloomscrolling

Romneya coulteri, Matiija poppy. Rhizomes spread underground and can be difficult to control. The white petals are crinkled and crepey. In a group, the blossoms waft off the scent of roses. Another California endemic, it occurs mostly in coastal foothills. In the LA area it can be seen on the north side of Cahuenga Pass, a few meters away from the Hollywood Freeway.

May 30, 2025 at 10:04 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

Started these from seed five years ago. Only occasionally seen on hikes in the Santa Monicas but they make a statement in a group. I see hot air balloons, what do you see?

#gardening
#flowers
#FlowersOnFriday
#bloomscrolling

Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum—Humboldt Lily, a perennial herb endemic to California. It occurs in foothills from 600-1200 meters. This subspecies is distributed on the coastal sides of yhe mountains from Pt. Conception to at least the Mexican border, and though I grew from seed bought from a nurseryman, it is considered rare in the wild.

May 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

I pre-ordered this back in February—stoked to have it in hand today. Fuel for the walk ahead. Thanks Kareem!

PS: any of you known to me who want a copy, I’ll get you one-message me.

Front cover of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s latest book on protest movements that changed America, with insights for today.

Back cover of “We All Want To Change The World”.

May 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

On this date
#otd
#otdih

“Stan Freberg Presents The United States Of America” was released by Capitol Records on May 1, 1961, featuring Freberg and a host of great voice actors, Billy May’s inimitable arrangements, and Jud Conlon’s chorus.

Front cover of “Stan Freberg Presents The United States Of America”. The LP was released on Capitol Records on May 1, 1961, and features Freberg, June Foray, Peter Leeds, Jesse White, Daws Butler, and Paul Frees in brilliant comedic sketches satirizing US history from 1492 to the Revolutionary War. The great Billy May wrote and conducted the many musical arrangements, with Jud Conlon’s chorus providing harmonically hip background vocals. Fans of the record include Steven Spielberg and Paul McCartney, and “Frebergians” trade key lines such as “hand me the glass!”, “French horns”, and “they’re starting on their little nut cups already…” with great elan to this day. The record, with voice actors, full orchestra, chorus, sound effects, narration, and even tap dancing, was recorded in great fidelity mostly live to three-track tape at Capitol Studios by John Kraus.

May 1, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

Scilla Hughii, in a pot for several years before finally succeeding and blooming. Hard to find positives lately but here’s one.
#Gardening
#Flowers
#FlowersOnFriday
#Bloomscrolling

February 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

Donald Trump’s “Do The Right Thing”

Neil S. Bulk @nsbulk.bsky.social · Feb 22

James Cameron's "Singin' in the Rain"

Marie in the Sky With Diamonds @murray6971.bsky.social · Feb 22

Frank Capra's Parasite

February 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Doug Schwartz

@dougschwartz.bsky.social

Vital reporting for those of us working in the arts, to be aware of what our compatriots have lost. Thank you Kate

Kate Mishkin @katemishkin.bsky.social · Jan 29

Many musicians who lost homes in LA's fires also lost instruments, marked-up scores and community. As one told me: “To me, the difference between us and a carpenter is ... I feel like our tools contain magic. They’re like talismans.” For @theguardian.com:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...