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.

Thank You Austin Herb Society

I won! I won! I won! 

My first time ever to win anything and look at the beautiful vase I won!

We recently became sponsors of the Austin Herb Society and were invited to a luncheon this past Tuesday.   I must say, I had the nicest time.  (not only because I won, though that didn't hurt).

The Austin Herb Society is a group of people in the Austin area that (quoting their pamphlet) are dedicated to educating members and the community about herbs, including propagation, landscaping, history, folklore and the culinary, medicinal and decorative uses of herbs.   They have meetings throughout the year and even have a culinary group that meets.   Once a month they have a guest speaker and I was fortunate enough to be present to hear Judy Barrett speak on "Treasuring our Heirlooms: Herbs and Beyond".  

She is a very talented and personable speaker and had me along with the crowd laughing through her stories while at the same time receiving valuable and interesting information.

After the speech we were all asked to look under our chairs to see if we had a number and I did!!!  Lucky number 7!  

I can not think of a better prize to win other than a beautiful vase to remember my experience.  I brought it back to the nursery and filled it with a few of my favorites- the Almond Verbena, Mystic Spires Salvia, Red Turks Cap (I admit the pink is my favorite but with this mix I opted for the red) and the Thyrallis.  I think they make a stunning arrangement to which I plan to keep out on display in the office.   I am already planning out my next grouping.

Thank you to all the nice people that I met that helped make it an enjoyable day. 

If you would like information on the Austin Herb Society, please visit their website at 

Austin Herb Society .