It has been ages since I have put up a post. There are several reasons for this, but the main one is that it has been so hot and dry for the past three months that I have spent most of my free time watering and mulching the gardens in an effort just to keep everything alive during the hottest summer ever on record here in the central Texas Hill Country. I lost a few plants, but most hung in there and now that rains have come and the temperatures are in the 80s and 90s they are rewarding us with a fresh blush of growth and blooms. It is all so lovely after such a long brown and dustry summer that I couldn’t resist taking a bunch of pictures to share with everyone.
View of Courtyard From Driveway
The plumbago at the courtyard entrance is my favorite shade of blue.
Plumbago at Courtyard Entrance
The rock garden rose path becons the passerby to take a detour.
Rock Garden Rose Path
The new dawn rose has not yet reached to top of the rose arbor. Pehaps next year……
Rose Arbor at East End of Courtyard
The north courtyard bed is maturing well and is full of interest year round.
Courtyard North Bed
The general look and feel of the courtyard is developing as time goes by.
[1]
Courtyard View
The west courtyard bed is strictly a perennial bed.
[2]
Courtyard West Perennial Bed
The grotto area continues to fill in with plant material. This is by far my favorite place to sit and enjoy the gardens. There is always a cool breeze blowing here, and the views and the sound of the grotto waterfall are very pleasant and soothing.
[3]
Courtyard Grotto Area
The penta and vincas have been surprisingly successful. I have other plans for this bed, but I ran out of time to get the plants I wanted for it so we just bought these annuals and stuck them in for the short term. These plants have bloomed profusely all summer long. Just incredible.
Penta and Vincas in Trellis Bed
Close View of Penta Bed
The remaining pictures show various views of the gardens and retaining wall area. I am so pleased with how much interest and variety we have incorporated into the area so far, and I look forward to refining the look in years to come.
Trellis and Valley View Beyond
Upper and Lower Courtyard Gardens
Trellis Walkway
Vegetable and Herb Gardens
I hope your fall has been as refreshing and rejuvinating as ours has been so far.
Happy Gardening Y’all.
6 Comments To "Fall Showers and Flowers"
#1 Comment By Charlotte On September 28, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
This looks incredible – I’m really glad I stopped by!
#2 Comment By Carol On September 29, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Hi Charlotte – after taking a spin around your blog I am honored by your compliment. Your blog is first class!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment & link to your blog.
~Carol
#3 Comment By Noelle On September 30, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
What a beautiful garden. I enjoy your blog was well. I am looking forward to reading more.
#4 Comment By Carol On September 30, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Hey Noelle – you also have a great blog. Most of the plants that you feature would do very well here. Our area becomes more like the desert sw every year.
Cheers~Carol
#5 Comment By Kathy On October 4, 2009 @ 10:50 pm
Hi Carol,
I am glad to see you blogging again! I missed the nice views of your gardens and your incremental designs. I am sure that you are happy for the rain. Your courtyard is looking great!
Kathy
#6 Comment By Carol On October 5, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Hi Kathy, thanks for stopping by and offering blogging encouragement and garden compliments! Summers here can be trying for a gardener. The only time it is pleasant to be outside is in the early morning, so that is when all gardening occurs. After this summer I am definitely going to be looking for more cactus and succulents to add to my gardens. ~ Carol