10/27/08

October 2008

October in Texas is, in my opinion, the best garden month of the year. Annuals have matured and begin thriving during the cooler days. Fall blooming perennials like Asters and Chrysanthemums exhibit their exhilarating pallet of colors, and the roses begin their last flush of the year. The foliage of trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses also begin to turn all their autumn hues. It's a toss on which month, April or October, is my favorite. I guess in April, April is and In October, it's got to be October. The photos above are from my backyard garden. Stay tuned for the front!

10/27/08

Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg'

This relative of the 'Iceberg' is an unusual color that is beyond description. The blend of white also contributes to its beauty. Add black stamens to the mix and you have a classic. During the cooler months of October and November, the burgundy is deeper with purple accents. She will never outwear her welcome to my garden!

10/24/08

Roses 'Knock-Out' and 'Perle d'Or'

When I saw the blush pink with apricot undertones in the blooms of 'Perle d'Or' I imagined it would be a good partner for my 'Knock-Out.' I think they make a pretty good marriage. Both bloom more than most roses for our area and have been given 'Earthkind' status by Texas A&M University. For more information on 'Earthkind' roses go to: http://earthkindroses.tamu.edu/EKroses.html

10/22/08

Salvia farinacea 'Victoria' and 'Evolution'

I started seeds of Salvia 'Victoria' and 'Evolution' last winter. At first, I had planned on planting them in different beds. I changed my mind thinking it would be nice to see the different shades of blue together. When they finally started blooming I was pleased. Next year, since they return in zone 8, they will be larger and hopefully even more exciting. They are growing in with some 'Black Pearl' peppers that re-seeded from last year. The peppers are not completely 'true' but they've held on to some of the qualities of the original.

10/22/08

Pink Muhly Grass
(Muhlenbergia capillaris)

This is my favorite ornamental grass in the fall. The pink seed heads float in the air like a pink cloud. Who says grass is boring? They haven’t seen this one!

10/17/08

'Black Pearl' Peppers (Capsicum annuum)

I'm addicted to growing this pepper. It is beautiful at all stages. I've yet to eat one of the peppers as I've heard it is very hot. Maybe I'll throw one in my vegetarian chili some time!

10/14/08

Rose 'Knock-Out' and Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

I like how the purple undertones of the cherry red blooms of 'Knock-Out' are accentuated with berries of the Callicarpa. The outcome is better than what I had envisioned, a few seasons back, when I planted them together.