Happy GBBD June 2016!

Happy GBBD!  I still can't believe it is June!  Where does the time go?  We have had a lot of rain here in Austin lately and things are blooming like crazy!  The butterflies are flying around, bees busy working away, hummingbirds zipping around- it has been wonderful!  Here are a few photos of things I felt stood out lately.  

 The Gomphrena have such a bright cheerful bloom!

 The butterflies have been all over the Gregg's mistflower.  Too pretty!!

 Ice Cream anyone?

The Butterfly Vine- old standby.  Love the intricate almost lace like blooms.

 The Vitex never disappoint.  Tons of color!  So pretty - they are blooming all over town!!

 The Charity Mahonia are nice though approach with caution- they are spiky!!

 The Pedlianthus are loaded with the Lady Slipper blooms, hence the more common name.

 These little guys are all over the place.  So sweet.

 The verdict is still out for me on the purple Jerusalem Sage.... Can't decide.... I think I prefer the yellow.  Just a bit too subtle for me I think. 

The Agastache.  If only this were scratch and sniff.......  adore this plant.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!  Where does the time go?!?!  A special thank you to May Dreams Gardens for hosting the GBBD!  Visit her blog to get a glimpse of what is blooming all over the world!  Enjoy!

Little of This and a Little of That

What an incredible day today!!!  I could take a few weeks of this weather.  I guess I was feeling a little purple today in my photos- no real plan but seem to have a purple theme going on.  The Delospermum Ice Plant I think is a great accent for pots, planters and cactus beds.  I have seen it planted a few different ways and I have yet to be disappointed.  It is a great little punch of color.  Several of the California customers say it feels like home to see the Ice Plant as it is literally everywhere in CA.   I love the vibrant green and purple combination.

The Agastache Tutti Frutti is another one that is becoming a customer favorite.  I don't know if it is the pretty color of the flowers or the fragrance but it is not lacking in either category.

The Texas Star Hibiscus is an old time favorite.  I have had several questions about this one as I guess many have not seen it and think it is something quite the opposite.... ha ha
I hadn't thought about it until the first person asked, but I guess it does resemble another plant, but it is simply a Texas Star Hibiscus that blooms an incredible bright red flower and is quite striking.

Last but not least I will end the post with my side kick Peat.  He followed me around today weaving in and out of the plants yet sticking right by me as I walked the aisles.  He is one of the most unique cats I have ever known, had or encountered.  I think he thinks he is a dog at times, as he literally follows me around and comes when I call.  He's a little stinker and we love him.
Here he ended our "photo walk" by collapsing next to the Agave celsii, where he proceeded to attempt to take a little bite- which I am happy to report he did not. He quickly discovered this was not to his liking, bounced inside, ate and took his spot behind the desk where it took him all of 5 minutes to fall asleep.
What a life!