Fall is Coming!

Fall is coming!  I promise, it is.  I don't know about other parts of the country but here in Texas, namely Austin, it is hot, hot and did I mention it is hot?  I for one am ready for fall and the cooler temps.  I thought I would share a few photos of things that have been blooming in the nursery lately - hope you enjoy!

 The bees don't seem to mind the heat.  They are all over the place which is wonderful.  In this shot they are on the Russian Sage, which is a personal favorite of mine.  I love the colors.

 Aaahhh, the Panicum 'Northwind'.  I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but.... this is one of my favorite grasses.

 The Passion Vine are always a hit- the showy blooms are so intricate and delicate.  I have so many photos of these blooms- just can't get enough of them.

 We do a few specialty Hibiscus, this is one of them.  The blooms are huge and the flowers bright- definite showstoppers.  

 This is my favorite Portulaca.  I mean look at it!  What's not to love???

This one is a hard one to photograph as it isn't the showiest of plants and blooms but the fragrance- if only there were a way to capture the fragrance.  The Almond Verbena- intoxicating.  

 This is turning into a post of my favorite things I am noticing....  this is my all time favorite annual- such a bright pop of color and fun texture and bloom.  We have a few different Celosia, but I am partial to this one.

 The Neobuxbaumia and their crown of blooms- what's not to love?!?

And I will end with some 'Topsy Turvy' Echeveria blooms and a photo of a hummingbird.  

Funny story about this little guy.... I was chasing him for what seemed like hours to get a good shot of him as he zipped around the nursery, and then he stopped and sat on this line right next to me and just hung out for about 5 minutes.  Just sitting there.  He was so close- it was so neat.  I could have reached out and touched him.   It was truly one of the most exciting things to experience.  

 I have been really bad about blogging lately and for that I apologize.  I promise to make an effort to be better and post more often.  I have been posting a lot on Instagram - it is just so easy to just take the photo and pop it up there it has me spoiled.  Anyway, hope you enjoy!   

Blooming this Week

A lot going on this week - blooms galore and as you will see at the end.... a little news.

The Golden Saguaro, Neobuxbaumia polylopha, earlier in the morning.
The bloom is opened up more. This is such a beautiful bloom in person.  The cactus is about 4 1/2 feet tall so it is hard to see the tops of it but it is stunning, they are stunning.  

The Caesalpinia, Pride of Barbados are blooming like crazy.  We have two large clumps along the fence lines that are in full bloom and beautiful. 

The Salvia 'Silke's Dream' are vibrant red and very popular with the hummingbirds this week.

The Cassia corymbosa have busted into full bloom and are beautiful.  These are great little trees.  

 

The Monarchs are all over the Milkweed.  I love watching them- there are butterflies all over the place but I am partial to the Monarchs.

And here we have, well, he doesn't have a name yet.  I pick him up tomorrow.  I can't wait.  Name to follow soon.  It took me a while to be ready for another dog but I am and he is precious.