We planted the first plants in the courtyard raised beds late last winter, so this is the first real spring for them. I am watching with great interest to see when each plant begins to bloom as I have tried to group plants according to sun requirements, complimentary color and form characteristics, water needs, and I also want continuous blooming from early spring to late fall. So far I am happy with how the courtyard gardens are progressing. The most prolific bloomer in the courtyard at the moment is the pink Laura Bush petunia, which has been blooming since late February, and is starting to choke out the Texas Sotol cactus. I’m going to have to cut it back soon so as not to lose the cactus.
The west bed has the most bloom interest, as far as variety is concerned, but the blooms are small and kind of scattered right now. It may be a year or two before I have the large masses of color that I am aiming for.
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West Courtyard Perennial Bed
This native red penstemon was propagated from a plant that my next door neighbor gave me when we first moved here ten years ago. I started more of them from seed this fall, and have planted another group of them in another location in the same bed for balance.
Red Penstemon Blooms
The pink guara has just started to bloom. This is a great plant for our area, as it tolerates the hot and dry conditions and blooms all summer long.
Pink Guara Bloom
I inherited this echivera several years ago, but I don’t remember it ever blooming so prolifically. Even if it never bloomed I would still prize this plant for the subtle changes in color of the leaves that takes place as the seasons change. Sometimes it is steel gray. Other times is is gray green. And in the winter, the leaves acquire a velvety mauve color.
Echivera Blooms
All of the red yuccas are about to burst into bloom, and they are striking. The hummers love these guys. You can also see the wheelbarrow planting in the background of this picture, which survived the winter in fine style, much to my surprise.
Red Yuccas About to Bloom
Happy spring y’all!
4 Comments To "Early Blooms in the Courtyard"
#1 Comment By bangchik On March 31, 2009 @ 6:26 am
I envy the space that you have …. It is ideal to play around with concepts … very interesting. cheers! ~ bangchik
#2 Comment By Carol On March 31, 2009 @ 8:06 am
Hi Bangchik – I am indeed fortunate to have so much space. Large spaces can be kind of intimidating at first, but once you get started working in the space it all seems to work out in the end. Of course, with gardening, there is no end. Which is why I adore gardening so much.
I love your blog. So unique.
Regards,
Carol
#3 Comment By Dawn On April 4, 2009 @ 4:18 am
What beautiful blooms on your Red Penstemon! And I love the photo of your pink guara. I just bought some more to add to my garden this week. It’s so dependable.
#4 Comment By Carol On April 4, 2009 @ 11:02 am
Hi Dawn – the Red Penstemon is one of my favorites as well. I am amazed at how easy it is to propagate from seeds and divisions. And I was just saying to my husband this morning that we need to get more guaras. You are so right about them being dependable.
Cheers – Carol