Blooms Blooms Blooms!!

 There is so much blooming right now- it is wonderful.  The 'Moy Grande' Hibiscus are stunning with their MASSIVE blooms.

 The butterflies are swarming the Flame Acanthus- which is known to be a hummingbird attractor.  I can't disagree with that claim, the hummers have been all over it- everyone sharing nicely.  

 The Pride of Barbados are going strong- they are such a beautiful pop of color.  We have a few planted along the fence line and they are so showy!!! 

 The bees have been everywhere- here one is crawling up inside an Agapanthus bloom- the next shot of you couldn't even see him- he was all the way up in there.  Ha ha!  

 I love this shot of the hummingbird coming in for a landing on the Mexican Bird of Paradise.  I have said it before- it is hard to make a statement on what they like the best- they are all over everything!!! 

The Tecomaria, Cape Honeysuckle is like a neon orange glow - brilliant color!!!

Everything just seems really happy.  Here are a few things that have been showing off this past week.  Hope everyone is having a great summer and if you are anywhere near the Austin area, let's hope that rain comes in as promised!!!

Happy GBBD June 2012!

Happy GBBD June 2012!

 I have to admit, today was rushed.  I didn't realize it was the 15th and I have had about 3 seconds to take pictures lately so I grabbed the camera and snapped some shots - hope you enjoy!  Sorry if it seems a little thrown together but all shots were shot this morning between customers, but I got it done!!!

Above- I started out at the front gate and went from there, the Kalanchoe in the front planter is blooming- love that little guy!!!

The front outside bed has Globe Mallow going nuts with color- one of my favorites- easy tough little plant. 

 The Cholla is blooming in the front bed as well, as is the Mexican Bird of Paradise (below).

 The Shrimp Plant and the Thyrallis are blooming away in the front sign beds.  

 As is the Brazilian Pavonia.  The Birds of Paradise next to the fence are bursting with color- both plantings of it- love that stuff!!!  

 The little Blackfoot Daisy are happy as can be in the "desert bed" along with the Palo Verde- those little yellow blooms are like saucers!  You can see them from far away!

 The Tecoma and the American Beautyberry are doing their thing in the side bed. 

 The Antigonon is covering the fence and blooming away- such subtle sweet little blooms.

 And next to the Antigonon is the Mexican Flame Vine, a personal favorite and hard one to beat- such vibrant color!!!!  

 The Rock Rose Pavonia and Cigar Plant are happy and blooming in the side bed as well, I featured more on this bed this time as it always seems to get skipped.

 The Turk's Cap out front is coming into bloom again and this little guy below was watching me today as I was pruning the Pavonia- had to let you all see him- he was so funny- he kept hopping from leaf to leaf following me.  Just glad he didn't hop on me!!!! I know he is small but I still didn't want a spider on me.....  His green eyes were cool though.

 And just a shot of the front pot by the door- I am happy with the planting- everything is filling in and doing well.

Hope everyone had/has a great GBBD!!!!  Thanks to May at May Dreams Gardens for hosting.

A Few Favorites

 The Mexican Bird of Paradise is loving this weather.

 The Peruvian Cereus are full of blooms- totally loaded.  Makes me want to get here early every morning so I can see all the blooms!

 The Barbados Cherry are so pretty and blooming away.  I had never heard of this plant before and I love it- course I am partial to pink....

 The Brakelights Yuccas are stunning- they are a vibrant red, unlike the red yucca which I think is more pink.

 My all time hands down favorite Texas Sage is this one with the white flowers.  I Think it is so simple yet classic.  

And last but not least is the Podranea Vine; it is quickly becoming a favorite.  They have a beautiful weeping habit.  They are light and almost "flowy" if that were a word.

Chilly Morning!!

It's chilly out there but looks like it is going to be another beautiful day.  The last few days have been incredible and the plants seem to be responding.  We have butterflies everywhere- the Monarchs, Swallowtail and a few I don't know the identity of but all are having a grand time.  The hummingbird is still buzzing around in the front area but still too quick for me to capture a good picture of him, but I am not giving up.

A few blooms I captured today- the Butterfly Iris which I never get tired of seeing (first photo).

 The Calandrinia is so pretty- I have been anticipating this bloom for weeks!!!  They are finally starting to open up.  It is such a pretty contrast against the green/silver of the plant.

 The Philadelphus Mock Orange is so pretty- it reminds me of the Dogwood blooms.

 The Mexican Bird of Paradise continues to open up- the Caesalpinia gilliesii; truly one of my favorites.

 The yellow yuccas, Hesperaloe parviflora 'Yellow', I think are just pretty- a subtle yet really unique color combination I think.  

 The Pomegranate 'Wonderful' is starting to bloom, I am excited about what is to follow- I love pomegranates!!!!  Can't wait till the fruit is on and ripens!

And last but not least today is the Mexican Olive Tree.  I finally got a shot of the bloom though I am not entirely happy with the shot but the wind started to kick up so inside I went.

A Few Favorites From Today

Mexican Bird of Paradise ready to bloom!!! Can't wait- one of my favorites!!!

The Oak Leaf Hydrangeas are starting to bloom.

The Japanese Maple I think looks beautiful in front of the Big Tooth Maple. Love the contrast!!!!

And last but not least, the Acanthus Mollis. Another of my favorites.

A few favorites of the day. Thought I'd share!!