Could The Weather Be A Little Crazier???

If you don't like the weather, stick around, it will change….

It has been 24 degrees and 79 degrees all in a 5 day span.  Crazy?  Nah, just Texas.

 We have had a couple of really pretty days the last few weeks.

 This past weekend for example was BEAUTIFUL.  Then there was today….. not so much….

 So we just enjoy the pretty days and wait for the heat to return, or at least I do.

 The succulents are rockin' and rollin' in the succulent house blooming like mad.  When the cold brings me down, I just go walk in there and look at all the blooms and smile.

It won't be long and we will all be wondering when we get relief from the heat, but personally, I love the 100 degree days.  Call me crazy but I do.

Part 3- A Visit to El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende

 Here are the remainder of my photos from our visit to El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende.  It was so incredible to see everything in a natural setting.  If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit!  It is wonderful! 

 Above is a photo of the Dam of the Reservoir.  The following are photos of the area near the dam.

 This is a Furcrea.  These are not cold hardy in our area but make great container specimens.

 I love lichen grows on the rocks- the vibrant colors amaze me. 

 Above is a view into the canyon.  The view in person is stunning. 

 This is a little area they have called the Plaza of the Four Winds which have several Pre-Columbian symbols which are beautiful. 

There is lavender everywhere- they have a beautiful display of it in the Plaza- you can see it and smell it all over town as well- it thrives in the dry climate there. 

The Watermill Ruins (shown above) are remarkably in good shape considering their age.

This concludes my "tour" of our visit.  I hope you enjoyed the photos- several of you have written me directly with questions- please feel free to do so- we had an incredible time and am happy to share experiences, give suggestions on the town etc… It was truly amazing. 

Part 2- A Visit to El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende

Here we go for Part 2 of our visit to El Charco del Ingenio, Mexico, the Botanical Garden in San Miguel de Allende.  This was a neat little "cave" they had there you could go inside.  They had a fun little area for kids (and grown-ups…)

 The Conservatory was a beautiful collection and display of a wide variety of cacti and succulents from all over Mexico.

 Some were clearly more fragile than others and were in little cages.

 I loved this little display- the Burro Tail has always been a favorite and I love how it cascades over the rock in this pairing.

 They had nice little plaques on some of the plants detailing name and region.

 The displays were pretty- they used every square inch in a creative way.  They had a little water area running through the middle as well which added to the atmosphere.

 Another setting.

 I loved the structure of this one.

 Another fun little setting.

 The Reservoir can ben seen from just about all the pathways.

 I liked this display.

 Here is a little fern, Scaly Cloak Fern, that has gotten a lot of attention (at least in Austin) as of late- here it is seen growing out of some rocks- there were several here and there but I liked how this one was peeking out.  

 The ducks sunbathing on the little island.

 I am not sure what this was but I liked it.

Another little guy I was not sure what it was but I liked the texture to it.  I will post the final part which has photos of the dam and the canyon area next to that which was really amazing.

A Visit to El Charco del Ingenio- Botanical Garden in San Miguel de Allende- Part 1

We just returned from an incredible visit to El Charco del Ingenio- Botanical Garden in San Miguel del Allende, Mexico.  It was amazing.  I loved seeing all the plants in their habitat.  I got some great photos- hope you enjoy!!!

I have divided this into 3 posts as I had several photos.

 The front display bed.

 Another display bed- look at the size of that Yucca!!!

 I love how they have placed everything.

 Beautiful sedum crawling along the rock.

 Good ol' Agave with some Graptoveria growing along the bottom.  

 View of the Reservoir.  

Look at the size of this cactus!!!! 

 Another beautiful pairing!!

 Always love the Yuccas.

 Look at the setting- amazing.

 Agave display garden.

 Hail to the Queen!

 Look at the size of the Dasylirion!!!! Stunning!!!

Post 2 coming soon……. 

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!!!!