November Blooms

Here are a few things that have been blooming these last two weeks.

We are having more crazy weather, which for those of us that live here in Texas is pretty normal.  Yesterday it was 80, today 36.  We take it all in stride, just the way it is, nothing new.

The Kalanchoe 'Donkey Ears' by the door is getting ready to bloom.  Love this plant.

 The yellow Shrimp Plant in the front bed is full of blooms.  

The Calandrinia is getting ready to open up.  Another all time favorite of mine.

 A little fall color- we don't have much of it but we have some, the Japanese Maples are stunning. 

The Chinese Pistache is boasting it's fall color as well.  This one is fruitless which is nice.

 The Citrus- I could do an entire post on the citrus - the oranges, lemons, tangerines, everything - all the trees are loaded with fruit.  People always assume oranges turn in the summer, nope.  Oranges take a full year and start being ready at least here in Texas about now.

And to end up the post I saved which I believe is the best for last.  The Ligularia is one of my very favorite plants.  Look how pretty the blooms are!!!!

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.

What's the Stink About Pink?

 It is October which many celebrate as Breast Cancer Awareness month.  

I was diagnosed almost a year ago with breast cancer and am happy to report I am now cancer free. The whole "Think Pink"and the pink ribbons have a whole new meaning to me now, but it has always been a positive one. 

  I say this as I have read, heard and spoken with several people who get offended about "all the pink" and say it has become too commercialized and the meaning is lost.  I respect others opinions but I do not agree.  I think it is raising awareness and bringing it to others attention.   

 Prior to being diagnosed, I used to always buy things with the pink ribbon on them given the choice- I knew they didn't give 100% of the proceeds but I knew they gave something and I was more than happy to do it.  

I have several friends and family members who have had cancer and I have always been supportive of any and all efforts to boost awareness and support of any and all cancers. 

 I personally went to MD Anderson in Houston and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the surgeons, plastic surgeons, nurses and staff there.  I have friends that were recipients of financial help through the Susan G. Komen foundation, which without this help would not have been able to afford the biopsies.  Locally here in Austin, there is the BCRC which is another great resource. 

It always blows me away when people say they have not had a mammogram "cause it hurts too much".  Really?   Try the alternative.  It is about 5 minutes of discomfort.  That's it.  I don't get it. 

Anyway, I put together a collection of pink flowers that I love- yes, I love pink.  Always have, always will and the "Think Pink" campaign just gives me more reasons to do so!

Happy October!!

Fun with the Hummingbirds!!

The hummingbirds were OUT!  

Here is one working over the Vitex.  I don't think I have ever seen them on the Vitex before, but it was certainly a hit this week.

There were three that were dipping and fluttering and whizzing by me.  I just stood there and watched.   This little guy's perch was on the fence by the Antigonon.  He would whiz by work over a few plants then go sit there and hang out.

This guy's little perch was on a string.  It was so cute.  He was bouncing up and down on the string.  I have so many shots of him balancing himself.  It was cute to watch.

Then he'd go work over the Turk's Cap and return to the string.

 Not the best shot but you can see the vibrant red which is so pretty!!!  So does that mean this is the male?  I am clueless on things like that!!

 Here's the other one working over the Salvia leucantha- a tried and true hummingbird favorite.

 Here is a shot of the second one from the front- not a great picture
but that red just screams at you- love it!!!

 This bed is like a hummingbird's fantasy- we have so many things in there they love- next to the Salvia  leucantha is the Salvia 'Silke's Dream' which they adore, I couldn't get good angles on them on that one from where I was and didn't want to move around too much.

I did get this shot of one with a little bee as well- wasn't going for that but though it was a neat shot.

All of the shots I had with two or three at the same time were blurry so I don't have any of those to post.  They were having so much fun- not sure who had a better time, me watching them or them playing. 

What's That You Say? Rain?

 It's true.  We have had rain the last few days.  Some areas more than others but we have been having it and almost daily the last few days.  It has been nice.  Not going to lie.  Here are a few shots of what I thought was looking pretty this week.  The Dwarf Barbados Cherry look as beautiful as ever.  

 The Pedlianthus 'Lady Slipper' is one that I never tire of.  The blooms are so simple yet intricate.  This has been a long time favorite of mine.   

 The Belinda's Dream Roses are bursting with blooms- if only this were a scratch and sniff picture!

 The Vitex, Chaste Trees, are blooming away.  

 The Bougainvilleas have been getting a lot of attention from the butterflies. 

The Wedelia are loaded with blooms.  I like the bright yellow against the bright green.

 Here's a shot of a little guy getting a drink.  He just sat there and let me shoot away then flew off.  

My friends came in for a visit this week from Houston- we had a great time walking around and looking at everything.  Here is a shot of us in front of the office.  Love girl days- had a lot of fun laughing and catching up- wish they lived here!!  Chris (the one in the middle) is the one that makes all the cute jewelry we have inside.

Hope everyone is having a great September - I do believe fall might actually be coming....

He's Back!

He's back- or she.  I don't know.  But the Roadrunner is back.  

He's so fun to watch.  I was walking out of the office when I saw him and ran back in for the camera.  I was able to capture a few shots of him.

  I was under this huge Oak out front so the light wasn't great but I like the way the photos turned out anyway.  

 He at one point had sticks in his mouth so I am not sure if he was building a nest/going to one or just carrying around sticks.  Here is a shot (not so great) of him with the stick in his mouth.

  I will keep my eye out and see if perhaps he has a nest.  In years past they hung out in the back and had a nest in this old fountain we had.

    I am just glad to see him!!!