3/1/11

Sedum telephium

What happens when summer kisses spring? That's what is about to happen with my Sedum telephium.

It started blooming as it always does in the late part of summer. As autumn approached, the pink flowers turned into russet seed heads. The beautiful reddish hue remained in the fall and through the ice and snow of winter. Now, as spring approaches, fresh new foliage is beginning to emerge. The proud stems standing about a foot above the new growth seem to be saying 'look how far we've come.' The auburn heads contrast so beautifully with the green leaves, that I plan on leaving them until the first day of spring when I will scatter them into the earth, but not a day sooner! I want the seeds and stems to enjoy the first sunlight of spring intact.

02/18/11

Crocus vernus

The first bloom of the year! Spring is almost here!

1/30/11

Opuntia sublata montrose 'Christmas Tree'

Some call this Opuntia 'Christmas Tree.' So again it looks like I can't seem to leave Christmas behind, even though it's two days to February! The little red phylloclades on the tips of this cactus look like little red ornaments, don't they? Montrose is the smaller and may I say cuter version of the larger Opuntia sublata.

1/29/11

Photo Fused Glass

Christmas 2010 already seems like years ago, but I keep forgetting to post this message. My Sister-in-Law made me this amazing Christmas present. It's an actual image of my house and garden. Isn't it the coolest! To see her 'stuff'' go to Palisade Stained Glass Art.

1/14/11

Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant)

This is the 'vanilla' version of Kalanchoe t. 'Chocolate Soldier.' If I were choosing ice cream, I'd go with vanilla every time. If I had to choose between the plants, I would have a much more difficult time. For now, I like them equally.

1/12/11

Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier'

We are finally having a winter! It's been in the teens. I've decided, while my plants and I are hibernating in the warmth of the house, to take the opportunity to get up close with my potted succulents and tropicals by photographing them.

The first to have this honor is this beauty. I dare anyone who sees it not to touch its fuzzy leaves. I love that it has a brownish tint. I'm not a chocolate fanatic but this plant may change that!

p.s. The table in the photograph is one of my 'mosaic decoupage' creations.

12/25/10

Merry Christmas from my home to yours.