07/28/08

Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas Sage)

This is one of my favorite plants native to western Texas. I am fond of the grey foliage as it seems to combine well with everything. It likes a dry, well drained location. I pretty much never water it. I have three in my front beds that are each about five feet tall. They usually put on a purple flower show right before or after a rainstorm. There is a slight chance of rain in a couple of days so this morning when I saw the blooms I became more apt to think our summer drought may come to an end. (Low and behold - we did have a gully washer on Wednesday the 30th!)

07/23/08

Canna "Tropicanna" and Rose 'Belinda's Dream'

I love pink and orange flower combinations. At one time I had planned on doing an all Orange/Pink bed in the front garden, but could not discipline myself to just those color options. It is always fun when Tropicanna and Belinda's Dream are blooming simultaneously.

07/17/08

Leucanthemum 'Becky'

I love the simplicity of Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum). 'Becky' was given the 2003 Perennial Plant Association's 'Plant of the Year.' I've tried to grow other Shasta Daisies but none performed even half as well as Becky. Another nice feature is that she multiplies abundantly. To read more about this almost perfect plant go to: http://www.perennialplant.org/ppy/03ppy.htm

07/16/08

Passiflora (Passion Vine)

A neighbor gave me cuttings of their passion vine a few years ago. In our zone, it comes back every year after going dormant in the winter. You know summer is in full swing when the vines burst into bloom. The flowers are amazing and the scent divine. Passion flowers were named for the passion of Christ. The filaments represent the crown of thorns, the ten petals are the ten faithful apostles, the five anthers the five wounds, and the stigmata represent the three nails.

07/15/08

Dame de Coeur

Winnipeg Parks

Graham Thomas

This has been a good year for the roses. Even though the temperatures started soaring upward early, most of the roses have continued to repeat. These three roses are all in the same bed and when they all bloom in unison they complement each other’s blooms.

07/14/08

Lantana camara 'Dallas Red' and Gomphrena globosa

Last year a purple Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) from a nearby bed seeded itself in another bed of Lantana 'Dallas Red.' I loved the punchy color combination of the reds yellows oranges and purples. Early this spring I decided to plant my globe amaranth seedlings in with 'Dallas Red' so this year, I can take credit for the twosome!

Lantana camara

This is another lantana that really takes off when the weather gets hot. I wish I knew the variety, but I can't remember, since I planted it about four years ago. The flowers are hot pink and yellow. If anyone has a clue, let me know!

07/11/08

Crepe Myrtle 'Sacramento' and Salvia 'Henry Duelberg'

This is one of my favorite combos in the summer. I love the cool blue of the Salvia farinacea 'Henry Duelberg' against the warm purple tones of the Crepe Myrtle 'Sacramento.' I am considering moving the Gayfeather, seen in the distance, to the front of this duo, to complete the ensemble.

07/09/08

Liatris spicata 'Kobold'

Each summer I look forward to seeing the Gayfeather (Liatris spicata) in bloom. Kobold is a variety that only grows about 2 feet tall. I have it planted in the front beds. Their spike form is interesting even after the flowers have faded so I leave them all through the summer and fall. The Crepe Myrtle in the distance is a miniature named 'Sacramento.'

07/01/08

Echinops

In the summer, blue flowers are a necessity. They seem to cool things off psychologically. I have Blue Globe Thistle (Echinops) in my front beds. I have begun to let them seed so that I will have more each year.

Salvia farinacea 'Henry Duelberg'

This is another blue flower that my garden cannot do without. It is a native plant to Texas that is carefree. This variety of Mealy Sage (Salvia farinacea) 'Henry Duelberg' has been name a Texas Superstar by Texas A & M. It blooms well into fall. For more information on this great Texas plant go to: http://www.plantanswers.com/salvia.htm