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!

05/28/10

French Hollyhock 'Zebrina'

Every year, without fail, French Hollyhocks pop up from seeds dropped by previous plants. Some are pale purple and some are a deeper shade. This year a larkspur seeded itself alongside them. The colors of both together are zippy cool!

05/27/10

Spirea 'Anthony Waterer'

I've noticed these days there is a movement toward using perennials less and flowering shrubs more. I'll probably never give up perennial plants, but I definitely can see why shrubs are a wise choice. They tend to take up more room and fill the garden with less trouble, are easy to maintain, and are beautiful when they are in bloom. 'Anthony Waterer' Spirea is one of the best for this purpose. Mine has grown into a four by four foot shrub. The neon pink flowers are magnificent to see each year. If I dead head her regularly she will bloom all the way into fall. Not to mention, The foliage. in the Fall, turns shades of orange and red. I have Brazilian Verbena blooming on one side and on the other native Winecups.