Bloom Day November 15, 2011

Well today is exciting as it is RAINING in Austin!!!!!!

I was so excited I almost forgot it was bloom day!

We still have quite a lot blooming in the beds though, you can see signs that fall is here and things are starting to winterize.  I went out after the rain so some things are droopy but are really just exhausted from being so happy it rained, so please excuse them!

 To be fair, I am only posting things I have planted in pots or in the beds.  I had to start out with an update on my Kalanchoe- day by day it is getting closer to opening!!!

 The Desert Rose I think is such a pretty little bloom- faint yet striking.

 The front shade "test" bed is rocking right along but the only thing with blooms I have in there is the Tropical Sage, which is doing great in all 4 places I have it there.

The Pink Turk's Cap is still doing well in the front bed next to the Brazilian Pavonia (which was not up to being photographed today as you can see in the background).

The Beach Vitex is doing well in the front side bed under the Palo Verde.  (which by the way was loaded with blooms yesterday but after the rain not a single one that was pretty enough to photograph).

 The Rock Rose is huge and full of blooms in the back bed.

The St. Elmos Firecracker Fern is blooming away as well.

The 'Mystic Spires' Salvia is still as blue as ever- this is such an easy plant to grow.  I have it in two places since it is one of my favorites.

 The Panicum Switch Grass is blooming away in the front outside bed.

 The Butterfly Bush in the front is doing well- I love the screaming purple.

The Black Prince Echeveria in the front planter is blooming and getting ready to open up, but since it had two bloom shoots I felt he deserved a spot!

Hope everyone in the area got some much needed rain.  From the looks of the radar, just about everyone got some.  YEA!!!!

Stop by May Dreams Garden and see all the other Bloom Day postings!

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!!!!