I Don't Think I'll Ever Get Used to It

I have lived in Texas all my life (outside of a few college years) and I can just say

I don't think I will ever get used to the weather here.

The Kalanchoe blooms are all similar but all striking.  There are so many different varieties of them and I love them all!!!

Yesterday, and for the last week for that matter, we have been in the high 70's, basically 80 degrees, and not more than a week ago, we were freezing.  Only in Texas is all I can say.

The above is the Potato Vine I was trying to photograph at my house on Bloom Day that wasn't blooming- they are blooming like mad at the nursery.  (and at the house now as well).

I went out to the nursery this past weekend sadly for only about 30 minutes, but did manage to snap a few shots of things that looked pretty to me so I thought I'd share.  I felt it only right since my bloom day post was so bare......

The photo above is probably my latest favorite.  When it came in I liked the foliage of it but now that it is blooming- WOW!!!   I feel like I always say "this is my favorite" but I can't help it.  We get these new things in and I just go nuts over them.  I mean- look at that bloom!!!  How can you NOT go nuts over that???  It's a Grevillea 'Long John'.

The Pyracantha never disappoints- I love the pop of red.

More photos to come- I was short on time and therefore sadly did not get much "photo time".

Someone was feeling overlooked after the GBBD post so I thought I'd share a picture of my other little nut hanging out by the window with her new favorite pillow.

Spring is almost here- that much I know, and I for one can't wait!!

Happy GBBD 2013!!

Well I couldn't start the new year missing the first 2013 GBBD!!   

Unfortunately, I am at home so posting what I have in bloom here at the house, which is not much...

 The Cyclamen are in full bloom all out front and in the back and are beautiful.  I love the red, at least for here at the house.  It is such a vibrant pop of color and I think stunning when planted in mass.

There is nothing else in bloom here- the other day our Potato Vine was blooming but of course when I went outside to snap a shot of it, could not find a single bloom nor could I find one on the Globe Mallow or the Lavender.  So alas, all I have in bloom is the Cyclamen.  

I couldn't just end the post with one photo so you have the pleasure of seeing Ellie in all her glory.  This is not how she typically looks, she is a very sweet lovable kitten, I just caught her yawning and thought it was funny so thought I'd post it.

Hope everyone has a wonderful GBBD and please visit the host of GBBD at  http://www.maydreamsgardens.com   and see all the others that have posted. 

Let It Rain!!!

Finally I think for once when the news says we are going to have substantial rain here in Austin, it might actually happen.  It has been trickling since last night with a few showers here and there.

AAAHHHHH the glorious sound of rain.

You my friend have been missed.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and has a fantastic 2013!!!

Walkin' Round Today

What a weird day.  82 degrees.  December 2.  Only in Texas.

I grabbed the camera and walked around the nursery and captured a few photos of things I thought looked pretty today.  Hope you enjoy.

 The Purple Fountain Grass

 Miscanthus, 'Cabaret'

Miscanthus 'Zebra Grass'

 Panicum 'Dallas Blues'

Pink Fountain  Grass

The Butterflies are still going wild over the Butterfly Weed.

 The Bower Vines are still blooming away.

 The Kalanchoe by the gate still has not opened up any more.... still waiting on this one.

 The Black Snapdragons still look as cool as ever. 

 The white Abutilons are blooming - such a pretty subtle flower I think.

The Purple Oxalis are blooming like mad- really like this little guy.

And Finally I will end up with our latest little art project.  

It is a tree that we painted- not sure where we are going to put it or how I am going to display it.  My original thought was cover it in white lights but we aren't open at night, so no one would see that....  It looks neat just like it is though.  I might just pot it up and leave it like that.  Had so many people try and buy it- it's my little creation.  Not for sale, sorry.  Hope everyone is enjoying their December - yes December.  Can you stand it?

Where does the time go???

Anticipation....

I can't wait- it is almost blooming... almost....

I have this little guy planted in the planter next to the gate, I put him in this past March.  I have watched him grow and been anticipating the bloom for weeks now and the time has finally come; well, almost....

It looks cool just like this, but it will open up into little flowers that the 

butterflies are supposed to adore.  Added bonus!

It is the Kalanchoe 'Behrahensis'.

The weather here in Austin is INCREDIBLE, and has been these past few days.

This is my kind of fall!!!

I Never Quite Get Used to These.....

Sorry- I am not a baby, but I just don't quite ever get used to these.....

I mean, it's not like I run off screaming or anything, 

I just don't want to pick him up and play with him if you know what I mean.  

 He's just staring at me!!!

He was hanging out in the back on this tree art thing we are making.  When I was snapping his photo he began rocking back and forth.  

 I was worried I was scaring him, so I didn't take too many shots and left him alone.

So bizarre looking!!!!  No?

I Never Tire....

I never get tired watching the wildlife at the nursery.

This weekend was one in particular that just was captivating.

 The Monarchs have been hanging around all week long but Saturday and Sunday it was intense.

The customers were stopping, standing and staring. 

They could have cared less that I was standing there snapping photos.

 Monarchs were everywhere- I mean everywhere.

 Last weekend the Butterfly bush was a big hit with them, but this weekend it was the Butterfly Weed.

 Coming in for a landing.

It was truly mesmerizing.  

Hope everyone had a great weekend.