Anticipation....

I can't wait- it is almost blooming... almost....

I have this little guy planted in the planter next to the gate, I put him in this past March.  I have watched him grow and been anticipating the bloom for weeks now and the time has finally come; well, almost....

It looks cool just like this, but it will open up into little flowers that the 

butterflies are supposed to adore.  Added bonus!

It is the Kalanchoe 'Behrahensis'.

The weather here in Austin is INCREDIBLE, and has been these past few days.

This is my kind of fall!!!

Monday Monday

Happy Monday to all and hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

It was chilly here this morning but is absolutely beautiful right now.

I walked around and got a few shots of some little show-off's I thought I'd share.

The Kalanchoes continue to be my favorite- the first photo and the one above being two of them.  I like how this one has the little "fangs" on the underside of it's leaves- hence what I would imagine is why it got it's name.

 The 'Midnight' Salvia is bursting with color- such a radiant purple.  I like both, hard to choose between this and the traditional one with the purple and white.

 The Mandarin Oranges are just about ready to eat.  Can't wait!!!

 The Mexican Flame Vine has finally burst with color on our side of the fence- forever it seemed it was solid orange on the other side but now we are getting it's showy self- the one at the entrance is loaded with blooms- can't wait for that either!

 The Cigar Plant is blooming below the flame vine and I love how it picks up on the orange- it makes it showier.

 The Possumhaw are doing their thing.

 The Valencia Oranges are turning and will be ready soon!

 The Chrysanthemum pacificum are beginning to bloom.  I will admit, I was not so impressed with this plant at first, but it is growing on me- I like the silver on the backs of the leaves the most.

 The 'Black Scallop' Ajuga are blooming away and looking pretty as ever.

And last but not least, I just can't pass up a Maple leaf.  These little guys are a deep maroon and just scream fall to me.

Tidbits on Thursday

It's too hot to be outside right now.  I don't care what anyone says.  It is hot.  It is not even summer.  Guess we either get used to it or move, or do like I do and just keep hanging out in the shade area and the shade house.  

I was ducking out in the shade area the other day and found this little nest in one of the Pineapple Guava Standards that we have.  What a random place for a nest I think.  They are about 5 feet tall, I rarely see nests so low. I have no idea what type of bird this belongs to, maybe someone knows.  I thought perhaps a hummingbird nest but when I Googled those, they were miniature compared to this, so a hummingbird nest it is not.  

Here is a closer shot:

I think nests are just amazing.  How the birds manage to create these perfect little circular homes is incredible.  I have been watching without getting too close to see if I can see who lives here but have not seen the occupant(s) yet.

While out today walking around I had to admire the Kalanchoes.  I really love them.  We have a few different varieties and I am not sure I can decide which is my favorite.  They are all so different and so unique in their own way.  

Kalanchoe Beharenis- almost "warty" looking but really unique. I have this in the front planter along with some of the Black Prince Echeveria and variegated Society Garlic and it is doing well.

The Donkey Ear Kalanchoe as it is referred to is another one that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.  I put this in a planter with some of the Dichondra Silver Pony Foot and I am happy with the way it is turning out.  It still has a ways to go as far as growing to get the look I was going for but I am pleased.

And last but not least is the Kalanchoe Fantastic which has been a favorite for a while now.  I have it by the front door and love how it throws off the white babies here and there.  It shoots out these huge spikes in the fall that are covered with little flowers.  I resisted forever to cut the spike off but eventually did and it has bushed out and is growing fuller and fuller every day.

 

My Newest Creation

I just finished this planter today- I kinda like the way it turned out if I do say so myself. I have already had a few compliments today! I put in a Black Prince Echeveria, Variegated Society Garlic, Kalanchoe Beharensis (which is my favorite- it was in the movie Man On Fire that is probably one of my favorite movies of all time), Ice Plant- Aptenia cordifolia, and then Crassula Silver Dollars.

I love mixing the different things up. I planted the front beds but they have a way to go until they get photographed. I will post pics of those soon.