10/05/10 TUESDAY ENSEMBLE

Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) / Setcreasea pallida 'Purple Heart' / Setcreasea (unknown variety) / Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)

I'm going to try something new. On Tuesdays I will be posting pictures of ensembles. Other than the plant names there will be no text. I'm terrible about doing anything routine, but I'm going to give it a shot. Let's start it off with this quartet.

10/04/10

California Aloe and Garlic Chives

The cool thing about putting potted plants in amongst the flowering garden beds is that sometimes unexpected combinations appear. I liked seeing the pristine white blooms of the Garlic Chives flopping over into my silvery blue Aloe California. I wish I could say I planned it, but I can't, I only discovered it.

10/01/10

Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph'

Yippee it's October! The weather is beautiful outside!!! In Texas, the autumn is spring part II! To celebrate I'm showing off my 'Coral Nymph.' The color reminds me of spring and fall. Mix a handful of easter egg pink with a tablespoon of autumn orange and what do you get? Coral!

09/30/10

Cinnamon Cactus (Opuntia microdasys var. rufida)

I saw this Opuntia in the window and I just had to have him! Actually, I decided he was too expensive so I left without him. I couldn't get him out of my head so I returned the next day just to look at him. To my horror, he was gone! I asked about him and nobody knew anything about him. It finally dawned on a sales person that he might be in the half price pile in the back. I walked back to check and there he was. They had thrown him on the ground like last night's dinner. I felt so sorry for him I decided it was my lot in life to come to his rescue. I picked him up paid for him and took him home. Little did I know that he must have been happier laying on the ground in a heap because he stuck his little needles in me from head to toe. Those pretty little cinnamon colored polka dots were weapons in disguise! After I soaked in a hot tub to remove those little instruments of pain, all was forgiven andI'm happy I adopted him. He seems to be adjusting to his new home fine, and he's even made best friends with a near by Salvia. They not only enjoy each other's company but they compliment each other well, don't you think?

09/29/10

Swamp Sunflower 'Santa Fe'

It's that time of year again! The Swamp Sunflowers are just beginning to bloom. They aren't at their 'Kodak Moment' yet, but I couldn't resist getting an early picture. The scent is already amazing! I got this variety at High Country Gardens a few years ago. They have multiplied like rabbits!

09/28/10

Black Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moundry') surrounded by Salvia coccinea and Castro Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

I have devoted an area in my backyard to ornamental grasses. This one grew from seeds I scattered. It has grown to a significant sized clump considering it is one of the smaller grasses. I love the purple tone in the blackish plumes. I see it popping up everywhere in my pseudo-meadow. It is such a beautiful grass that I'll most likely let a few of them stay.

09/26/10

Salvia farinacea 'Henry Duelberg'

This year I finally decided to toss the Cannas that were at my front door path. I replaced them with a native Salvia 'Henry Duelberg.' I have not regretted the change one bit! The Cannas required constant care. The spraying, the watering - oy - no more! In contrast, The Salvia has had absolutely no care and has been in bloom since mid April. I did save a couple of Cannas and put them in pots. As usually however they look ratty and sad. I may let them die in their pots. I guess I do have my limits when it comes to plant selections. That at least is nice to know!