Aging Gracefully

One of the loveliest things about hydrangeas is how they age. These two plants, both 'Blushing Bride', have been blooming all summer and are now turning into what will be charming fall blooms that are drying naturally.

Native Foxgloves

It is August and these native foxgloves are still blooming. Although most California natives can get by with no water in the summer, with just a little irrigation they will continue to bloom, as long as they don't get over watered.

Crowding

I write a monthly column on shrubs and perennials and one of the things I always tell the reader is to adhere to the spacing requirements on the labels of new plants that they are positioning in the garden. I warn them not to be impatient and plant too close together because it will only result in more work in the long run. Plants will have to be moved or pruned more often and are more prone to diseases when they are crammed together and there is not enough air circulation. Then of course I go and do the exact opposite in my own garden as seen in the photo of the pelargonium, sweet potato vine and stachys all crowded together. So as I say, not as I do!

Blogging Bees!

I have noticed so many photos on blogs of bees I just had to add my own. I ran across this little honey bee enjoying a Shasta daisy while I was out capturing images of the garden. Sweet.

Crazy Blooms!

This little 'Disneyland' rose that was just planted a few months ago is just blooming like crazy. One cut of that stem and I will have a complete bouquet!

Butterfly Folly

I have one little stalk of Butterfly Weed (asclepias tuberosa) although I suspect it will spread by next year which will delight me because the butterflies love this plant! Which just proves the old saying, one gardener's weed is another gardener's treasure!

Felt Plant

This is one of my favorite succulents because of its soft bluish green color and its soft, fuzzy leaves. It is a member of the kalanchoe family and true to its family characteristics is very easy to propagate. It is living in harmony next to a clump of fragrant heliotrope.

Lavender and roses

One advantage to having two gardens is that when one is scarce on blooms, the other one is usually abundant. My Laguna garden is looking a bit tired this time of year, but my garden in San Juan Capistrano is in full bloom!

Flat Jack

This charming bronze sculpture lives in our 'Flying Rabbit Island' in San Juan Capistrano and is one of my favorite pieces of art in the garden. It is by artist Tim Cherry. It is entitled 'Flat Jack'.

Pink Angels

This is a bloom from one of my many brugmansias (Angel Trumpets) which is one of my favorites. It is about eight feet high and when it blooms in the spring it has up to fifty or sixty blossoms on it all at once and the scent is overwhelming! The interesting leaf is probably the result of an iron deficiency. Although I usually feed them in the spring they seem to deplete the soil quickly.