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

06/29/08

Lagerstroemia indica 'Cordon Bleu'

This dwarf Crepe Myrtle is planted in one of the backyard borders. It glows when in bloom and sets everything off around it. I love that Crepe Myrtles really take off during the hottest part of the season. You can always depend on them to provide lots and lots of color while three digit temperatures inhibit the blooms of other less heat tolerant plants. The bluish cast of this one is like a cool drink in the summer sun!

06/26/08

CENTRAL GARDEN OF THE GETTY CENTER, LOS ANGELES

I recently took a vacation in California. Out of all the gardens I saw, the Central Garden of the Getty Center was my favorite. These are a few images. To read about the gardens go to:

http://www.getty.edu/visit/see_do/gardens.html

06/12/08

Monarda 'Jacob Kline'/Chasmanthium latifolium

The Bee balm (Monarda) is in bloom and the Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) have begun to develop their seed heads. They live in part of my shade garden. The red flowers pop against all the green foliage.