As I am sure most of you know, this is a Daffodil or Narcissus. This particular variety is called ‘Polar Ice.’ FYI, Devorah said that had she know this would have a deep orange and yellow Corona it would not have made the cut for her all white garden. Benvenue Ave. Photo: Robert Trachtenberg Robert […]
Robert Trachtenberg
Posted inNature
Awakenings: Early bloomers in Berkeley
It seems appropriate that the first bloomers are pure white and often seeded by birds. Myrobolan Plum (Prunus cerasifera) is seen all over town and most often used as rootstock for various stone fruits. Tunnel Road. All photos: Robert Trachtenberg Robert Trachtenberg, a landscape designer who lives in Berkeley, is the owner of Garden Architecture. […]
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Comal: New restaurant takes a bet on downtown Berkeley
Berkeley architects Abueg Morris designed Comal to be "textural and warm, and not afraid to show the patina of age". Photo: Tracey Taylor On Friday, John Paluska will throw open the heavy steel doors to his ambitious new restaurant, Comal, which he hopes will become a magnet for local residents and a cultural incubator. “I […]
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Spectacular fall colors on view for all in Berkeley
Who could ask a tree to provide more beauty and interest than this Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) on Berkeley's Marin Avenue? All photos: Robert Tracthenberg By Robert Trachtenberg This has been one of the more spectacular fall color seasons that I can remember for a long time. The lack of rain and recent cool weather […]
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Memories of a fading summer: Shades of blue
This exotic plant is called Puya berteroniana and is actually a spring bloomer, but I couldn't resist. Large flower stalks rise out like asparagus spears that can reach 4'-6' tall, eventually bearing these bell-shaped turquoise metallic blue green blossoms. It is native to Chile and is in the Bromeliad family. This one is just off […]
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An all-white garden: serene, simple, sophisticated
Just one of the many views of this amazing garden I get to enjoy every day. All photos: Robert Trachtenberg By Robert Trachtenberg Writing this column has been a real thrill for me, as I am now cruising around Berkeley on high alert in search of anything that is spectacular in the world of plants. I […]
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The Hanging Gardens of Berkeley
By Robert Trachtenberg I have spent the last month observing and waiting to see what is blooming in Berkeley as we slowly come out of a long, cold winter. Berkeley the Garden City is an incredible place to live, especially if you have a passion for gardens and architecture. In my recent search for plants that are […]
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Strong, sculptural trees bring a sense of community
Despite the fact the calender says that it is spring, we all know that is still feels like winter. The bloom season for many trees such as Flowering Crabapples has been shortened with all of this rain. So I found myself focusing on the structural beauty of trees and how they help create a strong sense of identity in […]
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Berkeley in bloom: Shadow play and winter silhouettes
This Magnolia x soulangeana intertwined with a Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel' has a splendid view of Lake Merritt. All photos by Robert Trachtenberg. By Robert Trachtenberg When I was a young man (9th grade) falling in love with nature and in particular with trees, I was struck by a passage in The Hobbit. Bilbo […]
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Signs of spring come early in Berkeley
Purple leaf plums, Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’ on Hillegass Street. Photos: Robert Trachtenberg Purple leaf plums, Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’ on Hillegass Street. Photos: Robert Trachtenberg The warm weather we have been enjoying recently has brought out the early bloomers. Berkeleysider and landscape architect Robert Trachtenberg sent in these photographs — and provided the precise identification for […]