Strappy

I'm not sure if you would call 'strappy' a texture, but that is what this New Zealand flax (phormium tenax) adds to the garden. Sometimes it is hard to find easy to grow, medium sized plants that interest and color, but flax seems to fit the bill in our climate. I grow all kinds of different ones to reflect the color scheme in a garden bed (see yesterday's post) or as an accent in an otherwise ho-hum area. It is actually easy to forget about them, they are that carefree! They will grow in sun or partial shade, although their colors fade a bit in the shade. They do bloom and put on quite a show with the tall flower stalks that the hummingbirds love. Nice!

Mums In July

The gardening books say to stop pinching back chrysanthemums this month to allow flowers to form for fall bloom. Too late! My mums can't wait to appear and are happy to mingle with the summer flowers, like the osteospermum. If I were ruthless I would cut them all back one more time, but I just can't do that right now!

Black Stems

I don't use too many tropical plants in the garden, but every once in a while I lose focus while at the nursery and end up bringing home something that is way out of the plan. That is what happened with this taro (colocasia esculenta) plant. But I must say I am intrigued with these beautiful black stems and the contrast they add to the garden.
Taro is used in many regions of the world as a food, the root being the edible portion. I have grown it around my pond in Laguna and it loves the water and actually moved right into the waterfall causing all kinds of problems. It is also called elephant ears for obvious reasons. I know it is out of place in this bed with the scabiosa and roses, but it has my attention for now.

Banana Trees

I grow banana trees because they are fun! After at least fifteen years of growing banana trees I think I have only eaten one or two actual bananas from my own trees, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating them. They are easy and simple to grow in our climate. They are dramatic to look at, the orioles love to build their nests in them, and the fruit stalks are just cool to have in the garden. I have some large trees in Laguna but I put these small ones in SJC to get some growing here. They haven't done much yet, but I expect them to take off next year!

Furnishing the Gravel Garden

There seems to be a curse on the Gravel Garden. I have been having a heck of a time getting the thing finished! It seems that everything I order for it in the way of adornment, including the table, chairs and lighting has been riddled with issues and problems. I finally am at least at a point where it is somewhat what I had envisioned; a cool, romantic location to spend warm summer evenings with friends over a good meal and a bottle of wine. (My original fantasy included a meal from the home grown vegetables from the garden, but I have abandoned that idea until some serious fencing is appropriated for the veggie garden.) Now if only we would get some "warm" summer evenings!

The Second Flush

The gardens are looking a bit quiet right now, at least compared to what they are in the spring. The iris, except for a few rebloomers, are done, the lilies are wrapping up their show, and the roses, only blooming here and there. The exception is this amazing second flush of the climber, 'Royal Sunset'. I cannot say enough good things about this rose. It is lovely, fragrant and dependable. I may find a spot for another one next spring!

Gayfeather

I am quite fond of this bulb, liatris spicata or Gayfeather. I always seem to plant it as a side note that comes in a package of mixed bulbs. Every year when it blooms I wish I had planted more because it is a happy camper in the garden and makes a stunning flower for arrangements. I walked into a building yesterday and there was a huge arraignment of beautiful flowers including about thirty of these tall spiky blooms. It was stunning. Now I just need to plant about 27 more!

Drizzly Days

The unseasonably cool and drizzly weather is back after a week of sunshine and high temperatures.
I know there is much worse weather happening elsewhere in the country, so I'm not complaining. Besides, some of the plants prefer this weather and are quite happy.
Those that crave the sunshine (including me), are just going to have to be patient because it's an el nino year for sure!

The Garlic Harvest

We harvested some garlic from the garden that was ready to be pulled up and be cured. I plant it in the fall around where the tomato plants are going because there is a rumor that it discourages hornworms. I don't know if this is true, but I never am bothered with the nasty buggers, so I'll continue the practice. Now if only I could find a deterrent for all the furry mammals that are eating the tomatoes before they even ripen!

A Dahlia - Finally!

I was thrilled to see this beautiful dahlia, 'Jammin' Jelly' blooming in a perennial bed in the backyard in SJC. I have been trying for a couple years to get some dahlias established. The first year I forgot to order them. The second year I ordered them but they never got planted before they rotted. This year I ordered them, they came and I got them in the ground immediately. I have been watching the sparse growth on the ones I have seen come up and have wondered if I was going to get any blooms, when - viola!
I do love things that you stick in the ground, cover with dirt and then forget about only to be surprised by their appearance months later. And this was no disappointment!