06/25/10

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

This is one of my favorite tropicals. It isn't hardy in my zone, so I bring it inside during the winter. I can see it out my kitchen window every morning. -A good way to start the day!

06/18/10

Rudbeckia 'Cappucino' and Euphorbia cotinifolia

The Rudbeckia 'Cappucino' that I grew from seed last year made it through the winter. I was shocked to see that, in the pots, the foliage never died back, even though our winter was an unusually harsh one. I like how it looks against the Euphorbia which is also another potted plant from last year. It was protected indoors through the winter.

06/15/10

University of Texas, Arlington

I saw these temporary installations, in one of the courtyards, at U.T.A. Pretty interesting!

06/12/10

Veronica 'Blue Charm'

I love the cool icy blue of Veronica 'Blue Charm.' Just what you need for an early hot summer! It grows with the 'Perle d'Or' Rose, the 'Knock Out' rose, and 'Jacob Kline' Monarda.

06/07/10

Brazilian Verbena

I was inspired by some photos in a Martha Stewart magazine of some Brazilian Verbena growing in amidst some Mexican Feather Grass. The golden grass contrasted with the purple verbena in a most beautiful way. I decided to try the same thing but with Pink Muhly Grass. Right now it looks a bit weedy for my taste but I'm hoping that in the Fall when the grass is covered in pink that the Verbena will still be around. I'm crossing my fingers!

06/04/10

Coneflowers and Daylilies

My orange Daylilies (Crimson Pirate and Orange Crush) started blooming alongside my orange Coneflowers. I'm in orange heaven! Next comes two purple Gayfeathers about to bloom with them. Anticipation!

06/02/10

Hollyhock

Gardeners know that part of the process of gardening is one of delayed gratification. The virtue of patience is often tested as one waits for nature to take its course. Such was the case with this yellow Hollyhock.

About four years ago, I collected seeds from some beautiful yellow Hollyhocks in Santa Fe, where my brother was living. I hoped to have some growing in my yard soon. I planted the seeds and their germination was a success. One by one however as the heat of Texas arrived they all melted down to nothing. Thank God I still had more seeds so I tried again. This time all but three drizzled away. Two of those eventually, after becoming quite large, decided to throw in the towel. One survived, hallelujah! It grew into a large plant before the Winter came. All through the Winter it stayed evergreen. I knew that since Hollyhocks are biennials they don't set seed until the second year. Just as I had expected, the buds started forming last spring, but for whatever reason the buds dropped off later that season and the plant shrank into a small plant again. I watched it all through the Winter and it seemed to be okay. This Spring as it grew larger and larger I thought 'this will be the year' and it was! It took four years, but it was worth the wait! Now that I will have seeds of my own, maybe I won't have to wait so long for the next generation!