A Very Late GBBD Post

Better late than never right?
Or I can just say here what has been showing off lately.  =0)

 The hummingbirds are out and about and just so much fun to watch. 

 Never ever do I tire watching them.

 The Palo Verde's are blooming away- such a great tree- ours is HUGE.

 The Bottlebrush are blooming- no wonder how they got their name.  

 The Almond Verbena are as fragrant as ever. 

 The Sesbania are blooming away as well.  Also known as the Rattlebox Tree and if you have ever shook their seed pods you know why…..

And last but not least- the crown not of thorns but of blooms on the Golden Saguaro Cactus.  These guys never disappoint. 

Hope everyone has had a great summer and yes, can you stand it, fall is almost here.

Hard to believe it s back to school time and Labor Day is almost here.  That always for me marks the end of summer.

Blooms, Cactus and Succulents Oh My!

 Summer is definitely here and plants are blooming and showing off all over the place.  The Flame Acanthus, also referred to as the Hummingbird Bush, provides a vibrant show of red blooms that attract hummingbirds.  I don't have a photo of them on it, but they have been all over it. 

 The Peruvian Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, is bursting with blooms and loaded with fruit.  I ate some the other day for the first time- kind of kiwi like, at least to me.

 The Hibiscus are showing off with their saucer sized blooms.

 The little Augusta Duelberg's are blooming away- I love this photo- the bee is actually sticking his tongue out- didn't even know they had them!!!! 

 This is a really neat bloom but is incredibly stinky.  It is a cactus looking succulent that has these really unique starfish like blooms.  

These little guys are showing a lot of color with the heat.  In the cooler months they are yellow and as it heats up turn UT orange.  Gotta love that!!  Hook em'!

Lincoln Park Visit

 Lincoln Park was absolutely beautiful.  It was full of color, variety.  I love that it is right there in the middle of the city.   Have I mentioned I love Chicago???

 The gardens were full of plants that we use here in Texas which is always so neat to see I think.  I love to see how plants we use here in Austin do in a totally different area of the United States. 

 This was one of my favorite combinations- I adore the Black Pearl Pepper plant just FYI.

 Here it is paired with Bat Face Cuphea.  Love. 

 From every angle it was beautiful.  We spent a lot of time here, easy to do, the weather was incredible.

 The Conservatory was great, though no photos…. my lens fogged up.  Never had that happen before.  

 Can you see the couple off in the distance?  They were shooting engagement photos.

 I can understand why - great setting with a skyline backdrop.

 Great little settings all over the place.

And yes, my favorite combo- have already potted this combo up!!

Japanese Garden at Chicago Botanical Gardens

The Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanical Gardens were phenomenal.  

Hope you enjoy the photos!

 The path leading to the gardens getting you primed and ready…

 Once you turn the corner, you are there.  Peaceful and serene.

 How appropriate was it that this lady was carrying an umbrella while crossing the bridge?

 I adore the weepy and sculptured/manicured looks together.

 Very serene.

This was the area with all the little Bonsai Trees.  Oh the patience!!!!  

We also visited the gardens at Lincoln Park which were amazing.  Since it took me so long to get this one up I promise to get the next up quick.  =0)  

We are having cooler weather here in Austin this morning- it is WONDERFUL!!!!