09/23/08

Rose 'Knock-Out'

Most likely, if you see a bright cherry red rose planted in mass around town, it will be a Knock-Out. I can't say enough about the performance of this rose. In my yard, it is literally never without blooms. The foliage is extremely healthy as well. The All-American Rose Selection association http://www.rose.org/ noticed the amazing virtues of this rose and awarded it in 2000. The only thing missing from Knock-Out is a scent. I put off getting this rose for that very reason, but after seeing it in people's gardens and coveting the bright bright color of its blooms, I purchased one for my front door border. I haven't regretted it one single bit!

9/22/08 (Autumn 2008 begins)

School House/Oxblood Lily (Rhodophiala bifida) and Salvia greggii

Oxblood lilies are always a surprise. They are ephemerals so the foliage disappears in the summer. Every year, just when the temperatures start to cool a bit, they pop up out of nowhere. The foliage follows the blooms and is evergreen through the fall and winter. Every year they multiply and before you know it you have a joyful little community of them. They make me, well, they make me happy!

9/19/08

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

It's official. Summer is almost over! I can tell because the berries on my Beautyberry are starting to turn purple, as they do every year at this time. The leaves will drop and all the berries will turn and then I’ll know for certain it is autumn.

09/12/08

Paths to my front door

I have two paths to my front door. One is from the garden and the other is from the drive. I know in 'Feng Shui' teachings you should only have one path leading to your house, but I suspect its okay since I use them both for different purposes.

09/09/08

Chinese Chives/Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)

One of my favorite flowers in late summer early autumn is Chinese or Garlic Chives. Through the years I've let them seed themselves. I've let them multiply in my moon garden and the main backyard border. This year, now that I have abundance, I will cut the flowers before they go to seed. Some people consider this plant invasive, and I can see why. I don't mind that mine have multiplied as much as they have. One reason I don't mind is the flowers, of course! Another reason is that they grow amongst my rose bushes. Some say growing alliums near roses helps with blackspot and mildew as well as warding off unwanted bugs. And thirdly, they are yummy! I like to use them with Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida) on egg salad sandwiches.

9/08/08

Rose 'Quietness'

I looked out my kitchen window this morning to see this fresh new bloom on my 'Quietness' rose. Of course, I had to go out and smell the beautiful scent.

09/06/08

Caladium

I decided this year to pot up some caladiums for my front door. They have thrived all year long and the colors are terrific! I think I will continue this practice next year and probably for years to come!

09/03/08

Salvia splendens, and Summer Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Salvia splendens

I can't say enough about my inclination towards the color red. It excites me, especially in the garden! I like it in combination with complimentary colors almost as much as with jarring mixtures. The more discordant the better! I know there are countless books on acceptable color combinations in the garden, but I ignore them! Most would probably say not to mix the lavender pink of the Phlox above with the fire engine red of the salvia, but I say 'bring it on!' The color red is perfect for my 'style' of gardening. When it offends, it really offends!

9/02/08

Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora), Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis),

Texas Sage ( Leucophyllum frutescens)

Clematis terniflora begins blooming in Texas around the last part of August. The blooms always remind me that cooler weather is on the way. The scent of this clematis is unusual. I wouldn't call it sweet but what do I know! Even if there was no scent, I would be drawn to this vine. It's like a snow storm in the hottest part of the summer!