Little of This and a Little of That

 First off let me begin by saying that I am very excited to announce that the oranges are turning.  It is like all of the sudden the oranges and the lemons just burst into color.

The Cape Honeysuckle is bursting with color as well.  These are such a vibrant orange and are like little neon lights beaming with color.

 When I was out and about today, I came across a few little guys I thought I would share with you.  Here is a little caterpillar which was on the Milk Weed, no shock there.  I imagine he will soon make a cocoon and turn into a butterfly, of which kind I do not know.  I barely have my birds down, have not mastered the caterpillars yet....

 The Moy Grande Hibiscus are so huge I just love them.  The flowers are big saucers of color. 

I am anticipating the opening of the Donkey Ear Kalanchoe.  I have this guy planted right by the door in a large pot and he seems to enjoy the spot.   Every day it is opening more and more, I can't wait till he really "does his thing"!

This little guy was watching me it seemed all day.  I took his picture and then he flew off.  I guess he was waiting to be noticed.

 Another big guy that was checking things out was the hawk.  We have a few in the field next to us and they tend to like this pole, it makes a great perch for them.

 Like I said, a little of this and a little of that...  The cold front is gone but now there is a pretty decent chance of rain.  We shall see.  

A Few Beauties on This First Monday of August

A few things of note on this first day of August - can you believe it is August!!??!!  The Erythrina x bidwillii Coral Bean look beautiful- I have seen these grow into trees which are magnificent but here in Austin they are more of a perennial.  They are really pretty and have a rich colored red bloom. 

The Donkey Ears are getting really big!! The Silver Pony Foot is cascading along the sides just as I had envisioned.  I am happy with the way this turned out.

Here is a closer shot:

The Mexican Olive trees are blooming away.

 I think this a sweet subtle flower.  It just looks dainty and soft to me.  Very wispy yet elegant.
I decided to end this post with the Skeleton Leaf Goldeneye bloom- a small little flower that is tough as nails.  These are little Texas natives that bloom all summer regardless of how much heat is thrown at it.  They are a happy bright little flower that I think deserved a little attention today!

Have a great Monday!!!!

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.