Positively Agave

Shape, form

Gorgeous weather today, perfect for yard work. I’ve been tree-trimming lately, and I took care of the last of them this afternoon; our Palos Verdes now look shapely and beautiful, especially those in full golden bloom. Satisfied with my handiwork, I transferred my attention to the agaves that rim the property … I’ve got quite a few of these amazing plants and, although I’ve been working with them for years, can’t help delighting in their diversity of shape and form. Even the most commonplace varieties still surprise me with their succulent sculptural presence. I’ve intentionally posted these agave photos in black and white — and inverted — so that you can join me in appreciation of their forms without the distraction of color …

Purely agave

Clockwise, from top left: A huge agave americana variegata twists and turns with serpentine grace … like cobras in a synchronous love dance  |  A combustive ball of agave energy, this agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’s rosette is startlingly — mathematically — perfect  |  Agave mediopicta ‘alba’s sleek curves could easily serve as model for an art deco architectural decorative element, for a desert movie palace, perhaps?  |   Sometimes called the octopus agave, this agave vilmoriniana has more than eight smooth legs writhing sinuously alongside 14th Street.

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The Rancho’s gardener, Bulmaro, has recently cut away the lowest leaves of all my agaves and I’m so grateful. Until now it was impossible to clear my agave’s bases of pepper tree debris without getting bloodied … but along with that benefit, the agave cut-away is allowing their shapely good looks to shine anew …