The weather here in Central Texas has been ‘as good as it gets’ for the past few weeks. The temperatures have been a little below normal, and the humidity has been low. Even the wind has been more gentle lately. All of this means that the gardens are growing rapidly. I am struggling to keep up with the watering and weeding, but with the pleasant temperatures (low 70s in the afternoons), even these are enjoyable chores. I just wish there were more hours in the day, and that I had unlimited energy to do all the things that I want to do. Sigh.
I have been taking numerous pictures, mostly for my future on-line garden journal (one of those things that I can’t ever seem to get to…), but some are worth posting to my blog. So here are my favorites, and the rest are on my Flickr page [1].
I direct seeded this larkspur Beauty Spires Mix last fall, and they are at their height of blooming right now. I love the combination of colors in this mix; white, purple, and pink. They remind me of the delphiniums that I used to grow in Wisconsin.
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Larkspurs, Salvias, Pansies, Prairie Primroses, and Knock Out Rose
The native wisteria started to bloom this week. It gets thicker every year, and is starting to cover the oak tree adjacent to the deck. I collected some seeds from this plant a couple of years ago which germinated easily, and is becoming well established in the west garden area.
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View of the Deck, Arbor, and Valley
[4]
Wisteria on the Deck Arbor
This rusty blackhaw viburnum was here when we moved in, but was stunted with the upper branches growing more horizontally than vertically due to low hanging oak branches above it. Several years ago we opened up the canopy above the blackhaw, and trimmed the possumhaw that is growing next to it, and it is now starting to send up vertical limbs again. This tree is lovely in the spring, summer, and fall. I think I need another one closer to the house.
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Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum
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Rusty Blackhaw Bloom Close Up
I have been wanting some copper canyon daisies for years, and I finally got some. I planted three around a big boulder in the front courtyard, and they are all in bloom now.
Copper Canyon Daisy
The knock out rose hedge on the north side of the courtyard is filling in nicely and is blooming vigorously. I am very pleased with how this bed is looking as it begins to take shape.
[7]
Knock Out Rose Hedge in Courtyard
I am a sucker for pink roses, and this Belinda’s Dream pink rose is destined to be one of my favorites I think. This photo was taken just as this bud was opening three days ago. This same bloom is now wide open and is absolutely beautiful.
Belinda’s Dream Rose
Well, it’s time to go move the sprinkler.
Adios for now.