I Still Can't Believe it's February

I still can't believe it is February.  Where does the time go?

The weather here in Austin, Texas has just been crazy.  No other way to explain it.  Just nuts.  Cold one day, hot the next.  This weather is making my allergies go insane (as well as most everyone else) and people are getting sick left and right. 

The bees don't seem to be phased though- I have seen quite a few out and about which is refreshing as well as a few butterflies.  Above on the Lion's Tail I sat and watched them for what seemed forever.  It was mesmerizing.  They are such hard workers!!

 I have taken a few photos lately and thought I'd share of things I have found interesting as of late.  I have always loved looking down on the Agaves- above is a photo of the Squid Agave from above in one container I made paired with a yellow sedum.   

I have had so much fun lately playing with the succulents I must admit.  They are so colorful and easy to combine and mix and match.  And the blooms- I mean look at that!!!!   When I was creating my pots this little guy was just watching me.  It was so sweet.  Hard to tell in this photo but he is so little!!!  

I have been making up new containers cause I for one and ready for spring!!!  I did a little post on our website if you want to read for more information Plant Succulents and Sedum .

For fun the other day I got a photo of the Meyer Lemon and the Sweet Kumquat and did a poll on Instagram to see who preferred one over the other and Meyer Lemon won hands down.  Not shocked but it was fun to do the poll nonetheless.

Hope everyone is staying warm, happy and WELL.  This flu that is going around is just plain scary!!!!

Happy November GBBD

Can you believe it is November?  Can you believe November is almost over?  Where does the time go I want to know.  Happy November GBBD to everyone. 

 Below are some photos of things that have been blooming lately.  Hope you enjoy.  

 Alright, not a bloom but it looks like a rose bloom, and this is the start of a beautiful Kalanchoe bloom stalk.

 The butterflies have been everywhere.  I have seen so many different varieties this week!

 The Lions Tail are always such a stunning bloom- so unique!

 The Mexican Mint Marigold has a fragrance some love or hate- it's rather strong but wonderful if you like the smell of licorice.  

 Someone just wanted to say hi!

 The Celosia are covered in butterflies.  It is wonderful!!

 The Lantana are always butterfly and bee magnets. 

 Though not a bloom, the Artemesia looks beautiful right now.

The Dragon Fruit bloomed- I can't wait for the fruit!

Don't forget to stop by May Dreams Gardens to check out what is blooming on different blogs all over the world!

Where Does the Time Go???

 I can't believe it is already November!  Where does the time go??

Here is one of my most favorite combos I have done lately.  I think I am the happiest with this collection at least right now.....

 

I am posting some of the beautiful things that have been blooming lately- I love this time of year, I guess that is where the time has gone, I have been outside and not at the computer!

The Mexican Mint Marigold are STUNNING - full of color and the scent of licorice.

 It is fall, so true to the name, the Fall Aster are blooming like mad.

 The Mexican Flame Vine on the back fence is blooming away- I took this like a week ago but it is as beautiful if not more so right now- the Antigonon is mixed in with it and both are growing happily on fence in the full sun.

 The Mountain Sage is full of blooms.

 The Spanish Lavender are an old time favorite of mine.  Tried and true- I just love them.  Such an intricate bloom- they are just gorgeous. 

 The Lion's Tail are blooming- I can't decide if I like them like this the best or when they are in full bloom.  The Monarchs have been all over these today also.  I tried to get a photo but only had my phone with me today and they didn't come out very clear so I didn't include.

 The Firespikes are starting to bloom- I LOVE these- they are such great plants for the shade too with a HUGE bloom and burst of color. 

 here is one of the pots I put together showing off the Lions Tail.  Such a great plant. 

 Here is little miss thing being lazy.  Too cute- had to share.

And to follow, little Coop mimicking her- they are so neglected, you almost feel sorry for them.

A Few Things Caught My Eye

In honor of the Fouth this weekend, I thought I would start out with two red beauties.  The first the red Mandevilla, such a vibrant red.  I love that vine.  The second a 'St. Elmo's Fire' Firecracker Fern that is bursting with color. I have been "working" all week trying to learn the manual mode of my camera.  There have been some ups and some downs but I think I am getting the hang of it.  Thank you http://notsoangryredhead.blogspot.com/ for the tips!!!!

As I was walking around today I found a few things I thought were especially pretty today and thought I'd share.  Hope you enjoy.  (and no, these are not in manual mode... not quite there yet).

 The Leonotis Lions Tail are starting the bloom.  They are a little behind the 'Savannah's Sunset' but just as pretty.  

The Purple Fountain grass are all in bloom and as usual, very pretty. 

 The Mexican Flame Vine has taken off!! I planted it along the fence line and it must really be happy as it is growing like mad!

 Personally, I like the back of the 'Black Magic' Alocasia the best- it intrigues me.  The front is black and also very pretty, but I like the back.  

 I know these are so common but they are in full bloom and really showing off today- just wouldn't be right not to post them. 

And last but not least the canna I planted is budding and blooming away.  They are such an easy plant.  Hard to not like something that is so easy to maintain.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Fouth this weekend!!!!