tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85745402929187611822024-03-18T18:57:11.825-07:00Late to the Garden PartyRenovating an Established Garden One Step at a TimeKris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.comBlogger1822125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-70975340361245766092024-03-18T06:30:00.000-07:002024-03-18T06:30:00.131-07:00In a Vase on Monday: The Leucospermums show off<p>It's been a bit windy but the combination of sunny skies and slightly warmer temperatures has sent spring into hyperdrive. I didn't even have to give much thought as to what to cut to fill a couple of vases. I hadn't planned on a third arrangement but then I decided I couldn't leave the anemones to the wind's punishment.</p><p>I'll start with the two arrangements featuring <i>Leucospermums</i>.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFSV4QoVIYGdQJ9rA4XPwnUdxirTqEliWICFZBtKkQ7z__eoqt4FpBKQNeAvcYwLeBissAqqVgWbGC_f_h3L3oFU4huUB8BeVFNDj-0DwVrcKMjQT_dtHPbuLlK9xAs5ariCFdErY8BCMj0L5jPqBlQGZqqQRcG9VgnaicAWEcJCrgDTUK7v8svPfXWvJv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1000" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFSV4QoVIYGdQJ9rA4XPwnUdxirTqEliWICFZBtKkQ7z__eoqt4FpBKQNeAvcYwLeBissAqqVgWbGC_f_h3L3oFU4huUB8BeVFNDj-0DwVrcKMjQT_dtHPbuLlK9xAs5ariCFdErY8BCMj0L5jPqBlQGZqqQRcG9VgnaicAWEcJCrgDTUK7v8svPfXWvJv=w640-h553" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While this is yet another blue and yellow arrangement, the contents are entirely different from those I used last week. In addition to <i>Leucospermum 'High Gold'</i>, I used 2 varieties of Dutch Iris. The Irises began popping up in a variety of colors seemingly overnight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU-hJBeGFjP1UQt2mFG7HI7-I3ypXwPf3YRRx86Y_v4z0E8kg3Dtd0u7vR3zrdYVs-aUagpQ0WQikjrDoEummJM42x82B1avHU-uGZOnXZJgCg7IpFhIONxkILWuhwTGTZXEHjTmQ1omJEKRg4v81PmdQYyu0gAybWiLMsPpsMosdDQBzJdLZmUr9zWMh0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1000" height="557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU-hJBeGFjP1UQt2mFG7HI7-I3ypXwPf3YRRx86Y_v4z0E8kg3Dtd0u7vR3zrdYVs-aUagpQ0WQikjrDoEummJM42x82B1avHU-uGZOnXZJgCg7IpFhIONxkILWuhwTGTZXEHjTmQ1omJEKRg4v81PmdQYyu0gAybWiLMsPpsMosdDQBzJdLZmUr9zWMh0=w640-h557" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJGlPRlvAIU9ICWb4P3ssY-txNzwqcXtTCrQhizqpIIGuD0Rym5nsYDKXoRs8h_DlDYHwajXCxvxP2N12uJs2ouajfon_6zV36nZm5JBfaIkNsq34lLU735ZWKNRINWj4OJ9aRhBQhJwAHjlZwjUu9Z__GgrPVXRlvmVwVePBRyEXIv_4kS9YhS6zRfehS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1000" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJGlPRlvAIU9ICWb4P3ssY-txNzwqcXtTCrQhizqpIIGuD0Rym5nsYDKXoRs8h_DlDYHwajXCxvxP2N12uJs2ouajfon_6zV36nZm5JBfaIkNsq34lLU735ZWKNRINWj4OJ9aRhBQhJwAHjlZwjUu9Z__GgrPVXRlvmVwVePBRyEXIv_4kS9YhS6zRfehS=w640-h598" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTWpXLKXHRnXaSrl_MVo7faSrd4sg7F-is3sGpdpWf11lY7_oD0PLUpxMXaTR16NsYGzzXVCFyOwL9kDNamX6qWa2Iu9Q3NYa0t7HVE96VMCkhvNe_rLp4fr0tsEFQFQlm0OI7uF8u_plTErWd3L8zJ2e9j95nTWLneKlUToZY4_qfVwwaak3mHwXRk1En" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTWpXLKXHRnXaSrl_MVo7faSrd4sg7F-is3sGpdpWf11lY7_oD0PLUpxMXaTR16NsYGzzXVCFyOwL9kDNamX6qWa2Iu9Q3NYa0t7HVE96VMCkhvNe_rLp4fr0tsEFQFQlm0OI7uF8u_plTErWd3L8zJ2e9j95nTWLneKlUToZY4_qfVwwaak3mHwXRk1En=w520-h640" width="520" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt', Iris hollandica 'Mystic Beauty', I. h. 'Sapphire Beauty', Leucadendron 'High Gold', Narcissus 'White Lion'</i>, and hybrid <i>Salvia 'Bee's Bliss'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>The second arrangement was inspired by <i>Leucospermum 'Royal Hawaiian Brandi'</i>.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_USYTuZhrhhN2zCwFbIfN-NXIWS2MeUHLDhw7YxLhbYBXMeobE7NKbN6ctp9yAWcjUXTEItOqDELRlaoewMIB13RGAbltnzo5KtWhVqdTyjGsoEfEsRvx3fn8VDs9c729FJoYjWclJ1xZxkiKLSlbYUtRUttdg8PnENkV0Dbcp5fF82o1-Yjdld6Em8Il" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="983" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_USYTuZhrhhN2zCwFbIfN-NXIWS2MeUHLDhw7YxLhbYBXMeobE7NKbN6ctp9yAWcjUXTEItOqDELRlaoewMIB13RGAbltnzo5KtWhVqdTyjGsoEfEsRvx3fn8VDs9c729FJoYjWclJ1xZxkiKLSlbYUtRUttdg8PnENkV0Dbcp5fF82o1-Yjdld6Em8Il=w629-h640" width="629" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although inspired by the orange <i>Leucospermum</i>, this is another of my "everything but the kitchen sink" compilations</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJEGi_yXNuaKd27V-kVzbgMwPzzJaP7DIePiqHw7ylyywb2yForkmM8szF-SH_xnOtaqvxTr8rUe5_UdL8qRc7yjzAdLx_oQehFtaZ_BEgKAcZBcQE9FuDJlcKhzAC8PnBbmEc9bbOGKLxQw7RBzCQPnuGutzmCT4zKYCJVksWjDUWgsI7H13LyP0maJpf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJEGi_yXNuaKd27V-kVzbgMwPzzJaP7DIePiqHw7ylyywb2yForkmM8szF-SH_xnOtaqvxTr8rUe5_UdL8qRc7yjzAdLx_oQehFtaZ_BEgKAcZBcQE9FuDJlcKhzAC8PnBbmEc9bbOGKLxQw7RBzCQPnuGutzmCT4zKYCJVksWjDUWgsI7H13LyP0maJpf=w635-h640" width="635" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: I threw in a foxglove and 2 calla lilies that probably didn't need to be there</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3qrRcukfU4qASraJtxlaE5YgHg4fZYwH7hSa9Z9EKdiVH6D3moaXOKk6Bfp_B2MtoltKhIubtisQyi19jNPSqiXe_nu3UdB9hUQUaJBXtfC3wzJUHcuwwSOvnLFjEJhN5FI5Ay110nVrf6dBLqwEk7TGhsfZScMuD6rm56J74Y-ZuAzvqIsw3O-spGEUP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1000" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3qrRcukfU4qASraJtxlaE5YgHg4fZYwH7hSa9Z9EKdiVH6D3moaXOKk6Bfp_B2MtoltKhIubtisQyi19jNPSqiXe_nu3UdB9hUQUaJBXtfC3wzJUHcuwwSOvnLFjEJhN5FI5Ay110nVrf6dBLqwEk7TGhsfZScMuD6rm56J74Y-ZuAzvqIsw3O-spGEUP=w640-h571" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgECOmxLOJ1uIPTRSjdqTidmAx9n7av68cnNPuegz0iROr_1PrkHOhGiJ1-UNRZt71EOby20CvHmmK8th9pEANo7O8u7rPQbO8xlIU5rFToq-Fv_z8r5LpGhTq0jY9dSJnfJOazvSjFkOly777Ihnsbq6UBFQVzqwjVZCX-yewrNKuc1DfX4OGpHH2hx21E" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3145" data-original-width="3264" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgECOmxLOJ1uIPTRSjdqTidmAx9n7av68cnNPuegz0iROr_1PrkHOhGiJ1-UNRZt71EOby20CvHmmK8th9pEANo7O8u7rPQbO8xlIU5rFToq-Fv_z8r5LpGhTq0jY9dSJnfJOazvSjFkOly777Ihnsbq6UBFQVzqwjVZCX-yewrNKuc1DfX4OGpHH2hx21E=w640-h617" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: <i>Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope', Antirrhinum majus</i>, and <i>Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Peach'</i><br />Middle: <i>Leucadendron 'Cloudbank Ginny', Leucospermum 'Royal Hawaiian Brandi'</i>, and <i>Narcissus 'Beautiful Eyes'</i><br />Bottom: <i>Narcissus 'Sunny Girlfriend', Ranunculus</i>, and <i>Zantedeschia aethiopica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>I hadn't figured on <i>Anemone 'Rosa Tigrato'</i> delivering half a dozen blooms in my cutting garden but, having seen what wind can do to them, there wasn't really any question in my mind about cutting some of them for a third arrangement.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQR4q7elJ9qup72RGJrbP7H6JkZx6UEawosIq-EBJWrlRGLqIlCvB61KzAaJOMi4PNXQJv5p5fxM19h_UpYTJgXBzgvpWFbGcxNifFcOlC6As_zybwGbpXcAK8zn-1i-Df634R4qvxJrSSMphJS334iktLtPhkurn3MPbr1KIrqasIp1QUrKVA0hwxA7CW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1000" height="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQR4q7elJ9qup72RGJrbP7H6JkZx6UEawosIq-EBJWrlRGLqIlCvB61KzAaJOMi4PNXQJv5p5fxM19h_UpYTJgXBzgvpWFbGcxNifFcOlC6As_zybwGbpXcAK8zn-1i-Df634R4qvxJrSSMphJS334iktLtPhkurn3MPbr1KIrqasIp1QUrKVA0hwxA7CW=w640-h519" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to the red and white anemones, I included the stem of <i>Helleborus 'Anna's Red</i>' I'd used in one of last week's arrangements. I was surprised that it was still in good shape and that one of the buds had opened.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMUjOx84wgPJf4MUtKV7OBI5ehySf6Oct__uYLEGkWowovsOfUIzVPGgV4hSlXNei55btL9U_FCoI9jnbJvRjwud0kcKWJOejPPkjFS-ZukDROCu0QXBk0De0ITLN4xOMLS99NcLkEY6AIvDKHPCcr1pQGL6yeNN3xD1pzxXfdJmtSBbZYzbYGGAs4pMer" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1000" height="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMUjOx84wgPJf4MUtKV7OBI5ehySf6Oct__uYLEGkWowovsOfUIzVPGgV4hSlXNei55btL9U_FCoI9jnbJvRjwud0kcKWJOejPPkjFS-ZukDROCu0QXBk0De0ITLN4xOMLS99NcLkEY6AIvDKHPCcr1pQGL6yeNN3xD1pzxXfdJmtSBbZYzbYGGAs4pMer=w640-h519" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBzDNMY3AXyTcyATaTuXfjqPyLiHfLmoMQf17EClkb9aBaaNFSD410rFepo6uuBkM4hG3fpq7aS5mRIb4aY6hRJWV-soqRm4-SoCsuRVD7-YF80NwkPLt_3UC8NblL8E2oDp_EVkGkqKsIWUUem_eLzxXOCS4tBgtRqw4XCk8p8U7zaovZDrHrnwQ9gfKm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBzDNMY3AXyTcyATaTuXfjqPyLiHfLmoMQf17EClkb9aBaaNFSD410rFepo6uuBkM4hG3fpq7aS5mRIb4aY6hRJWV-soqRm4-SoCsuRVD7-YF80NwkPLt_3UC8NblL8E2oDp_EVkGkqKsIWUUem_eLzxXOCS4tBgtRqw4XCk8p8U7zaovZDrHrnwQ9gfKm=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwnyO2E952cE9cWRs-GT36idR5fFPaX8l18NeLBquGEN5DO2tJhkfItJB6avgBTQD0TsXo5wslDW4YM6fmZa4NEmZth2qVR2vQK2wkLEP576WL4o7EoG-r2P5PtHZRcsZiXy9NtVToMRw5m3JDmNvsinGkIFtNvmW4UNXQf5pO6kaqtAWTxmgDTAP5hCNR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2740" data-original-width="3264" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwnyO2E952cE9cWRs-GT36idR5fFPaX8l18NeLBquGEN5DO2tJhkfItJB6avgBTQD0TsXo5wslDW4YM6fmZa4NEmZth2qVR2vQK2wkLEP576WL4o7EoG-r2P5PtHZRcsZiXy9NtVToMRw5m3JDmNvsinGkIFtNvmW4UNXQf5pO6kaqtAWTxmgDTAP5hCNR=w640-h537" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Anemone coronaria 'Rosa Tigrato', Grevillea lavandulcea 'Penola', Freesia, Calliandra haematocephala</i>, and <i>Helleborus 'Anna's Red'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>There are a couple of chances of light rain next weekend and early the following week but those could easily disappear. However, my fingers are crossed that we get at least one more good rainstorm before our rainy season comes to an end in mid-April. My smallest rain collection tank literally sprung a leak during the last set of storms so I lost fifty gallons there and I don't have its replacement installed yet. I'd like to start our long dry season with all my tanks full if possible.</p><p><br /></p><p>For more IAVOM posts, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9o_iCG_6iUqOab7Lp5JyNz-mPYyCwt1K14S0Cwu_AMuUrt-GeU7wmirC2VXx8RTQx0RdCctGohY5KHMgFzBpyCq8dEYcMYrzL3iQ7yhkFHgC9TOgsL2zKKB1B5tOm6JJkswEqCx9xlvaO0CK3RIku_MQSaPHUX1852e5o0OYuj7bvP-DSvR0cfrqHJs7w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="3264" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9o_iCG_6iUqOab7Lp5JyNz-mPYyCwt1K14S0Cwu_AMuUrt-GeU7wmirC2VXx8RTQx0RdCctGohY5KHMgFzBpyCq8dEYcMYrzL3iQ7yhkFHgC9TOgsL2zKKB1B5tOm6JJkswEqCx9xlvaO0CK3RIku_MQSaPHUX1852e5o0OYuj7bvP-DSvR0cfrqHJs7w=w640-h220" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-26098498022257649312024-03-15T06:30:00.000-07:002024-03-15T06:30:00.133-07:00Bloom Day - March 2024<p>Is spring already working up to its peak in coastal Southern California? It certainly feels like that's the case. We've had more than a week of sunny skies after regular rounds of rain since January. The temperatures have been warmer too, although we've only occasionally reached the low 70sF thus far.</p><p>I'm going to start this Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day post with the bulb flowers as, more than any others, they celebrate the spring season.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL5pdSOUAElRIfifQyYug8MEC9QNsWzos6fOy-3crWpLtJbnn0TYdbY937QUeF1vGYN1iFZBWBLqc7bDq6hRlqFoHmK1_K_gjoOwC34B6mvTPWd8kTS6zc2Qis2ZltDJDibQflK7n2czb-0MZN2JpZbiBU2UAWJa530GKQbUZn0VGirmFk30uMSmiiK0i-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3264" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL5pdSOUAElRIfifQyYug8MEC9QNsWzos6fOy-3crWpLtJbnn0TYdbY937QUeF1vGYN1iFZBWBLqc7bDq6hRlqFoHmK1_K_gjoOwC34B6mvTPWd8kTS6zc2Qis2ZltDJDibQflK7n2czb-0MZN2JpZbiBU2UAWJa530GKQbUZn0VGirmFk30uMSmiiK0i-=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because <i>Scilla peruviana</i> (aka Portuguese squill) is looking its best at the moment, it got top billing. Every year, I plan to dig up and divide this clump but somehow I never get around to it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE5qmZzmxHqHDz0c6WpmptW3CyYXceSUL1mjeQXkRpNTwScdCxbvAaYQRxH7yiFJhq1h_ZRwY0nDeC1LwilY3-w2EqE5U2eqRYnHGhi1t5iW9eSfPTSGwNPpqWCVCPICVkzZCp2_0WlSHLfux9aUljslD0EaO86pGQti35C1OEgNUeXmwATWagcwm2Djrv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2191" data-original-width="3264" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE5qmZzmxHqHDz0c6WpmptW3CyYXceSUL1mjeQXkRpNTwScdCxbvAaYQRxH7yiFJhq1h_ZRwY0nDeC1LwilY3-w2EqE5U2eqRYnHGhi1t5iW9eSfPTSGwNPpqWCVCPICVkzZCp2_0WlSHLfux9aUljslD0EaO86pGQti35C1OEgNUeXmwATWagcwm2Djrv=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue <i>Anemone coronaria</i> are still putting on a good show. I think I've lost all the white <i>'Mount Everest'</i> bulbs I planted in the fall to a smothering blanket of marsh parsley weeds but a couple strays came back from those planted in prior years. I've also had several <i>'Rosa Tigrato'</i> blooms, one shown here adorned with a ladybug. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiG-ym5Cu4UVxcDiwByiD--td8qeeTM24K14gh36yIvixpuK2z7XDJq3tYjitLGVYUB8KQ0n158N1LiUO7OS1rjvESOA_OlXB-2Q0b0L_nwE7rgBdaWaJGTMNpGbCNPTEKgJfFEC0sCeyf1lqliqlgJlCTzCktlg7NfYjWkJiAX6DL9YozYZ4NR1QJKmNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2605" data-original-width="3264" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiG-ym5Cu4UVxcDiwByiD--td8qeeTM24K14gh36yIvixpuK2z7XDJq3tYjitLGVYUB8KQ0n158N1LiUO7OS1rjvESOA_OlXB-2Q0b0L_nwE7rgBdaWaJGTMNpGbCNPTEKgJfFEC0sCeyf1lqliqlgJlCTzCktlg7NfYjWkJiAX6DL9YozYZ4NR1QJKmNG=w640-h510" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white and yellow <i>Freesias</i> have peaked but the blue, pink and red varieties have appeared recently in small numbers. I think gophers may have cost me the majority of the blue ones this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV8vbH-u4sRvMHcxWTQM13d_2uoiVqXcAJSmN1Pgo_ehxuBXV6hRNv-Hw446SAHKjZYbjIo8gEzyXUvEIJrlMVAMbM7P9iTnppGh1JU9Re7q-aiZ5cGn0UtaG3Ueml1cWy5idgvoUYjyWrIdrWY6MLU0lVD9XMUsKuAjAlnS8I_PFk7ZYF6sq7NKD0lrMP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="3264" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV8vbH-u4sRvMHcxWTQM13d_2uoiVqXcAJSmN1Pgo_ehxuBXV6hRNv-Hw446SAHKjZYbjIo8gEzyXUvEIJrlMVAMbM7P9iTnppGh1JU9Re7q-aiZ5cGn0UtaG3Ueml1cWy5idgvoUYjyWrIdrWY6MLU0lVD9XMUsKuAjAlnS8I_PFk7ZYF6sq7NKD0lrMP=w640-h242" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ipheion uniflorum</i> (aka spring star flower and Mexican star) can still be found throughout the back garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCUTmfTyT2-bSNjqDXUbJD3tIZ0-x6ucMvsRCcf6Vd2DOJfJW0wkmG5Dl0rGZQeNC2lqL7diItf3536kTpiM4AwbjR-_44cdXnhUU6zL2R1c7E43RxIWJmlvdxBjzxOWkdu3reyPNo1DAQGASXILICsvEChwquvBDqMW5H7zQa_8RphFbH1ayVZi1Cb3jL" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2717" data-original-width="3264" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCUTmfTyT2-bSNjqDXUbJD3tIZ0-x6ucMvsRCcf6Vd2DOJfJW0wkmG5Dl0rGZQeNC2lqL7diItf3536kTpiM4AwbjR-_44cdXnhUU6zL2R1c7E43RxIWJmlvdxBjzxOWkdu3reyPNo1DAQGASXILICsvEChwquvBDqMW5H7zQa_8RphFbH1ayVZi1Cb3jL=w640-h533" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I haven't seen many <i>Narcissus 'Geranium'</i> yet but <i>'Beautiful Eyes'</i> (top row) came along like parade marchers. Those in the bottom row are a noID Tazetta type, a noID variety I planted my first year year here, and peach-colored <i>'Katie Heath'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcEi9BpzpXkNA1awGo5SYFUgwnikN6GrVQHTQ2zZ3LImXXn04SopPcTChrIy3YTu_cnnIZ4whaN8VEWDtVAfWwgcZDckYzyfH93oxy6EN1N_y9PExggMJKFAe6jsENQrpdi3QEYTo43Lahq2TM3PymVlsYtMgWSPshVWsallUMtQcL4ZrQVeKiwz5Yg0Z3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3264" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcEi9BpzpXkNA1awGo5SYFUgwnikN6GrVQHTQ2zZ3LImXXn04SopPcTChrIy3YTu_cnnIZ4whaN8VEWDtVAfWwgcZDckYzyfH93oxy6EN1N_y9PExggMJKFAe6jsENQrpdi3QEYTo43Lahq2TM3PymVlsYtMgWSPshVWsallUMtQcL4ZrQVeKiwz5Yg0Z3=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I planted 2 pots of orange <i>Ranunculu</i>s purchased in bud but I was tickled to see the plant on the left come back in a barrel I planted in spring 2023. Orange <i>Sparaxis tricolor</i> (right) are everywhere, although rainstorms flattened many of the flowers earlier this month.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDyRsEFm6yWN6Do0UyoE3i-zvQcPRoLRmJX-9QnxcS5_TPXwncOethiUUwMuPSI_wlx-Ny8WKTT4uSQ0gydH-jcUSU7r79JxZLD2ZX3Bn7swKtqtV9FHubjYIuRmFMomjGNHwlAi3lS0YTtMuSGAk8WTUMufWn7TIH8WwP-1_ouIfICn301jwj_TosJxZq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3264" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDyRsEFm6yWN6Do0UyoE3i-zvQcPRoLRmJX-9QnxcS5_TPXwncOethiUUwMuPSI_wlx-Ny8WKTT4uSQ0gydH-jcUSU7r79JxZLD2ZX3Bn7swKtqtV9FHubjYIuRmFMomjGNHwlAi3lS0YTtMuSGAk8WTUMufWn7TIH8WwP-1_ouIfICn301jwj_TosJxZq=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane'</i> showed up early this year. I'm still waiting on her cousin <i>'Cynthia'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQubm8szuVybNkqaLTmuu761VC1lHOPiP7XzKK9O5FwBAC7i9za0-KHchpqXQKDzu_xYisgALMfMj8KHfOfx27us9ZMDfaKNxrKQak8HPzVRpdeXZQfNjATjZBGLqrBpsH5kdJkh_t3ajKehU7Kv9zyYxnwe5pP1ZiMYr27_PPeNYcnfYN2XQX-jg_oS2r" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="3264" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQubm8szuVybNkqaLTmuu761VC1lHOPiP7XzKK9O5FwBAC7i9za0-KHchpqXQKDzu_xYisgALMfMj8KHfOfx27us9ZMDfaKNxrKQak8HPzVRpdeXZQfNjATjZBGLqrBpsH5kdJkh_t3ajKehU7Kv9zyYxnwe5pP1ZiMYr27_PPeNYcnfYN2XQX-jg_oS2r=w640-h260" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Iris hollandica 'Sapphire Beauty'</i> (left and middle) showed up just last week. The first <i>'Pink Panther'</i> flower (right) opened this week. Other Dutch <i>Irises</i> will be arriving in the following weeks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLBX6mkq-3wpq_AA3jfr_C6uPUmNBCYGFfn52kqUMeKbbMwpROf7nZN4mbBP6P-S-r7kubcQBFqT8pJKNk_DbiwhWnFvBlkDyYo3UD-D57QjlHWLzTBs_66byRZSLq9UiH5OWw7lSsnwNhW5Mek07XflWWGCGY-_vST7XDb4Jby8eAB6kWm79Om_dfJYt9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2675" data-original-width="3264" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLBX6mkq-3wpq_AA3jfr_C6uPUmNBCYGFfn52kqUMeKbbMwpROf7nZN4mbBP6P-S-r7kubcQBFqT8pJKNk_DbiwhWnFvBlkDyYo3UD-D57QjlHWLzTBs_66byRZSLq9UiH5OWw7lSsnwNhW5Mek07XflWWGCGY-_vST7XDb4Jby8eAB6kWm79Om_dfJYt9=w640-h524" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The potted <i>Hippeastrums</i> are fading fast. They don't appreciate standing in heavy rain or wind. Clockwise from the upper left are: <i>Hippeastrums 'Aphrodite', 'Evergreen', 'Exception', 'Lemon Star'</i>, and <i>'Zombie'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>I'm still waiting on most of the seeds I sowed in November.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGBJlFsbjBh2H4UISGAm4t-4WKdCqKuGpjGJ3fvefxurK-KG3R4XE9rFdd3RAiYzIQKbqh4rWlOh-eb4EmNvnxJSzBDtHUlepFfsdogmNSth9RyI1fhIkSjqGuHg-hXV3hGgThmY1V1BoHif7rlnmOBEoFfLEE4UmamkqAQyUzsRjHDHH-R12VGQ9BwpiZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1000" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGBJlFsbjBh2H4UISGAm4t-4WKdCqKuGpjGJ3fvefxurK-KG3R4XE9rFdd3RAiYzIQKbqh4rWlOh-eb4EmNvnxJSzBDtHUlepFfsdogmNSth9RyI1fhIkSjqGuHg-hXV3hGgThmY1V1BoHif7rlnmOBEoFfLEE4UmamkqAQyUzsRjHDHH-R12VGQ9BwpiZ=w640-h635" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sowed seeds of 5 varieties of sweet peas in November, 2 of them mixes. This one variety has bloomed for over a month without flowers from any of the others. My best guess is that it's one of the (unnamed) flowers included in the <i>Lathyrus annuus 'Mermaid Dreams'</i> mix. The larkspur seeds (<i>Consolida ajacis</i>) have produced lots of seedlings, some with buds. The <i>Nigella papillosa</i> seedlings are up but I've yet to see any buds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The flowering shrubs and perennials are piling on to the spring express train.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOdu2oCOzFh4wLBY1k6wCGA8XDFMHtHcfSORZO3s-uMOAckroo1kvvmJeGt4rHpoWbPs3BmfsBsxvndQTLfkSQcZVUsXyR1veTNsvBXGMxftBBdZMXh3H02cUebKbUbvuKf2CKDBZW_A29C-PBKAevHPIMNkLkHN5_p-twZV8oJ0tD-rUdEeXK9rB_xpS4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOdu2oCOzFh4wLBY1k6wCGA8XDFMHtHcfSORZO3s-uMOAckroo1kvvmJeGt4rHpoWbPs3BmfsBsxvndQTLfkSQcZVUsXyR1veTNsvBXGMxftBBdZMXh3H02cUebKbUbvuKf2CKDBZW_A29C-PBKAevHPIMNkLkHN5_p-twZV8oJ0tD-rUdEeXK9rB_xpS4=w640-h240" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Alstroemerias</i> are just getting started. Left to to right are a noID pink <i>Alstroemeria, A. 'Inca Lucky'</i>, and <i>A. 'Indian Summer'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitKYpwLaCzmznLyAd-iayd-zQD9n11W_eCNKicCOLtmi2nK1oJtbGExg9EnxMm83lprvIjo7BucOQzQWoeU-Mbf2wx8GbBWkfTWfAk2S7HXqYMXa5tsFrcxepr0uAGR27Sq50ObHf3LYf6Ae1BYfIoosKTLom2KTdDD8OIQv_84OfY4OWpIJtPfJ1Xk2fJ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2191" data-original-width="3264" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitKYpwLaCzmznLyAd-iayd-zQD9n11W_eCNKicCOLtmi2nK1oJtbGExg9EnxMm83lprvIjo7BucOQzQWoeU-Mbf2wx8GbBWkfTWfAk2S7HXqYMXa5tsFrcxepr0uAGR27Sq50ObHf3LYf6Ae1BYfIoosKTLom2KTdDD8OIQv_84OfY4OWpIJtPfJ1Xk2fJ=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctotis 'Pink Sugar'</i> (top row) were the first out the gate but yellow <i>'Large Marge'</i> and <i>'Opera Pink'</i> (bottom row) are working hard to catch up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihyYa30NL5ElEy66th2nZeMUM1ZX-B5SrskVj7-dvAsKVYpiAGzRd0oGlKW-I6OdIocel33pRc-WWRqgs6uK6KSncalhwRnCvCEyIxe4pJbWgwksgITBfER8Y_tjyRnztlB9CkVQ6CVE90MRQkzwQn7Xs78leYbroFY12d9iWIvF1-xEgxsgdlnxEVScYb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2538" data-original-width="3264" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihyYa30NL5ElEy66th2nZeMUM1ZX-B5SrskVj7-dvAsKVYpiAGzRd0oGlKW-I6OdIocel33pRc-WWRqgs6uK6KSncalhwRnCvCEyIxe4pJbWgwksgITBfER8Y_tjyRnztlB9CkVQ6CVE90MRQkzwQn7Xs78leYbroFY12d9iWIvF1-xEgxsgdlnxEVScYb=w640-h497" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Argyranthemum frutescens</i>, clockwise from the top left: <i>'Grandaisy Dark Pink', 'Pink Comet'</i>, and <i>'Angelic Maize'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTiHEWcNuiAyKP8vxfVvUDPqF7OH_IdhQC9wAD-TWlYLmtGNWlrQzLIY-OWht_QHZRUR37gliUZAxCXmVZ_DQccrLmawnPb3jYteY4cRHDf01TXUhRuKQo5zOOLVBGYjm_QTVR9QqxGy1856ejxee-Au1Wnztnc683pVJkJmLbb1H2DTBWyjdIBstbcac1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="3264" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTiHEWcNuiAyKP8vxfVvUDPqF7OH_IdhQC9wAD-TWlYLmtGNWlrQzLIY-OWht_QHZRUR37gliUZAxCXmVZ_DQccrLmawnPb3jYteY4cRHDf01TXUhRuKQo5zOOLVBGYjm_QTVR9QqxGy1856ejxee-Au1Wnztnc683pVJkJmLbb1H2DTBWyjdIBstbcac1=w640-h306" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Calliandra haematocephala</i> (aka red powder puff) is as pretty in bud (right) as in bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1vjzrQLlC21hr9wuJhQhuO-3adbMqQlBRkEg7R6agJREja_fgv2Hz2Fc6MthDzEZAnG3OwT-jG5_wktIZiLVHTIx8TsUrHojyptdNfK0SFdq_ToSSAoP9weP5dTGFmEI6ZaR00Z41VNMLEy4n4AxtjNC4a7Szut09nhREZtVvaUb6UNQIF1qta0K54XEm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2008" data-original-width="3264" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1vjzrQLlC21hr9wuJhQhuO-3adbMqQlBRkEg7R6agJREja_fgv2Hz2Fc6MthDzEZAnG3OwT-jG5_wktIZiLVHTIx8TsUrHojyptdNfK0SFdq_ToSSAoP9weP5dTGFmEI6ZaR00Z41VNMLEy4n4AxtjNC4a7Szut09nhREZtVvaUb6UNQIF1qta0K54XEm=w640-h394" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought <i>Camellia williamsii 'Taylor's Perfection'</i> was heading for the exit in mid-February but it surprised me with another, larger flush of bloom in March; however, the flowers are now dropping more rapidly and there are relatively few buds left to see it through another month</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibawuiuSUuP5zyPgubaAkJDdxUPu2VspZbEyifY3XVk8HUTSNqKIdXqy70PG5xlR0TanXlHXzWhLzMX8_7_Zag29WhSUmkIjskal3ETGHWvn9YcRIBGU5NgDYKvsHuGJOsRhLeGhOMa790ULPhB9Mzgxfm4xzoGaGldshQif8zi2fA4Rnvs7tIzzLYYEZM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="3264" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibawuiuSUuP5zyPgubaAkJDdxUPu2VspZbEyifY3XVk8HUTSNqKIdXqy70PG5xlR0TanXlHXzWhLzMX8_7_Zag29WhSUmkIjskal3ETGHWvn9YcRIBGU5NgDYKvsHuGJOsRhLeGhOMa790ULPhB9Mzgxfm4xzoGaGldshQif8zi2fA4Rnvs7tIzzLYYEZM=w640-h352" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a thicker blanket of flowers, I got better shots to capture the blue color of <i>Ceanonthus arboreus 'Cliff Schmidt'</i> this month</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCoaZz4qBLJckUgiZiwn5tvu8ELy7g8VvbX-AVN45NA_8Lr2IMKUIW8mLtHyCGEQvWsNw4LvE6S2jnnOMqKikhmFrXnaPE7QgQVUE-VjxrgXeyosTnHZQT84mXHICxgaSXLr8lmRVn2icvorUvS97raY4m1g4UYYkC0mUCE7oDm3ITJ_vIBt7xAdhCiNJa" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCoaZz4qBLJckUgiZiwn5tvu8ELy7g8VvbX-AVN45NA_8Lr2IMKUIW8mLtHyCGEQvWsNw4LvE6S2jnnOMqKikhmFrXnaPE7QgQVUE-VjxrgXeyosTnHZQT84mXHICxgaSXLr8lmRVn2icvorUvS97raY4m1g4UYYkC0mUCE7oDm3ITJ_vIBt7xAdhCiNJa=w640-h240" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Cistus</i> (aka rockrose) are also just getting started. Left to right are: <i>Cistus 'Grayswood Pink', C. x scanbergii</i>, and <i>C. 'Sunset'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwzRngj7jEc4UIIeW_jZMpkTP7nhT4AG_B2QhqxcWsmnxI92ItEAiacGWz8F-Mt0-sHDos8Jzaskpq9H-IwV489ty__bYGHEsZixEH8OfFV7t_myL7R8fO2qhi92TjbFzqebRy3qdMkra-x5BW4FCMm8guGaQn2ThxRZXbT5N0H_i-dFJ_MMgXRG4JUZoq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="3264" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwzRngj7jEc4UIIeW_jZMpkTP7nhT4AG_B2QhqxcWsmnxI92ItEAiacGWz8F-Mt0-sHDos8Jzaskpq9H-IwV489ty__bYGHEsZixEH8OfFV7t_myL7R8fO2qhi92TjbFzqebRy3qdMkra-x5BW4FCMm8guGaQn2ThxRZXbT5N0H_i-dFJ_MMgXRG4JUZoq=w640-h280" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coleonema album</i> (left) is trailing pink-flowering <i>Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold'</i> (right)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSHDA1IfOzyYN5-laGsodg8DIDLx2i1M5cFhvlqhuU1RO_iAi4J2I1t318CGpPJ0n60-rCUXYtQ5c6GiPQ1CTEsbAHnoyxKoj-rlCid0-75y13yS44R1ccfzeJsYnDXx9qnBrn9clHa9DmazuDvTs_D4H032cqyPbcJ1QIrqqhsMLh1nWcgUF_boX3TdaK" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="3264" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSHDA1IfOzyYN5-laGsodg8DIDLx2i1M5cFhvlqhuU1RO_iAi4J2I1t318CGpPJ0n60-rCUXYtQ5c6GiPQ1CTEsbAHnoyxKoj-rlCid0-75y13yS44R1ccfzeJsYnDXx9qnBrn9clHa9DmazuDvTs_D4H032cqyPbcJ1QIrqqhsMLh1nWcgUF_boX3TdaK=w640-h262" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chartreuse flowers of <i>Euphorbia rigida</i> look particularly bright when backed up by blue succulents</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2H_31CwJMgehIGm0UMWJyB85LKSpc1tnVxB1QyR2gExsiPzDt5_zCXiIfz17DksgSoD4wA-heAS3mDchqBFycaT11g4y5ubhagA2gxo-6-Qp0zdE22sDpU9ViXauTEEn4ompK6Ok98rqI1SWMPh8OPLlwX56oY8Mp6FK0uIA1feV3n6dENbR8z4vQQ7as" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="3264" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2H_31CwJMgehIGm0UMWJyB85LKSpc1tnVxB1QyR2gExsiPzDt5_zCXiIfz17DksgSoD4wA-heAS3mDchqBFycaT11g4y5ubhagA2gxo-6-Qp0zdE22sDpU9ViXauTEEn4ompK6Ok98rqI1SWMPh8OPLlwX56oY8Mp6FK0uIA1feV3n6dENbR8z4vQQ7as=w640-h492" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The downward-facing flowers of hellebores are notoriously difficult to photograph but I'm happy to have far more blooms this year. Clockwise from the upper left are: hybrids <i>Helleborus 'Anna's Red', H. 'Phoebe', H. orientalis 'True Love', H. orientalis 'Blue Lady'</i>, and <i>H. 'Wedding Bells'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhnnkmisjcIfhAPPUALB29BggRcyItEfV8cbEzMdsmGHyf_Q_4k3ykV-G6-7cUcXj8LV0Id6br5xv7xh0Puc4y03f4d2DFX5vvDglg_C86z49SApxg0lkzZ9jnD85n5xajToa-Gw0dD9q8RdwCjBNcyixkZrSsz54ZUueLASpE9i5HSWrYoMGb1VTiaXPy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="3264" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhnnkmisjcIfhAPPUALB29BggRcyItEfV8cbEzMdsmGHyf_Q_4k3ykV-G6-7cUcXj8LV0Id6br5xv7xh0Puc4y03f4d2DFX5vvDglg_C86z49SApxg0lkzZ9jnD85n5xajToa-Gw0dD9q8RdwCjBNcyixkZrSsz54ZUueLASpE9i5HSWrYoMGb1VTiaXPy=w640-h492" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Leucospermum</i> (pincushion) flowers are generally plentiful but they take their time opening from buds. Clockwise from the upper left are: <i>'Royal Hawaiian Brandi', 'Spider Hybrid'</i>, and <i>'High Gold'</i>. <i>Leucospermum 'Sunrise'</i> (not shown) has only 2 open flowers so far.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiuKfxykkKBZlfMNI5bEIIxtCYCigfLEFXRJfgnkid4OmxhKbY84VVpZg7ga6yswuEcICd9oA5XTdxxRVNtHwZpCalZ71SW9TYfeQJpCfE3BKyJ0SqJ92kxRFFN27Ol1nMF0g2DaFTxyTWkDSFsuGkdHiEJJmcKEqTBtacIV5ZRB-KIgfQqZJqQaXhlq0X" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2675" data-original-width="3264" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiuKfxykkKBZlfMNI5bEIIxtCYCigfLEFXRJfgnkid4OmxhKbY84VVpZg7ga6yswuEcICd9oA5XTdxxRVNtHwZpCalZ71SW9TYfeQJpCfE3BKyJ0SqJ92kxRFFN27Ol1nMF0g2DaFTxyTWkDSFsuGkdHiEJJmcKEqTBtacIV5ZRB-KIgfQqZJqQaXhlq0X=w640-h524" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Osteospermums</i> are making the most of spring. Top: <i>O. '4D Pink', '4D White'</i>, and <i>'4D Sunburst'</i><br />Middle: <i>O. 'Double Moonglow'</i>, an <i>Osteospermum</i> mix, and <i>'Serenity Bronze'</i><br />Bottom: self-seeded <i>Osteospermum </i>(possibly a variant of 'Berry White')<i>,</i> <i>'4D Violet Ice'</i>, and <i>'Serenity Purple</i>'</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioWeZYuRoXrwZg6z1D-LjN9YQMVQu8GmvJj-NZVtvAPDOM-zUnCQw2m6PnRBqGX0uwQ2ngij_UaJgluVIfLiSneCAWXYjl5LuDdNshuqBR4rKstOCenXsqh0PFXYV7MFLdbcybjNVHDbNDmeHkHEc9ZSKNG-p03v2NzKc8MoLwwTKfPmKEneFJsjlynECI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3264" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioWeZYuRoXrwZg6z1D-LjN9YQMVQu8GmvJj-NZVtvAPDOM-zUnCQw2m6PnRBqGX0uwQ2ngij_UaJgluVIfLiSneCAWXYjl5LuDdNshuqBR4rKstOCenXsqh0PFXYV7MFLdbcybjNVHDbNDmeHkHEc9ZSKNG-p03v2NzKc8MoLwwTKfPmKEneFJsjlynECI=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pyrethropsis hosmariense</i> (aka Moroccan daisy) is in the process of covering an area of my front garden with white flowers</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Of course there are also what I call my "old dependables" that bloom much of the year, if not year-round.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghrBogozRJA5eZlWAaNWY5Nl6heyOynNnT6S6sa-MgmJIgBuyRa9HE34oaDXSYRtzC8veu6pAHpGyYD2gTaiOXNzA7lRIb7-7SBvHAb5SFwEO-nUiv_iTC036q78UGK3A2mShGKzDTiZn2cNVvl2qmj0DkvO5TifdPtQOaVBfHdQt8K9DjkEfllc27J24n" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1000" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghrBogozRJA5eZlWAaNWY5Nl6heyOynNnT6S6sa-MgmJIgBuyRa9HE34oaDXSYRtzC8veu6pAHpGyYD2gTaiOXNzA7lRIb7-7SBvHAb5SFwEO-nUiv_iTC036q78UGK3A2mShGKzDTiZn2cNVvl2qmj0DkvO5TifdPtQOaVBfHdQt8K9DjkEfllc27J24n=w640-h624" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Felicia aethiopica</i> (aka wild aster) blooms most of the year if routinely deadheaded</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Z8T5fID3Sw-l0cHT570VCuawh__gVSZXEvOv6eL34pl1NerSolM6nTfIUCCHcUlYxgRJ90QTPuyeklq4nKdmwdyblqVk6YvSWEnwg2Dqs4Ho-qAD9ylN1kkNSjr-b6GZ_x9buw3BJ5Y3M-YPWS1BxHJXByBMww_isOsN-SAqqUfhgicKei34H3O1pk-1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Z8T5fID3Sw-l0cHT570VCuawh__gVSZXEvOv6eL34pl1NerSolM6nTfIUCCHcUlYxgRJ90QTPuyeklq4nKdmwdyblqVk6YvSWEnwg2Dqs4Ho-qAD9ylN1kkNSjr-b6GZ_x9buw3BJ5Y3M-YPWS1BxHJXByBMww_isOsN-SAqqUfhgicKei34H3O1pk-1=w597-h640" width="597" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know how I gardened in my climate without <i>Grevilleas</i>. The varieties with the largest flowers bloom year-round here. Those with smaller flowers bloom for several months. Clockwise from the upper left are: <i>Grevillea 'Poorinda Leane', G. 'Peaches & Cream', G. lavandulacea 'Penola', G. 'Scarlet Sprite', G. 'Superb'</i> (2 photos), and <i>G. sericea</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-EmMAlPcdNkXRcPi66P2ZgMZnZ5hg6VDkU91NpyxjcCa57VDpaRrmYKMcmWuwEZUoqb6b1GtI9wrSfwhzBM3cq4vmNAFx0Zrh8_SZS41iwTAOs94UNfJ4BXi-Ndgyf1gVFubcn62lgSrryv7FKctrITVcX-6SRtoDPOwPSumi1VyStpvhYDUe2zsfS4RD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="3264" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-EmMAlPcdNkXRcPi66P2ZgMZnZ5hg6VDkU91NpyxjcCa57VDpaRrmYKMcmWuwEZUoqb6b1GtI9wrSfwhzBM3cq4vmNAFx0Zrh8_SZS41iwTAOs94UNfJ4BXi-Ndgyf1gVFubcn62lgSrryv7FKctrITVcX-6SRtoDPOwPSumi1VyStpvhYDUe2zsfS4RD=w640-h376" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Leucadendrons 'Safari Sunset'</i> and <i>'Summer Red'</i> have colorful bracts in lieu of real flowers but most people view them as flowers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Mbv7wgl6-_Uyi8sPk9EEWl3EIbo3bQuGUiJ3KbAB9220H-BOTWfOrvn5qASCVlTnpWEErkdT2HmKiVkZGbOJRsxP-yG-HqaKUpZq6mLLXln9XaVmAgyX65JBHDGF2V6hLBo2KBPDY7cTuUWP-qc8W_8NXASQDvuHJlSSfrcFCevBWN-cguE7raEDxUFo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3264" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Mbv7wgl6-_Uyi8sPk9EEWl3EIbo3bQuGUiJ3KbAB9220H-BOTWfOrvn5qASCVlTnpWEErkdT2HmKiVkZGbOJRsxP-yG-HqaKUpZq6mLLXln9XaVmAgyX65JBHDGF2V6hLBo2KBPDY7cTuUWP-qc8W_8NXASQDvuHJlSSfrcFCevBWN-cguE7raEDxUFo=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Polygala myrtifolia</i> (aka sweet pea bush) flowers most heavily in spring and summer. It also self-seeds like crazy but that's another story.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>And there are the Aeonium arboreum flowers, which bloom for months, usually until I become fed up with their screams for attention and cut them down en masse. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdr-xhePNGC9zS2BAI3LAl2JeRA7Kt1uhuTusmvLzjMgAAjCabVlYk44MxcJT0kYuef_hG4_KpDbj_nd99WqmKo7mYdnaIw7mCUnro_T2h7R5oj486XH4GywkMNQTcw_Rp-96eV1VWd0jrVTd2z8nKGohwwWgRP4Ap6V3LEBTeup1Oz3D8LbaDGkZ94AAg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2503" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdr-xhePNGC9zS2BAI3LAl2JeRA7Kt1uhuTusmvLzjMgAAjCabVlYk44MxcJT0kYuef_hG4_KpDbj_nd99WqmKo7mYdnaIw7mCUnro_T2h7R5oj486XH4GywkMNQTcw_Rp-96eV1VWd0jrVTd2z8nKGohwwWgRP4Ap6V3LEBTeup1Oz3D8LbaDGkZ94AAg=w491-h640" width="491" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium arboreum</i> in bloom in my front and back gardens. They're actually in every area of my garden. The bees love them so it's hard to simply toss them out upon arrival.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>I'll close this post as I usually do with color-coded collages of flowers that make less of a splash but which I can't bring myself to entirely ignore.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYnZtTzeTioWx_-F6F13rVQT0WBEHrFDGVRvwNTHv-9iTOEA78-AIpvvOQLR-a2IWs3FdcJe9xPlcdCYPaHldxdwCSRc5Vu_9jLDPE6c2qVmgwlkedbGfXdE-VllAMqWwj8RVt38MvdSiw39YqOnEimi2P6VTyuI0RPWXBl-nUmJ14dSRhYZl72YCd_sTp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYnZtTzeTioWx_-F6F13rVQT0WBEHrFDGVRvwNTHv-9iTOEA78-AIpvvOQLR-a2IWs3FdcJe9xPlcdCYPaHldxdwCSRc5Vu_9jLDPE6c2qVmgwlkedbGfXdE-VllAMqWwj8RVt38MvdSiw39YqOnEimi2P6VTyuI0RPWXBl-nUmJ14dSRhYZl72YCd_sTp=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: <i>Anchusa capensis, Aristea inaequalis</i>, and <i>Delphinium grandiflora</i><br />Middle: <i>Geranium 'Tiny Monster', Lavandula multifida</i>, and <i>Limonium perezii</i><br />Bottom: <i>Pericallis 'Magic Salmon', Salvia rosmarinus</i> (aka rosemary), and noID <i>Scaevola</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOmHUV9XBJgP5LxWyUV_BNXL-YizSrCdDPAqo_KdYj-jkT5CxF9HPA9iEbJmEovnBtCLl6ikBjcDnj3BuxpAzx7xliksHtdPgUphpCXA6jIzRYtjTs0ikszNS20WW0-GMi4uJfvppd2vWoVV81JugoMZ5L9oVUJlpdamVa52YVk8D23V36OqBrhdl5PGwN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2286" data-original-width="3264" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOmHUV9XBJgP5LxWyUV_BNXL-YizSrCdDPAqo_KdYj-jkT5CxF9HPA9iEbJmEovnBtCLl6ikBjcDnj3BuxpAzx7xliksHtdPgUphpCXA6jIzRYtjTs0ikszNS20WW0-GMi4uJfvppd2vWoVV81JugoMZ5L9oVUJlpdamVa52YVk8D23V36OqBrhdl5PGwN=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Boronia crenulata 'Shark Bay', Centradenia florabunda</i> (aka Spanish shawl, new), mixed <i>Cyclamen, Hebe 'Wiri Blush', Leptospermum scoparium 'Pink Pearl'</i>, and <i>Pelargonium peltatum</i> (aka ivy geraniun)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghXZy4NipxSJmVOj_GpxLpdxk8Lz9jrcb4l4GYxKrNZzz6BbnTlnpJKAP00r2uCOvqO5s2jhd1cmfAjZb3r-Np4dKxyDINVWBVHujoY1dnjN2IoVp6ZlSZj0xN8DGGa0l-tAWNixsKQ60RVdN98VRdF3xOyQnAlp_jL90pg3mtsNV1nwG7VlYhmVBMo7a9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2477" data-original-width="3264" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghXZy4NipxSJmVOj_GpxLpdxk8Lz9jrcb4l4GYxKrNZzz6BbnTlnpJKAP00r2uCOvqO5s2jhd1cmfAjZb3r-Np4dKxyDINVWBVHujoY1dnjN2IoVp6ZlSZj0xN8DGGa0l-tAWNixsKQ60RVdN98VRdF3xOyQnAlp_jL90pg3mtsNV1nwG7VlYhmVBMo7a9=w640-h486" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from upper left: <i>Auranticarpa rhombifolium, Nemesia 'Nessie Plus White', Daphne odora, Euryops chrysanthemoides 'Sonnenschein'</i>, and <i>Laurus nobilis</i> (aka bay laurel)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGSkbm09oSyZ6_I4LaX6qPzyiEsEpPaAb1deXOpOr4kI_NJFHKkcRSCcwP7Ll4oD7qz7tGdflMJUH3KlfFFkncocnpQa80lpTgOxV3OsU9o-qcAzWZhfnAFFbAqSG-uWXXDsQf67KemSkgifjDAv6sl67JK-cCvDnQYbVvxcs5z73Ps2_4OcVW1VUrjjEd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGSkbm09oSyZ6_I4LaX6qPzyiEsEpPaAb1deXOpOr4kI_NJFHKkcRSCcwP7Ll4oD7qz7tGdflMJUH3KlfFFkncocnpQa80lpTgOxV3OsU9o-qcAzWZhfnAFFbAqSG-uWXXDsQf67KemSkgifjDAv6sl67JK-cCvDnQYbVvxcs5z73Ps2_4OcVW1VUrjjEd=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: <i>Aloe striata, Arbutus 'Marina'</i>, and <i>Cuphea 'Honeybells</i><br />Middle: <i>Erysimum 'Wild Orchid', Lobelia laxiflora</i>, and <i>Metrosideros collina 'Springfire'</i><br />Bottom: noID <i>Oncidium</i> (my best guess), <i>Primula acaulis</i>, and <i>Salvia africana-lutea</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>If you made it through the entire photo gallery, congratulations! For more GBBD posts, <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/category/blog/" target="_blank">visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-882296279711696932024-03-13T06:30:00.000-07:002024-03-13T06:30:00.143-07:00Wild and Weedy Wednesday: Marsh Parsley and Clover<p>Last year I periodically joined Cathy of <a href="https://wordsandherbs.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Words and Herbs</a> with posts featuring wildflowers/weeds. Well, the relatively abundant rain we've received this winter has already brought out a couple of prominent weeds masquerading as wildflowers in my garden so <a href="https://wordsandherbs.wordpress.com/2024/02/28/wild-and-weedy-wednesday-coltsfoot/" target="_blank">I'm joining Cathy once again</a>. Additional 'Wild and Weedy Wednesday' posts may follow as other weedy plants attempt takeovers. This week there are two I want to call out.</p><p>The first, <i>Cyclospermum leptophyllum</i>, also known as marsh parsley, surprised me. It's not that I haven't seen it before. Although I hadn't identified it by name, it's previously shown up here and there but I've never seen it take over a large area. This year it occupied roughly a third of one of the raised beds in my cutting garden, including an area I'd planted with <i>Anemone coronaria 'Mount Everest'</i>. As I'd grown <i>Nigella papillosa there the prior year</i>, I initially thought the foliage coming up could be self-seeded <i>Nigella</i> - until I finally looked at it more closely.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz7lDh-Y2iWoS7zM22glz7vkGcZiMVjg884G507T4fC44oST1CqszVybOj3-JLLkYlCQWB0npF7e6TZBTkDaH6hPAAofbpUe8UbvdRX4AHPyCcOwR_-KBLpTfus1r__9nVqqn1-ZTA7bZwXzaN13bT2vyyGgUeVFk3kst7RqFg9Tk0yLEzWB7GQLmCHCF9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz7lDh-Y2iWoS7zM22glz7vkGcZiMVjg884G507T4fC44oST1CqszVybOj3-JLLkYlCQWB0npF7e6TZBTkDaH6hPAAofbpUe8UbvdRX4AHPyCcOwR_-KBLpTfus1r__9nVqqn1-ZTA7bZwXzaN13bT2vyyGgUeVFk3kst7RqFg9Tk0yLEzWB7GQLmCHCF9=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I zoomed in really close to capture the tiny flowers of this plant. While the ferny foliage fooled me, the flowers made it obvious that the plants weren't <i>Nigella papillosa</i>. When I looked at the foliage more carefully, it was also noticeably finer and darker green than that of <i>Nigella</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbkI7_4vC5GFo3g9nfZLyezuO9vFaqe_fsHEUde7mkl9aqj88sMepZ9wDiYhoQ_PzI9f7DgLbt8Nb2Sshyy80GOCXk9DcKtdctJRPvoRzGZNBZaXIiwlJHEjf0XBWFUjuPCZW4KgHWZBGkuS6TfNOCHMVJyIsSA4Q2YAZ9e-Nb249Zy-YyrIxbqcHk2qIs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbkI7_4vC5GFo3g9nfZLyezuO9vFaqe_fsHEUde7mkl9aqj88sMepZ9wDiYhoQ_PzI9f7DgLbt8Nb2Sshyy80GOCXk9DcKtdctJRPvoRzGZNBZaXIiwlJHEjf0XBWFUjuPCZW4KgHWZBGkuS6TfNOCHMVJyIsSA4Q2YAZ9e-Nb249Zy-YyrIxbqcHk2qIs=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd already started pulling the plants up when I took this shot. To say they thickly covered the surface of the bed would be an understatement.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgECqxURrQXqZ4MdA6UZla2iGO16BbfI0vsMSdaPC4fhmbnym0Sf0HtTABSu_9g_f4jMvjYHaI6AcDF31mdDTn89sqhsDsL889BCCJT4e20VHg_tZe51CdXVr2nP9gEWCvt1zu2E8AHMQkEIAaYn2cokGeeY8Z55Gk9Wh93gY98YV_jTfksC2aqGpBc-7Zr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="879" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgECqxURrQXqZ4MdA6UZla2iGO16BbfI0vsMSdaPC4fhmbnym0Sf0HtTABSu_9g_f4jMvjYHaI6AcDF31mdDTn89sqhsDsL889BCCJT4e20VHg_tZe51CdXVr2nP9gEWCvt1zu2E8AHMQkEIAaYn2cokGeeY8Z55Gk9Wh93gY98YV_jTfksC2aqGpBc-7Zr=w563-h640" width="563" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the marsh parsley was made more difficult by the fact than I'd laid plastic-coated wire mesh over the beds after planting them to keep the raccoons and possums from digging. While I was successful in thwarting the critters, I literally had to cut out the wire mesh around grown plants to dig out the weeds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYvgKHaYfndGD5fJfgCE9T-j5vpOFMFsoIN0TGsbCEw4ScszWQnGABjBQdknQp6boKBgLDSEzCXmNpYjAO0vlKpHFQjTFUXvF-4ZJWfWi3mBcIHjOMhU4dvWIAWh4A5eeV9IRdFbipNaUNpIQ-6zz89O-IBu7Y4HeByEzizPKTZhE8Ox8GqgdZyrD5LDVP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="3264" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYvgKHaYfndGD5fJfgCE9T-j5vpOFMFsoIN0TGsbCEw4ScszWQnGABjBQdknQp6boKBgLDSEzCXmNpYjAO0vlKpHFQjTFUXvF-4ZJWfWi3mBcIHjOMhU4dvWIAWh4A5eeV9IRdFbipNaUNpIQ-6zz89O-IBu7Y4HeByEzizPKTZhE8Ox8GqgdZyrD5LDVP=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh parsley has a long taproot. I filled the trug on the right with the plants before I was done. A single <i>Anemone coronaria</i> had managed to sprout beneath the blanket of the parsley. I suspect it's too late to expect the rest of the <i>Anemones</i> to pop up.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Technically, marsh parsley is edible but a number of online sites warned readers not to eat it as it can be toxic, at least if consumed in any significant quantity. In the past, it's been used as a diuretic and antispasmodic medicine. The plant has spread worldwide in temperate and tropical areas.</p><p><br /></p><p>The second weedy wildflower that appeared with the rain is <i>Trifolium repens</i>, commonly known as white clover. My feelings about clover are more ambiguous. It appeared in my garden years ago, probably brought in with the imported topsoil I added to my front garden years ago when we removed the lawn we inherited. It also took over a large area but it was pretty and the bees loved it so I let it stay until it got too tall to easily walk through.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFeRdm-5ivn3ugRLlwg9qJDBswHPyq_oMr3M2wKomSOQISp4CBP7QLfn6Vw1ikI2YIm5Sdo0QHj6Uo6-QaDdquIKEeVN04IjmSq-GqBUwxwjtlXnyhPMihlpW8cu1-U8BTf8MGo0fgY4LlL2Qi79XOop7nggCKEjbaWzjkvZX3MIa8nrjuFvCnnm0qi-fF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1000" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFeRdm-5ivn3ugRLlwg9qJDBswHPyq_oMr3M2wKomSOQISp4CBP7QLfn6Vw1ikI2YIm5Sdo0QHj6Uo6-QaDdquIKEeVN04IjmSq-GqBUwxwjtlXnyhPMihlpW8cu1-U8BTf8MGo0fgY4LlL2Qi79XOop7nggCKEjbaWzjkvZX3MIa8nrjuFvCnnm0qi-fF=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It seems inclined to plant itself between the paving stones in my front and south side garden areas. As I've had trouble getting creeping thyme to thrive in some spots, I don't mind when it fills in, at least until it entirely covers the stone path.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqPL4wQ70Z7mKF35ORt59OPNJf6Acucu6I9tf0gfzyU03296dQMzVpYvi8y20FoOyVI_WZ2BXiugCfvv7UeXKFCP7o6YoCtIUuc4WvySayZQ_Jc26YeFo_6vUQk_Jh74BC3eBIN0CwgjnKYSmypLpZu6w_HTbvLENGxK-6BLTnW7UOJmUe6i8whSY5xiW4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="3264" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqPL4wQ70Z7mKF35ORt59OPNJf6Acucu6I9tf0gfzyU03296dQMzVpYvi8y20FoOyVI_WZ2BXiugCfvv7UeXKFCP7o6YoCtIUuc4WvySayZQ_Jc26YeFo_6vUQk_Jh74BC3eBIN0CwgjnKYSmypLpZu6w_HTbvLENGxK-6BLTnW7UOJmUe6i8whSY5xiW4=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its flowers are pretty and they're bee magnets. The flowers are only just beginning to appear.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ36DCpujpFI9RgopGWX5E81eEDQHSHy9rZJomoYs2RQDfPvn2AxU_pjPNYKpjnYn8cTtJ0S17xZkIZd_tm5yYtJOYkyg_At6IFbvWlx2nWFeUu8EbKWqWyqNKpkx0FZjATpveFcgfzltQngbhbMnMbiq9ZnQ0r4kpuNan1ivT5Sf-HoWlfWQsRkyIesmN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="3264" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ36DCpujpFI9RgopGWX5E81eEDQHSHy9rZJomoYs2RQDfPvn2AxU_pjPNYKpjnYn8cTtJ0S17xZkIZd_tm5yYtJOYkyg_At6IFbvWlx2nWFeUu8EbKWqWyqNKpkx0FZjATpveFcgfzltQngbhbMnMbiq9ZnQ0r4kpuNan1ivT5Sf-HoWlfWQsRkyIesmN=w640-h290" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left, you can see clover mixing with succulents and the first sprouts of ornamental bunny tail grass, <i>Lagurus ovatus</i>. On the right, it's shown sharing space with creeping thyme, <i>Thymus serphyllum 'Elfin'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">I've noticed that a lot of people online recommend mixing clover into their grass lawns. Reportedly, clover helps to prevent the development and spread of many of the common weeds that infiltrate lawns. It also fixes nitrogen in the soil, which means it serves as a natural fertilizer. Forbes Home presents the pros and cons of growing clover <a href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/lawn-care/clover-lawn-benefits/#:~:text=Grass%20and%20clover%20work%20well,creating%20a%20better%20looking%20yard." target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>On a separate topic, I've cleared all but one plant out of the succulent bed I've targeted for renovation. Yesterday morning I had one cubic yard of cactus-succulent soil dropped off in our driveway. Stage two of the project is kicking off!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8_9KpsFMdUPJGLG-90yZrxkZYr-GFkNkb_tKPAD8XQyT8VhrcJHzZcrCubqilXJIMwWIJWzVdNB-5xAaWNrwiAnVQ6ESDHNdizTrOdGJkJSX4O3PIWDypwEVCIgxuCDHbf-53kxuOQ3_-o60_aWC-FFrBQRuD46Znb8QmzVjF_ftZjhsmDeVaLDw5dzsF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="803" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8_9KpsFMdUPJGLG-90yZrxkZYr-GFkNkb_tKPAD8XQyT8VhrcJHzZcrCubqilXJIMwWIJWzVdNB-5xAaWNrwiAnVQ6ESDHNdizTrOdGJkJSX4O3PIWDypwEVCIgxuCDHbf-53kxuOQ3_-o60_aWC-FFrBQRuD46Znb8QmzVjF_ftZjhsmDeVaLDw5dzsF=w515-h640" width="515" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My goal is to get the soil additive out of the driveway this week!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-62042812174509129742024-03-11T06:30:00.000-07:002024-03-11T06:30:00.249-07:00In a Vase on Monday: New spring blooms keep coming<p>At this time of year new spring blooms seem to pop up almost daily. I'm trying to pace myself when it comes to tossing them into floral arrangements but I ended up with three arrangements this week anyway. The first of these was inspired by one of my favorite bulb flowers, <i>Scilla peruviana</i>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCqIaUJscAngkoYHskozatx5TPYIO8EH5WN6b15BCmi3N4mbtOj5Y0jrztqqseuyeuG0ClYV_3D1taH8h27P0vmGvMCifoqe0Fl2VAN_pdCdDVPICTd2kmvkNdvjSk0xrOsZ-T6iNltw0I6zpOfiKUk7s0S591oVE_idfG2ldAK-YJQ1zlzTxFB1nsh_zb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="972" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCqIaUJscAngkoYHskozatx5TPYIO8EH5WN6b15BCmi3N4mbtOj5Y0jrztqqseuyeuG0ClYV_3D1taH8h27P0vmGvMCifoqe0Fl2VAN_pdCdDVPICTd2kmvkNdvjSk0xrOsZ-T6iNltw0I6zpOfiKUk7s0S591oVE_idfG2ldAK-YJQ1zlzTxFB1nsh_zb=w621-h640" width="621" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the <i>Scilla peruviana</i>, aka Portuguese squill, are only just beginning to unfold, I cut only one. Despite the fact that its name suggests it originated in South America, the bulb is actually native to the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfT95WybS6LkiS4AsZsinLziZULFOA3_Qb40FibjATIs5ZoMAmRbj8JBfY0fdqcCO-kMRBSgoIVXnUChWy_xsZwfBbfWgmbHg4ivcgD0lbjSCpRYqK8t1L7C1dBFqljSsApEO2yrkFpedloinQ0ygfqMg2Kz9LY2a-e3GtICnLm4ONcqEM_zQJP9uQwQcQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1000" height="551" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfT95WybS6LkiS4AsZsinLziZULFOA3_Qb40FibjATIs5ZoMAmRbj8JBfY0fdqcCO-kMRBSgoIVXnUChWy_xsZwfBbfWgmbHg4ivcgD0lbjSCpRYqK8t1L7C1dBFqljSsApEO2yrkFpedloinQ0ygfqMg2Kz9LY2a-e3GtICnLm4ONcqEM_zQJP9uQwQcQ=w640-h551" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: The tree-sized <i>Ceanothus </i>is in full bloom on the back slope so I took advantage of it</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQlUB766gWzEk4BP46IlZRu-yNM3uSWYsbFgLNKSe-j4AjkSEmS2buLLalOtJiXWemWAMlA9SleVKEdCZO5NfC2OtOtRqa_UYkgAoLIzTGwK-CuPDBpS_rWESodFtVQn5x3A2nspylhtgmr2aIa3HyaCUcfmZvzuSKvek6DevpFpb0upzUazn7ko74wdl_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1000" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQlUB766gWzEk4BP46IlZRu-yNM3uSWYsbFgLNKSe-j4AjkSEmS2buLLalOtJiXWemWAMlA9SleVKEdCZO5NfC2OtOtRqa_UYkgAoLIzTGwK-CuPDBpS_rWESodFtVQn5x3A2nspylhtgmr2aIa3HyaCUcfmZvzuSKvek6DevpFpb0upzUazn7ko74wdl_=w640-h491" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view: The blue <i>Anemone coronaria</i> and white and yellow <i>Freesia</i> are still plentiful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMGl-6kfrRfUInwuf503MssRv9rblIzqnloqK5smB51kRf1lM8rNdEfbjUBln53pwz9WVBpGiR6UYeBh8fSNLw7CrI3SLz12JJop1moKEwBDhbh698iRqJBCQEO7Ph6YCzqbhuSnv322uVxcz5ZuATKjPFtg6UUeYucZz9SNXSL0dP0T2RZjhqTKf_8PgE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3056" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMGl-6kfrRfUInwuf503MssRv9rblIzqnloqK5smB51kRf1lM8rNdEfbjUBln53pwz9WVBpGiR6UYeBh8fSNLw7CrI3SLz12JJop1moKEwBDhbh698iRqJBCQEO7Ph6YCzqbhuSnv322uVxcz5ZuATKjPFtg6UUeYucZz9SNXSL0dP0T2RZjhqTKf_8PgE=w600-h640" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Anemone coronaria, Auranticarpa rhombifolium, Lathyrus annuus, Ceanothus arboreus 'Cliff Schmidt'</i>, white and yellow <i>Freesia</i>, noID <i>Narcissus</i>, and <i>Scilla peruviana</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The second arrangement was inspired by the white and pink species tulips I found flowering in my back garden this past weekend. I picked additional flowers to flesh out the vase but some didn't mesh with the tulips the way I'd envisioned. I ended up separating what I'd cut into two separate arrangements.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHUWo7D_wLkwS0uT2jn2BBODtOo77RoNGU9XIhg1mCYI2u7u-DfjPKvwbUnxW47APxBZ-dvSRkUJHfnCIgAMuCuSS08ewEg-XfJcPJ9pVR1VFK_zvOKDKdIirz_8AfeYD2VLX8vEqnANTS0kb9sV72l9t8Hnm99W17nzgBU7VhkNaldAL1hPwcAG5KiPt7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1000" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHUWo7D_wLkwS0uT2jn2BBODtOo77RoNGU9XIhg1mCYI2u7u-DfjPKvwbUnxW47APxBZ-dvSRkUJHfnCIgAMuCuSS08ewEg-XfJcPJ9pVR1VFK_zvOKDKdIirz_8AfeYD2VLX8vEqnANTS0kb9sV72l9t8Hnm99W17nzgBU7VhkNaldAL1hPwcAG5KiPt7=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane'</i> has white and rosy-pink petals that look like candy canes when the petals close in low light</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVPP-hz8SLglq7Mu4fhutI916uWFNuO3WV5pT2dvCKCgwBVL6rItaRycEQOSgiSWqF5xxqzbKGm6Hgx4bhbCTuhlr8JLeQhVdhAwe8DhgHbH3xG6ExNsxW2OFcAxndc23uRgpEtDRh7RVIDKM4_-_cY2-jVVYw2rg0wFK_vAt6LZQ2NqzzgZISnpvQyGI9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVPP-hz8SLglq7Mu4fhutI916uWFNuO3WV5pT2dvCKCgwBVL6rItaRycEQOSgiSWqF5xxqzbKGm6Hgx4bhbCTuhlr8JLeQhVdhAwe8DhgHbH3xG6ExNsxW2OFcAxndc23uRgpEtDRh7RVIDKM4_-_cY2-jVVYw2rg0wFK_vAt6LZQ2NqzzgZISnpvQyGI9=w640-h512" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLqmBZ6_UAlOp1PHj2euFJU7cdcoR_Pbn2_oO1v9ZCu-ELvWwkA2IAsTLX0TYPiAVS7GuupwWVixT7AR77532BJc-JTEgO1EboW9xhOvnXyxhWoj-0Iqq7xovLyNwhLBbSE5fuUTD51wgjkoYiPrd4LtrvhzXJNm3yDaJupm9NEovlfx8g6Ua-WYt8b6kS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1000" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLqmBZ6_UAlOp1PHj2euFJU7cdcoR_Pbn2_oO1v9ZCu-ELvWwkA2IAsTLX0TYPiAVS7GuupwWVixT7AR77532BJc-JTEgO1EboW9xhOvnXyxhWoj-0Iqq7xovLyNwhLBbSE5fuUTD51wgjkoYiPrd4LtrvhzXJNm3yDaJupm9NEovlfx8g6Ua-WYt8b6kS=w640-h416" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOQHKu3OQ_MrCHDE4qWDdiAqXwtVe3VU0nVz0tyv7owEE4i9uVquI1eG1HZ6MTIOnlUeA7sZTl2NIrbFIPmt7VRksvifbmkupthV0Yb9dVt_fMsn2mTHW-YA8hC_zY8cOsfBM4mIoC8n_Y6Sj8B53mztB6Ms444f0a090IuZS_G5G0mQUSXzCHTWCnbbDi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3056" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOQHKu3OQ_MrCHDE4qWDdiAqXwtVe3VU0nVz0tyv7owEE4i9uVquI1eG1HZ6MTIOnlUeA7sZTl2NIrbFIPmt7VRksvifbmkupthV0Yb9dVt_fMsn2mTHW-YA8hC_zY8cOsfBM4mIoC8n_Y6Sj8B53mztB6Ms444f0a090IuZS_G5G0mQUSXzCHTWCnbbDi=w600-h640" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Alstroemeria 'Inca Lucky', A. 'Inca Vienna', Prostanthera ovalifolia 'Variegata'</i>, and <i>Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The "leftovers" I'd cut with the tulip arrangement in mind landed in the vase featuring a woman's clasped hands, manicured with pink polish.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0wf6r_lCCzwEdfi-FU8dEdvPQ2jCcm-W3L9jlyjNupm1toqFbezSjthsM6Dnua8cGVuHM9LxP1p9EId0RjGnNeaUBtkIR-2HW8YaF5tPA0-YQND-UTO-AYAeYqEgBFYmmzK7PZs48RNcvTQSC26BsACGjDXFEW7F7epugjzPMWWGMqnSFwTFqrz12q-ey" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1000" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0wf6r_lCCzwEdfi-FU8dEdvPQ2jCcm-W3L9jlyjNupm1toqFbezSjthsM6Dnua8cGVuHM9LxP1p9EId0RjGnNeaUBtkIR-2HW8YaF5tPA0-YQND-UTO-AYAeYqEgBFYmmzK7PZs48RNcvTQSC26BsACGjDXFEW7F7epugjzPMWWGMqnSFwTFqrz12q-ey=w640-h635" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flowers shown in this arrangement are a deeper reddish-pink, leaning toward burgundy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvyhy2x44rnKAPqaGn-0yKJiooahhGiEcji7SbszpHuHrZrlOc60Hq8ErRi7rNewjXfGOKrthGsLZseopI4AylrqFs7HKb0FAjaOLzAtkB_uTH5I3Q4xsR4w1ax4SGwJNN4jwRbAnLRGazT18lJkiBWPDTCe30v6rJUneIy3v4Y74MhSbQscZrupLHCsKM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvyhy2x44rnKAPqaGn-0yKJiooahhGiEcji7SbszpHuHrZrlOc60Hq8ErRi7rNewjXfGOKrthGsLZseopI4AylrqFs7HKb0FAjaOLzAtkB_uTH5I3Q4xsR4w1ax4SGwJNN4jwRbAnLRGazT18lJkiBWPDTCe30v6rJUneIy3v4Y74MhSbQscZrupLHCsKM=w621-h640" width="621" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijW6WV2LPbT4kc6eubQpiui27EfF1dG8Mjx80SRa1-hrRxaO8D-n0HS-Z52Y8FQMB1Wgf40RHyDtU9CiOZu-25nHoIZ6UdGORFMShek29LaOGcSU8sxXAVCDk5VWuE5fDPYmhqI4ubCDL6CM3vu4N887IhPKiXC4tAjJwBM8MjX_z7uWZbo9RY_ZPnKXWw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1000" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijW6WV2LPbT4kc6eubQpiui27EfF1dG8Mjx80SRa1-hrRxaO8D-n0HS-Z52Y8FQMB1Wgf40RHyDtU9CiOZu-25nHoIZ6UdGORFMShek29LaOGcSU8sxXAVCDk5VWuE5fDPYmhqI4ubCDL6CM3vu4N887IhPKiXC4tAjJwBM8MjX_z7uWZbo9RY_ZPnKXWw=w640-h504" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg09N9fqJMwwt7E_hWoxgo2xFew2NCShxFkcGPLp7vP_k69pCLB4FmF0cAFhHyy6llY4TsTLs5hlNuJKUthZKeTSguDPi6R-KtNjqkEKrOMGZkuzKs0gQfwiJ8TsRK_5lW33YhTgsViX-hZwHh7vYPSz0DllcCtPkSB8D4wFp6mKg0LCcnkIBj8m6xYvKKN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3056" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg09N9fqJMwwt7E_hWoxgo2xFew2NCShxFkcGPLp7vP_k69pCLB4FmF0cAFhHyy6llY4TsTLs5hlNuJKUthZKeTSguDPi6R-KtNjqkEKrOMGZkuzKs0gQfwiJ8TsRK_5lW33YhTgsViX-hZwHh7vYPSz0DllcCtPkSB8D4wFp6mKg0LCcnkIBj8m6xYvKKN=w600-h640" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Argyranthemum frutescens 'Grandaisy Dark Pink'</i>, a pink <i>Freesia</i> exhibiting an uncommon color break, a normal pink <i>Freesia, Hebe 'Wiri Blush', Helleborus 'Anna's Red'</i>, and <i>Prostanthera ovalifolia 'Variegata'</i>. I wasn't able to find anything on color breaks caused by virus or other conditions in <i>Freesias</i> but this is at least the second year I've seen these.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The first Dutch <i>Iris</i> blooms have just appeared and my <i>Leucospermums</i> are opening, albeit slowly. As we're expecting warmer temperatures during much of this week, I expect the spring cycle may accelerate.</p><p><br /></p><p>For more IAVOM creations <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMyZvHAxyTVpC-zAaopc-SgUB1pB88eRnqLcTzaX8df3EqyAIiDVbjCvPaNavRX-mUamGl6r5EdjsX1zyITqHhS1peNtE_oMMByr9uiqPI9YpgCt8DD48SvPi8WuKdE43lr_j2bbKnNcUEp1Lq3CLbTcfCEpANNWHJTuNT3XtHUkSoqTYaK5v9NN9j-O7X" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="3264" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMyZvHAxyTVpC-zAaopc-SgUB1pB88eRnqLcTzaX8df3EqyAIiDVbjCvPaNavRX-mUamGl6r5EdjsX1zyITqHhS1peNtE_oMMByr9uiqPI9YpgCt8DD48SvPi8WuKdE43lr_j2bbKnNcUEp1Lq3CLbTcfCEpANNWHJTuNT3XtHUkSoqTYaK5v9NN9j-O7X=w640-h228" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-25688175635939414632024-03-08T06:30:00.000-08:002024-03-08T06:30:00.142-08:00Tiny transient plants<p>It's been a busy week for appointments and, with rain complicating matters on Wednesday, I got relatively little done in the garden. However, I did spend several chunks of time pulling weeds, especially on the back slope, taking advantage of the lower temperatures to tackle that thankless chore while the fire ants are still inactive. While I was pulling up large clumps of grass weeds weighed down by muddy soil, I caught sight of something green I'd never noticed before. At first I wondered if it could be lichen, which I've never seen locally, but my phone identified it for me, correctly on this occasion I believe.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8DT5km5ZW9UKCWrL7wsZy1ttPwz9YqGzjarVG9Rox0-YWrkVS7jOgxGvHHLenC5klkybD3xYfgXnwZWSPplawzDGAwqlw0wtKvl7QlLRpPHR-HWyyOh7W-pKUGLUXnGWC5QxOmL1PoPz5l0P6-r2QXkPiWvQeL6iYb6FpDhniAn1y315FyNtm2tdj1hUm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8DT5km5ZW9UKCWrL7wsZy1ttPwz9YqGzjarVG9Rox0-YWrkVS7jOgxGvHHLenC5klkybD3xYfgXnwZWSPplawzDGAwqlw0wtKvl7QlLRpPHR-HWyyOh7W-pKUGLUXnGWC5QxOmL1PoPz5l0P6-r2QXkPiWvQeL6iYb6FpDhniAn1y315FyNtm2tdj1hUm=w640-h380" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is <i>Lunularia cruciata</i>, aka crescent-cup liverwort, one of the world's smallest plants. It's reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It's native to the Mediterranean area but it's gone "wild" in California.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Unlike lichens, which are described as symbiotic combinations of fungi and algae, it turns out that liverworts are plants, ancient ones at that. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/liverwort" target="_blank">According to Britannica</a>, fossils of liverworts more than 470 million years old have been found in Argentina. Liverworts are related to mosses, which are also ancient plants. Both are classified as <i>Bryophyta</i>. They both lack vascular systems and produce spores rather than flowers. Both have also managed to survive and thrive through dramatic changes in earth's climate.</p><p>Moss is also a relative anomaly here, albeit something we see on a seasonal basis provided we get a decent amount of rain. This year's rainfall is proving to be almost as substantial as what we got during the last "water year" (calculated from October 1st through September 30th of the following calendar year). Even though our total to date is just over sixteen inches, the accumulation of moss looks thicker than ever. It's particularly noticeable on my shady, east-facing back slope.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZhAs9-mOwb0MKeCFYP8J7TjepT-o4QF-PO_xIg2-cxMdz9WZNfT5wvjQYyjctiFNuTH85kGEBQDP40Jvuy-_oiQKa0h6LaFTJgx4xjcD4YilefE4XckyHf5E7QIcaPFIReFggfE9cuL-tkjaXNCO0xnUUYnuMp39jOebYJqVHO1-qA54E_CgHzXHk2f7R" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4196" data-original-width="3216" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZhAs9-mOwb0MKeCFYP8J7TjepT-o4QF-PO_xIg2-cxMdz9WZNfT5wvjQYyjctiFNuTH85kGEBQDP40Jvuy-_oiQKa0h6LaFTJgx4xjcD4YilefE4XckyHf5E7QIcaPFIReFggfE9cuL-tkjaXNCO0xnUUYnuMp39jOebYJqVHO1-qA54E_CgHzXHk2f7R=w491-h640" width="491" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of a relatively chunky segment of moss, which seems to like growing next to the concrete block stairs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNJ7SLvCy-pz2QQXYiZ_FbLrmIQa0K6x-CQLtJHIi8EflvEl08q1bXv-fjPqdzd0J_lY1F2fCOJSAqeLbXSsb8yC0w3K-G8IVXzVyP-M2L0NR-fiiG2_wD0D2KG5W8DcDW7VDaZWvRALTElLcDPzyodlkXktiStYy3JkkWz5X1_vU3frcDvwqYZaqz3jMy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNJ7SLvCy-pz2QQXYiZ_FbLrmIQa0K6x-CQLtJHIi8EflvEl08q1bXv-fjPqdzd0J_lY1F2fCOJSAqeLbXSsb8yC0w3K-G8IVXzVyP-M2L0NR-fiiG2_wD0D2KG5W8DcDW7VDaZWvRALTElLcDPzyodlkXktiStYy3JkkWz5X1_vU3frcDvwqYZaqz3jMy=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the moss-lined stairs on the route down to the bottom of the slope in January</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3P2-GT9jEnX3r5QG0JpuxMyZpPlsI9wyGmSfdj7DocSNuSPq9sG9IhKslMeIwFUmHvCQkHpr73wjg90vRlJ1Tm_rLPs1SxSFlpQ08mgAlMe-C6oPEmd3za98BvoqjzB716aiP1ctzWcoNNLToSVdZ9xzaRksJOzGWX-KVYR2rzuUkurBVITbEdNBdZlHu" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3P2-GT9jEnX3r5QG0JpuxMyZpPlsI9wyGmSfdj7DocSNuSPq9sG9IhKslMeIwFUmHvCQkHpr73wjg90vRlJ1Tm_rLPs1SxSFlpQ08mgAlMe-C6oPEmd3za98BvoqjzB716aiP1ctzWcoNNLToSVdZ9xzaRksJOzGWX-KVYR2rzuUkurBVITbEdNBdZlHu=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View along the route up the stairs in March with the moss even thicker</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj96O2JVZLZyRSZ_D8F0risvFx5ZlryxvDGVuRGxRl428SjFNo8a_rMNsesKudnnGeKNxOwhfDzJs285dUi7zEJphco4o3gpG4bL5p7f0vHftJPBuCwB6hWuQPyVr8HrTlN5viJ6_9peQoi5F3NorKSe6B4CJaqODFAoyreacql112ktYLLGHiWg13LPgGZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1000" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj96O2JVZLZyRSZ_D8F0risvFx5ZlryxvDGVuRGxRl428SjFNo8a_rMNsesKudnnGeKNxOwhfDzJs285dUi7zEJphco4o3gpG4bL5p7f0vHftJPBuCwB6hWuQPyVr8HrTlN5viJ6_9peQoi5F3NorKSe6B4CJaqODFAoyreacql112ktYLLGHiWg13LPgGZ=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it's crept to the top of the concrete stairway in the main level of the garden too</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Moss has also fared well in the crevices between paving stones in many areas. I've heard people complain about moss creating a slipping hazard, particularly when it shows up in paved areas, but it's not been a problem here. For one thing, our summer heat sends it into a rapid retreat. But I've also read that it's not moss but rather algae, which develops under similar circumstances, that creates slippery surfaces. You can find an interesting article about the myths regarding moss <a href="https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2073/2014/03/021414.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>I like the soft footpath that moss creates in areas of my garden. It's too bad that most of these disappear once summer arrives.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLkGeIXu8dwcBaqqHYeNBUvjd6MCnhrn6YMSapOnZRmr2jj9c2-pfroNDkTO4_0YbuTL8w2CeHHuY-t6_eOP8idJkTcqm5deCmZLJN4lGYAW4MIoIMqz7sIieqfE4GHoOmgOpr5CN6RZ0THlqLqW9_-70r6spivjRlur0gvB7aStrHPKCzPP3P9Mtl7vtN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLkGeIXu8dwcBaqqHYeNBUvjd6MCnhrn6YMSapOnZRmr2jj9c2-pfroNDkTO4_0YbuTL8w2CeHHuY-t6_eOP8idJkTcqm5deCmZLJN4lGYAW4MIoIMqz7sIieqfE4GHoOmgOpr5CN6RZ0THlqLqW9_-70r6spivjRlur0gvB7aStrHPKCzPP3P9Mtl7vtN=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moss-coated front garden path from the driveway to the lath house</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much as I appreciate the bright chartreuse green color of these transient plants in my garden, I recognize that they may have less appeal to some readers. Here are a few of the newest spring arrivals in my garden to give you a jolt of color to start off the weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv-8MsERhEZ8x-Ut3yB4JpSl4W5VxOfNDQ8WgkPYniq-SNsdgfRzocDXUmjK-Hwwhcv6tm7hyU7RjGai04-vIuyc9GQpjMuY-8Cp_NQG6zvo9r6vTxSJo02woO8rR_KlwzP_9lx0QR9qPuinps92VxwHcabmF4lTbNo5UXZ7McOBkeLufcHdYSc705r0e_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1000" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv-8MsERhEZ8x-Ut3yB4JpSl4W5VxOfNDQ8WgkPYniq-SNsdgfRzocDXUmjK-Hwwhcv6tm7hyU7RjGai04-vIuyc9GQpjMuY-8Cp_NQG6zvo9r6vTxSJo02woO8rR_KlwzP_9lx0QR9qPuinps92VxwHcabmF4lTbNo5UXZ7McOBkeLufcHdYSc705r0e_=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctotis 'Large Marge'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXv5Namble6DpCl_Gna-PDwLtcaShUEdE1dvQAuoRaW-ylA6cJuS_kU1gsSz9IK7VbYgMtPqeBEaLR0df9BH2-ghudoNqykx09lSNb-ovM-doCmxHNWOgOZ-7XtniZCLEon_VwFJDHOJLMhkOXllz1fOGGRVRnpMPWxuajyFIu4dESDYdX7msHmExeiN5Y" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1000" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXv5Namble6DpCl_Gna-PDwLtcaShUEdE1dvQAuoRaW-ylA6cJuS_kU1gsSz9IK7VbYgMtPqeBEaLR0df9BH2-ghudoNqykx09lSNb-ovM-doCmxHNWOgOZ-7XtniZCLEon_VwFJDHOJLMhkOXllz1fOGGRVRnpMPWxuajyFIu4dESDYdX7msHmExeiN5Y=w640-h561" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Blue" Freesia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglK4_dLFGXcbO6Rx_y-PhXbLVI7lu4oAWLdBRMxuHsGMaGvtJxDfIPnt7sKgLdvfUgSPlbu2EGgnaX5nKDe0uUyuWXuCAYY2iLKzeSy3TqC_LK5yE0nNFCAyopQ_sZluHN6Nxwxv1MCNIVKDzs78GUi4o-0SKRGEjc_UILQnmpBGKTvPyTniEglQ0rpzNv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1000" height="569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglK4_dLFGXcbO6Rx_y-PhXbLVI7lu4oAWLdBRMxuHsGMaGvtJxDfIPnt7sKgLdvfUgSPlbu2EGgnaX5nKDe0uUyuWXuCAYY2iLKzeSy3TqC_LK5yE0nNFCAyopQ_sZluHN6Nxwxv1MCNIVKDzs78GUi4o-0SKRGEjc_UILQnmpBGKTvPyTniEglQ0rpzNv=w640-h569" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Iris hollandica 'Sapphire Beauty'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD7nWhpCIdTdlYjOnXggGpmiES3QZsSeT747fnQqvgZ3Wk1fhGc7_NI70kfSXNrI-sze7DZbQ9nZYiVifqKvOSrvKwpBtmUida08u3Gx37QvXscdJAhDd_GdZcVGiH5yYr2a0eeMwEJ0moQzANM5y7IdFCmwNyCG7ZmBZlD1DjtyFBN4ihMBaHidTBhrpk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1000" height="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD7nWhpCIdTdlYjOnXggGpmiES3QZsSeT747fnQqvgZ3Wk1fhGc7_NI70kfSXNrI-sze7DZbQ9nZYiVifqKvOSrvKwpBtmUida08u3Gx37QvXscdJAhDd_GdZcVGiH5yYr2a0eeMwEJ0moQzANM5y7IdFCmwNyCG7ZmBZlD1DjtyFBN4ihMBaHidTBhrpk=w640-h519" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Leucospermum 'High Gold'</i> (which I formerly identified as 'Goldie' based on the seller's ID)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh02gMj0caYe6Jjbl452y__kBryO-huB9qrzs2vxfOwxnkfWyjOxqZ2PiJAFmiNNg5df76ioVMDNBOMgcTWc29P-YSFq61zdQNi4ojxu0gQfSk9IusyvUiaEWGAx0X31uLYvv-rJVvQrBAlTfOXdyP95zZD37T27LtcPRvU0GFRm1Dh1yU8uoDOdebFDxMt" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="541" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh02gMj0caYe6Jjbl452y__kBryO-huB9qrzs2vxfOwxnkfWyjOxqZ2PiJAFmiNNg5df76ioVMDNBOMgcTWc29P-YSFq61zdQNi4ojxu0gQfSk9IusyvUiaEWGAx0X31uLYvv-rJVvQrBAlTfOXdyP95zZD37T27LtcPRvU0GFRm1Dh1yU8uoDOdebFDxMt=w347-h640" width="347" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy your weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-32151070328441387762024-03-06T06:30:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:30:00.139-08:00Surrounded by a ring of fire<p>Reference to a "ring of fire" may conjure a number of images in your mind. If you're a student of geology, you might think of the path of volcanoes and seismic activity rimming the Pacific Ocean. According to <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ring-fire/" target="_blank">National Geographic</a>, seventy-five percent of the world's volcanoes lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which also accounts for ninety-five percent of its earthquakes. (I should note that this includes coastal California.) However, the reference may also make you think of the classic country song <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Fire_(song)" target="_blank">co-written by June Carter</a> and popularized by Johnny Cash, who first sang it in 1963. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Fire_(2013_film)#:~:text=The%20film%20is%20about%20the,Matt%20Ross%20as%20Johnny%20Cash." target="_blank">'Ring of Fire'</a> is also the name of a 2013 television movie about the relationship between Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, who became his wife in 1968.</p><p>"My" ring of fire has nothing to do with any of those things. For me, the expression refers to the <i>Xylosma congestum</i> hedge that surrounds a large part of my garden. I inherited it with the garden and, although I've never had any particular fondness for hedges, I admit that I gradually fell in love with this one. It's particularly attractive when it produces fresh new foliage.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9oWQifaXrMV_7kWKfDzhcWLkyCWV2hh6sw86NNzxbuLvxeV_hQUE84LWftXB5IdLuTd76-dJsT_bY1zuf1_TVJpVBrhnGyeC1e1ro0heyN_sxziSuSnD_CUwYD8zFTz7yM0T8HfOY4mpGPiEi5IUY3pGkpvb3FYF7I95y5JScs-SXTJyzJuUesmI0ksn5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1000" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9oWQifaXrMV_7kWKfDzhcWLkyCWV2hh6sw86NNzxbuLvxeV_hQUE84LWftXB5IdLuTd76-dJsT_bY1zuf1_TVJpVBrhnGyeC1e1ro0heyN_sxziSuSnD_CUwYD8zFTz7yM0T8HfOY4mpGPiEi5IUY3pGkpvb3FYF7I95y5JScs-SXTJyzJuUesmI0ksn5=w640-h458" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fresh foliage has a bronze-orange cast but the older, shiny green leaves look good year-round. The hedge responds well to pruning too. It also produces masses of tiny yellow flowers that the bees love but those flowers are relatively rare due to its regular pruning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHp700WOXhcdNA1pQhxT1ZCiQGy9mD7ItdOtELBmPIqfTa_wTADnxvNx871MjEpG4jxUaDj3yCsrD1k8FN53fZgCAEqawYEKTCwphoO-AtJOQOJUb67LCoSaIGzE5ITh2U79oIbIRsNk4ucapdbCGegpDmG44WiNDhaP5spWDV_G5PZxbkyfA7vtA9rkEa" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHp700WOXhcdNA1pQhxT1ZCiQGy9mD7ItdOtELBmPIqfTa_wTADnxvNx871MjEpG4jxUaDj3yCsrD1k8FN53fZgCAEqawYEKTCwphoO-AtJOQOJUb67LCoSaIGzE5ITh2U79oIbIRsNk4ucapdbCGegpDmG44WiNDhaP5spWDV_G5PZxbkyfA7vtA9rkEa=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of the hedge on the north end of the back garden. This entire back garden section hides the sharp drop of the slope on its other side (which also protects the gardener and visitors who might otherwise take nasty falls).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJOi739_vpprHZqhrvb95un-RCS5HiOK-KS19DUzFwFlLF81qyhoIo--2cHeLfMP-5mKtRnteEnHELjZ6W51TNfTVOUEC544kFW-SyJOt-cGVcwIacEp2lI2kHbL0DL70LE4e7-48Y1mby6V75mC_OE55-vpc161Lnu6Elmv--JKKBGC-zrtxJT9i__Nrk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJOi739_vpprHZqhrvb95un-RCS5HiOK-KS19DUzFwFlLF81qyhoIo--2cHeLfMP-5mKtRnteEnHELjZ6W51TNfTVOUEC544kFW-SyJOt-cGVcwIacEp2lI2kHbL0DL70LE4e7-48Y1mby6V75mC_OE55-vpc161Lnu6Elmv--JKKBGC-zrtxJT9i__Nrk=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the mid-section of the back garden hedge with the entrance to the Port of Los Angeles in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-aXbyXmZrQL8jEa2kF6FZ1dslWfV6HJ03AhCWu7vc-4sNXI8LsD4Ksv5r-Bj8BsVwVCl6Zqm2rkFYXSh0WSsLi_UGyYDuO7Sh7CTVjgQnWlbSMtZ1YP-MLb-fyr0dhLUZ8z9TXLaSkr2Hwl6laqwndF2B8jFOn9KFTuO9CcIZcRwUA2-9pc13LHabVuS0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-aXbyXmZrQL8jEa2kF6FZ1dslWfV6HJ03AhCWu7vc-4sNXI8LsD4Ksv5r-Bj8BsVwVCl6Zqm2rkFYXSh0WSsLi_UGyYDuO7Sh7CTVjgQnWlbSMtZ1YP-MLb-fyr0dhLUZ8z9TXLaSkr2Hwl6laqwndF2B8jFOn9KFTuO9CcIZcRwUA2-9pc13LHabVuS0=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section of the hedge winds around the south-side garden, flowing into the back garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcoadQP1qdKGmLtgzkNHm4V33IY4QxUH7qY6Usr7uoK4fTmkk7hKGiBBgFcxvhLmMfAjfoO8imTC77Pt5E2qSDaf7KFw_j5nCb63e8j0emWfYU694idESd6n9za4gmtZjEIdyNefqfEVSLm5-71xlnVFaay0ANl0e5bIfG7E8eMzMh4yHHbw3w5gifMLsp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcoadQP1qdKGmLtgzkNHm4V33IY4QxUH7qY6Usr7uoK4fTmkk7hKGiBBgFcxvhLmMfAjfoO8imTC77Pt5E2qSDaf7KFw_j5nCb63e8j0emWfYU694idESd6n9za4gmtZjEIdyNefqfEVSLm5-71xlnVFaay0ANl0e5bIfG7E8eMzMh4yHHbw3w5gifMLsp=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the back hedge from the bottom of the back slope. The trees poking up behind the hedge are the 2 <i>Arbutus 'Marina'</i> trees on the upper level of the back garden.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEGSFNlhR1zMTImCrtiRw6x5D-smwbp0vpI1OzNDQ9m27AvyVTdZ9Np1PnadyZu-TnsNOsxsA8fgHlngGe6l3PBixZczoXFHsixCXxWvtb8twk2c1zKDVGYk2wyOZ0Jys8xT_YufieY2RPebPFcgvi9ZXVvwihv8RMNmX5K-ecaoHTECqr7JlVSFZHeh11" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1000" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEGSFNlhR1zMTImCrtiRw6x5D-smwbp0vpI1OzNDQ9m27AvyVTdZ9Np1PnadyZu-TnsNOsxsA8fgHlngGe6l3PBixZczoXFHsixCXxWvtb8twk2c1zKDVGYk2wyOZ0Jys8xT_YufieY2RPebPFcgvi9ZXVvwihv8RMNmX5K-ecaoHTECqr7JlVSFZHeh11=w640-h514" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section of the hedge sits on the north end of the front garden, where it borders the edge of a path mainly used to move our trash and recycle bins to the street for pick-up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeyzGj4BsKLefeAPNaDSGrMx9emyMpc6ugqm5ACZX7PAhJOqexSA4INdfEMlpMjUP8bCO837hNt--ScoGDdxh3wMSOLGQtP7YADekb9BSeyb0yc9f5lhvi58fhz3oGvudqaQgSjrqG9hfKqAxfDHl9YFC2LLxmVbwLeBWN2dYAsP3AYKtxLkYJGlaHivUC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1000" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeyzGj4BsKLefeAPNaDSGrMx9emyMpc6ugqm5ACZX7PAhJOqexSA4INdfEMlpMjUP8bCO837hNt--ScoGDdxh3wMSOLGQtP7YADekb9BSeyb0yc9f5lhvi58fhz3oGvudqaQgSjrqG9hfKqAxfDHl9YFC2LLxmVbwLeBWN2dYAsP3AYKtxLkYJGlaHivUC=w640-h442" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section runs from the driveway south. It's mirrored on the other side of the driveway looking north.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEBJCJ6yT3qFd74UNSG1Nw-pZj0okm4oYENGNMHOXrpX-KG61tPodTeYyz8Kw4QMC4OwoqSTHKJDjMtmx9DA_6tW9c24GaAHR9268oljDHLv-rm149G77e1HQn2xHT4TJtigBgb3os2BhHLzHv-xdnm6wL3LKAJ6iJ_mQkL3MYiPIMzf2fZuFUkIN7o40" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1000" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEBJCJ6yT3qFd74UNSG1Nw-pZj0okm4oYENGNMHOXrpX-KG61tPodTeYyz8Kw4QMC4OwoqSTHKJDjMtmx9DA_6tW9c24GaAHR9268oljDHLv-rm149G77e1HQn2xHT4TJtigBgb3os2BhHLzHv-xdnm6wL3LKAJ6iJ_mQkL3MYiPIMzf2fZuFUkIN7o40=w640-h378" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we moved in, there was a break in the front <i>Xylosma</i> hedge on its south end. I was told that the entire stretch facing the street was originally planted with a different shrub, <i>Auranticarpa rhombifolium</i>. When those shrubs started dying, they were replaced by <i>Xylosma</i> everywhere except in this last area. When the remaining <i>Auranticarpa</i> here died off, I planted more Xylosma behind the succulents I'd used to fill gaps between the <i>Auranticarpa</i>s. They've only just now reached the height of the original <i>Xylosmas</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Coincidentally (or not), there are lots of plants that echo the color of the fresh Xylosma foliage at this time of year too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrYGTzBp8Qd9m-zCdc0mbOikali1dQztE2XPzquCtgU5oStVLEqwIez1_roXkXL7xGMLOp8yLbTq7i_MIvcEkSpwbfR369qvgOh96iZGVHQkpibJV0sULUVhv6yF2czUJ7JDTrZzE9UFwttdgybMXV_czq7WWdBaeHqomlTnRBpCOGPVwuY7B9X3riYUlB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1624" data-original-width="3264" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrYGTzBp8Qd9m-zCdc0mbOikali1dQztE2XPzquCtgU5oStVLEqwIez1_roXkXL7xGMLOp8yLbTq7i_MIvcEkSpwbfR369qvgOh96iZGVHQkpibJV0sULUVhv6yF2czUJ7JDTrZzE9UFwttdgybMXV_czq7WWdBaeHqomlTnRBpCOGPVwuY7B9X3riYUlB=w640-h318" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aloe striata</i> and <i>Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'</i> complement the <i>Xylosma</i> foliage</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimyGRa3yc2yPLO_ntBzXNBKLRbhia6ILoAI8GHRvxdjqgLkxPXYMt710JnjYsGTXzb4ESBmMG03_-N9_-XCP55CDD9Wmc-YYAxbvJSHSPi-TW8bfxiLSPwvmGjmG8AimJ-6yXEdqFDxvQSWCMQxxk4tBSKauLcE5JhS5mzOxasdRu8NC1cK0eiWz5LGaHD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2817" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimyGRa3yc2yPLO_ntBzXNBKLRbhia6ILoAI8GHRvxdjqgLkxPXYMt710JnjYsGTXzb4ESBmMG03_-N9_-XCP55CDD9Wmc-YYAxbvJSHSPi-TW8bfxiLSPwvmGjmG8AimJ-6yXEdqFDxvQSWCMQxxk4tBSKauLcE5JhS5mzOxasdRu8NC1cK0eiWz5LGaHD=w552-h640" width="552" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left, flowers that do the same include: <i>Arbutus 'Marina', Leucospermum 'Royal Hawaiian Brandi', L. 'Sunrise', L. 'Spider Hybrid'</i> (still in bud), <i>Grevellea 'Superb'</i>, and <i>Metrosideros collina 'Springfire'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeaJz-hoQBu_WKPLrRTl-b7QRXKoQwOzGtcmcYtiRy1cudUTWPWImVDfd0g2g62jBWigoVRxKHyrkWOarTXfmvmwe_m2rpDWxWRmKGl-Ogrc-PwSf8QCNAsaFqdw7XsRb5ZUx14R70veTeoxnJvNcQwRW2Uh7n_pA44BqVC50hNh_WfeMryG2V_bNzvjTJ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2817" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeaJz-hoQBu_WKPLrRTl-b7QRXKoQwOzGtcmcYtiRy1cudUTWPWImVDfd0g2g62jBWigoVRxKHyrkWOarTXfmvmwe_m2rpDWxWRmKGl-Ogrc-PwSf8QCNAsaFqdw7XsRb5ZUx14R70veTeoxnJvNcQwRW2Uh7n_pA44BqVC50hNh_WfeMryG2V_bNzvjTJ=w552-h640" width="552" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More complementary flowers, clockwise from the upper left include: <i>Arctotis 'Pink Sugar', Erysimum 'Wild Orchid'</i>, orange <i>Ranunculus, Gazania 'Gold Flame', Lobelia laxiflora</i>, and <i>Sparaxis tricolor</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />The "ring of fire" phenomenon in my garden isn't a once-a-year event. The hedge produces a fresh flush of reddish-orange foliage a few weeks after the hedge is pruned, which happens three or four times a year. However, the color appears brightest during this first flush during our rainy season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-48034668093314200732024-03-04T06:30:00.000-08:002024-03-04T06:30:00.144-08:00In a Vase on Monday: Spring is off to a bright start<p>Even though our daytime temperatures are back in the mid-50sF (that's cold for us!), I can feel spring advancing its pace. I've already found buds on some species tulips. I thought that seemed early but, when I looked back at my records, I discovered that the <i>'Lady Jane'</i> tulips flowered in late March in 2023 and mid-March in 2022 so it appears my plants are right on target despite our rainy season's slow start.</p><p>In spring, I'm often tempted to cut everything in sight; however, I'm trying to slow down a bit and enjoy the season as it unfolds. My first arrangement this week celebrates the red and white anemones in my cutting garden.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUhQsiGyFO75pngtHPAitQLuQQKMVGsrSglfVmj4EYSpYgZulsH-TYIHIr6u898faNZsxMS7BUxFeprG7MIbA2nZvadovQppHq0_pjiglwCOPdbOUHtBxuxXHMCIWn8Xy_qYKpjKlS-4yPi22bsThLeF_LM6-Okc3x8bc6-4aUDd9JJXVje80lPWoxHOmi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="987" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUhQsiGyFO75pngtHPAitQLuQQKMVGsrSglfVmj4EYSpYgZulsH-TYIHIr6u898faNZsxMS7BUxFeprG7MIbA2nZvadovQppHq0_pjiglwCOPdbOUHtBxuxXHMCIWn8Xy_qYKpjKlS-4yPi22bsThLeF_LM6-Okc3x8bc6-4aUDd9JJXVje80lPWoxHOmi=w632-h640" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching <i>Anemone coronaria 'Rosa Tigrato'</i> at the right time has been a challenge. Two of the flowers included in this arrangement are a bit past their prime whereas 2 others may have been cut too soon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIWt1y7D_rLv3b7-bDxvM7vKNtaBM6kPoiwnZconZbRoL5GtKyJ27U4Qh_f5UMfJ1zqIhA7wB0t1o8XfScHPhuPt6erKzHvvV3pU1myMsxJTAb_wnAvldqo5ZpBoCnrsODRwiWheiWxU-GzyODeyq3ub-jmjsNVBSMYAYqdIGCyqAPXeYKzghmKS02zqw0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="988" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIWt1y7D_rLv3b7-bDxvM7vKNtaBM6kPoiwnZconZbRoL5GtKyJ27U4Qh_f5UMfJ1zqIhA7wB0t1o8XfScHPhuPt6erKzHvvV3pU1myMsxJTAb_wnAvldqo5ZpBoCnrsODRwiWheiWxU-GzyODeyq3ub-jmjsNVBSMYAYqdIGCyqAPXeYKzghmKS02zqw0=w632-h640" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used 3 stems of <i>Calliandra haematocephala</i> (aka red powder puff) to dress up the back of the vase</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHUgs6iXUiYR9_vl5CDMa6WvlbYTK1fKgGc5hPkldb2fc7DFBJ_8S9ZdT8D4HtxkefbuWVVLmUWoBFRp_-QkkjKIa7BSD-JhSumg6P4-jN0CnZiwl8wtRwRGpbgG7Y7fOuM42Y_R-HbVQyppSH4-waSF5tN82TIeAB26uJUN5iW9gEx3-GkTDinJHO4LRE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1000" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHUgs6iXUiYR9_vl5CDMa6WvlbYTK1fKgGc5hPkldb2fc7DFBJ_8S9ZdT8D4HtxkefbuWVVLmUWoBFRp_-QkkjKIa7BSD-JhSumg6P4-jN0CnZiwl8wtRwRGpbgG7Y7fOuM42Y_R-HbVQyppSH4-waSF5tN82TIeAB26uJUN5iW9gEx3-GkTDinJHO4LRE=w640-h474" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_OZAeB7-wpYMfy9uiiDopWv3ooYGgKnmci3WioA7xx34WEhBenl-T6_dqTzX-oJ-4GIY7xE4L13ObXQ4OGgD6hkuK9-xTAvOREUjAsDVAkLIOFMosGw7a-h7w3ysKWCA1wnJYg7ezQbQa19R4R27bo1URyqn9XZNCPQJEf8Wf-iHs4lQr0AZc07s6Io8I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_OZAeB7-wpYMfy9uiiDopWv3ooYGgKnmci3WioA7xx34WEhBenl-T6_dqTzX-oJ-4GIY7xE4L13ObXQ4OGgD6hkuK9-xTAvOREUjAsDVAkLIOFMosGw7a-h7w3ysKWCA1wnJYg7ezQbQa19R4R27bo1URyqn9XZNCPQJEf8Wf-iHs4lQr0AZc07s6Io8I=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: <i>Alstroemeria 'Inca Lucky</i>' and 2 <i>Anemone coronaria 'Rosa Tigrato'</i> at different stages of bloom<br />Middle: <i>Calliandra haematocephala, Coprosma repens 'Plum Hussey</i>', and red <i>Freesia</i><br />Bottom: white <i>Freesia, Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite'</i>, and <i>Lobelia laxiflor</i>a</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><i>The white and yellow </i>Freesias are blooming in large numbers at present so I decided to focus an arrangement around them rather than using them as accessories to other, bolder flowers for a change.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHy5D3FOiMt1-yRPXgkhI2l_kWij3xJs8IZTYUpFcApNns4ZfFVIye29njiY5wRBR_E4XWAR5Dby6P4DrD61A33tNoB2Z-zT7ZLu3oOhaSQS__vh96AfbOy2UeqPhyrSZ4OxDgP7bH1KuCpFQHNHkQpljF-9KCH6on1DwavfNWqyqt6llGf2I-uWxPrPLu" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img alt="" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1000" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHy5D3FOiMt1-yRPXgkhI2l_kWij3xJs8IZTYUpFcApNns4ZfFVIye29njiY5wRBR_E4XWAR5Dby6P4DrD61A33tNoB2Z-zT7ZLu3oOhaSQS__vh96AfbOy2UeqPhyrSZ4OxDgP7bH1KuCpFQHNHkQpljF-9KCH6on1DwavfNWqyqt6llGf2I-uWxPrPLu=w640-h522" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flowers are all <i>Freesias </i>and<i> Narcissi</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgqUZwsubBpew8l7pp5FQ8xmvqRrE7HURhF983S4z9R275AM0ooV6cxwp6GlnX7u2FLseNtV3EKwfdY0s_WZPAhzRcYkkUYKYtn5snPFfU2lAo29bxZ_WNOQwmbVJ2q_NLiz9fNchpRsJLWYYuqJFFMXlLhxL74whXSpdyNwm18o9FfeEAOibFHjUQ9iiq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1000" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgqUZwsubBpew8l7pp5FQ8xmvqRrE7HURhF983S4z9R275AM0ooV6cxwp6GlnX7u2FLseNtV3EKwfdY0s_WZPAhzRcYkkUYKYtn5snPFfU2lAo29bxZ_WNOQwmbVJ2q_NLiz9fNchpRsJLWYYuqJFFMXlLhxL74whXSpdyNwm18o9FfeEAOibFHjUQ9iiq=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCts6SMPhitt5I8eWgIo45INNjz9j59YZEwOYiHrsnaOWsKGYZWBmT9OXfVctJ1xdSg29uYcBy7fuNec9_jYFc30nbrI79ZwEK4jPBHEucLfpRMHsdZFQNNgilRs3RgVhv8JBrbpvgrJsEfYX9lJG5j4e-sPUgIjEO-esG_aKJ64BBN2ntwbAFbE12zng0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1000" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCts6SMPhitt5I8eWgIo45INNjz9j59YZEwOYiHrsnaOWsKGYZWBmT9OXfVctJ1xdSg29uYcBy7fuNec9_jYFc30nbrI79ZwEK4jPBHEucLfpRMHsdZFQNNgilRs3RgVhv8JBrbpvgrJsEfYX9lJG5j4e-sPUgIjEO-esG_aKJ64BBN2ntwbAFbE12zng0=w640-h462" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaEGGY0pgHa7yCWI2lSV-FIulioY7H4-BY_5jveKRzYvxMN2w5qaAPLzZfIbbBhFc0HdknMERNmaEd6VV7cZz_4AKuKASvyJ-lgtA1Oe400se_j9aSo8T0jIJz0bwGRfgqLOP9CmxdOaTJocPugw4QXrGlMb4ZrThEeQajt_YZlR5A4UlHCgbjDlzAteom" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2653" data-original-width="3264" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaEGGY0pgHa7yCWI2lSV-FIulioY7H4-BY_5jveKRzYvxMN2w5qaAPLzZfIbbBhFc0HdknMERNmaEd6VV7cZz_4AKuKASvyJ-lgtA1Oe400se_j9aSo8T0jIJz0bwGRfgqLOP9CmxdOaTJocPugw4QXrGlMb4ZrThEeQajt_YZlR5A4UlHCgbjDlzAteom=w640-h521" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt'</i>, white <i>Freesia</i>, yellow <i>Freesia</i>, noID <i>Narcissus</i>, and noID tazetta-type <i>Narcissus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>I cut flowers for a third tiny vase to enjoy at my desk just because I couldn't help myself.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY9hXQ5x7DSXyC1eQRNjJpbCFnIe8cx5asWwb9_z64LUKZq5K06uP26M5jXymhDwJ0aBKH5HeFqflT0CpHKr2Mqiq_PIUw7dD-Onx0-JdUUB5ckOUyg3FsMg_HhYA6s_OnnsQewFgnnsuMc9K_kKGpWPuHcHreswBKzejCbN3mRCA4G9Jo3RAxG6YLuVrn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="616" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY9hXQ5x7DSXyC1eQRNjJpbCFnIe8cx5asWwb9_z64LUKZq5K06uP26M5jXymhDwJ0aBKH5HeFqflT0CpHKr2Mqiq_PIUw7dD-Onx0-JdUUB5ckOUyg3FsMg_HhYA6s_OnnsQewFgnnsuMc9K_kKGpWPuHcHreswBKzejCbN3mRCA4G9Jo3RAxG6YLuVrn=w395-h640" width="395" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep blue <i>Anemone coronaria</i> and noID purplish sweet peas. I planted 5 different varieties of <i>Lathyrus odoratus</i>, 2 of which were mixes. My guess is that this is one cultivar from one or another of the 2 mixes but I can't put a name to it. Nor can I explain why none of the other cultivars within the mix are blooming.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We had low expectations for last week's storm but we received more rain than was forecast. Another storm is on the horizon for mid-week and I'm hoping for a little more than is forecast there too, although not so much as to cause any more flooding or landslides in California.</p><p><br /></p><p>For more IAVOM posts, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">check in with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU1li3rhpnQyevJajW-LM5ephScFbncybGydzwrnPudvenZG3EDE930gYlONyntfSGzzMh35N2-ls4MIzqa4lq7gUXVeQS4cBR8IwBlrP6NuT9tTUvpxktYWIkR1l0XHqdp7O-hJ_pVasADhbZXMd0qGp_KQtbkPCNtTvZMXqsTfmM2tnFMovFEd1-5rW1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1729" data-original-width="3264" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU1li3rhpnQyevJajW-LM5ephScFbncybGydzwrnPudvenZG3EDE930gYlONyntfSGzzMh35N2-ls4MIzqa4lq7gUXVeQS4cBR8IwBlrP6NuT9tTUvpxktYWIkR1l0XHqdp7O-hJ_pVasADhbZXMd0qGp_KQtbkPCNtTvZMXqsTfmM2tnFMovFEd1-5rW1=w640-h340" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-87728117503165038592024-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:002024-03-01T06:30:00.126-08:00I've got the blues<p>As any regular reader of my blog knows, I have a pronounced affection for flowers. I'm especially fond of blue flowers. I'll grow - or at least attempt to grow - any plant known to produce blue blooms. As spring gets started, the blues have started to accumulate. Here's a look at what currently has me singing (about) the blues:</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdWjXvGoob2ZQG8a4Tpo0sT6I_NIHdqSAlaDZiMf4EQUBiI4QNZO2aA12vudvXEi8xwzDlyDcA8-cTjBZs_8AtoXZ6n8_QTfJw-KTHSVNqLv-OUKWfqSxRhdoCC0iDpN8iuhDs35GkLBIwogU8MGzDcYuKFSA2RChoLiZtbL7Adcbc3lvBTLd0SUUCgwsH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdWjXvGoob2ZQG8a4Tpo0sT6I_NIHdqSAlaDZiMf4EQUBiI4QNZO2aA12vudvXEi8xwzDlyDcA8-cTjBZs_8AtoXZ6n8_QTfJw-KTHSVNqLv-OUKWfqSxRhdoCC0iDpN8iuhDs35GkLBIwogU8MGzDcYuKFSA2RChoLiZtbL7Adcbc3lvBTLd0SUUCgwsH=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After failing with other bugloss species, I tried <i>Anchusa capensis 'Blue Angel'</i> based on a recommendation by blogger Phillip at <a href="https://phillipoliver.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dirt Therapy</a>. I've got just one plant but it's done well enough to encourage me to plant more.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaqXznL2aill0vTPzrQhMnNzXTn9MJpSIbBUbuHaTBqdCyUXEfIwlNkY_198H7SlFA3t7Ufd_fHNZzhb07dd4k_5_VGdps531SgJoC1UBzz8_r15IT1tBdw3k7teKJGnGWyZ6JkFHxJIUypaU4x34mVx4CmQHuOuy4vAOvy301ZftZJAM2i-dDPDRGkpI6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaqXznL2aill0vTPzrQhMnNzXTn9MJpSIbBUbuHaTBqdCyUXEfIwlNkY_198H7SlFA3t7Ufd_fHNZzhb07dd4k_5_VGdps531SgJoC1UBzz8_r15IT1tBdw3k7teKJGnGWyZ6JkFHxJIUypaU4x34mVx4CmQHuOuy4vAOvy301ZftZJAM2i-dDPDRGkpI6=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue <i>Anemone coronaria</i> are prolific this year. I ordered '<i>Lord Lieutenant'</i> bulbs but I'm not sure that's what I got; however, I'm happy with the flowers in any case.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY3Pg4GNXPtGBHoSQ-Fk_DDMSfIk3X0vERtWCS0Ls5y48P0vxWxVIgirLYuqcub1cbFXU5SBlpGugWV2Yed3eXLHxRfO5f1V0O_ghwWqTwGh0heY-xMVgSGxI8H47u08DhWXUk2vC8d5IjdYX1hY6Ut05FkeDXJs49M9xaGVaM0BBEnrp8i4-GyJOMYQbD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3094" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY3Pg4GNXPtGBHoSQ-Fk_DDMSfIk3X0vERtWCS0Ls5y48P0vxWxVIgirLYuqcub1cbFXU5SBlpGugWV2Yed3eXLHxRfO5f1V0O_ghwWqTwGh0heY-xMVgSGxI8H47u08DhWXUk2vC8d5IjdYX1hY6Ut05FkeDXJs49M9xaGVaM0BBEnrp8i4-GyJOMYQbD=w608-h640" width="608" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is <i>Aristea major</i>, which is much brighter when viewed in person. I've difficulty capturing the true color of most blue flowers with my camera.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO6-Bt92lQCzsbzi9LmldBwycr0Zu282kL0Re8-L8O00-wy-joB8taYD9H9WaoGedk4z-wOmdJX5wL2lO_UiacVxS84-F2ECtrDE8lDKEKEaZSAJhRJgUiZlnU9Xlv2mF0KoprMqA6MSfi9DgXpDlwKQK__8Kslojt37YhXp7X-j1lnWyhNjzyYegG-vU7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="618" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO6-Bt92lQCzsbzi9LmldBwycr0Zu282kL0Re8-L8O00-wy-joB8taYD9H9WaoGedk4z-wOmdJX5wL2lO_UiacVxS84-F2ECtrDE8lDKEKEaZSAJhRJgUiZlnU9Xlv2mF0KoprMqA6MSfi9DgXpDlwKQK__8Kslojt37YhXp7X-j1lnWyhNjzyYegG-vU7=w395-h640" width="395" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Campanula portenschlagiana</i> is just getting started</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH5QIJxpTlO9TYR231ep2KILMlvBcH5k4AezzLuY540woXBAduXb0zZ7_J7Qil1Ds5ObqikQrFq8bKYWsSIu5qZBa6k7_mOKhoCDU01rRMChrWeTc0BYU3zqBxJB1cOXf4Owg97LV-p9KiDtDD6rzvqHr2YuilBBbEXJdUUs-kIJ1i9uuJCll0VHhf3Wbm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3264" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH5QIJxpTlO9TYR231ep2KILMlvBcH5k4AezzLuY540woXBAduXb0zZ7_J7Qil1Ds5ObqikQrFq8bKYWsSIu5qZBa6k7_mOKhoCDU01rRMChrWeTc0BYU3zqBxJB1cOXf4Owg97LV-p9KiDtDD6rzvqHr2YuilBBbEXJdUUs-kIJ1i9uuJCll0VHhf3Wbm=w640-h444" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ceanothus arboreus 'Cliff Schmidt'</i> on my back slope is a challenge to photograph because it sits on our property's border and I can't get far enough away on our side of the line to get a good shot. The tree-sized plant is hidden behind a lemon tree on our side, backed up by a neighbor's fence on the east side, and drops off sharply into another neighbor's property on the south side.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFYvcRSkpGOm5czSJ7U-Ev-wvOcreimT_621LKKYkKfrd9-UrFc0kQ22iElr544z760HmApHt7GhaOmcyoRKJKvDHNyFRu57bJ_-AaUgTv2J269xFiC3At1ijCbCFGWaJUmoFqoXdTOV67N5UCk9QyWGvTAOnkR8A3dPksmgnM3uMRrg8-nRoYDABLexw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1000" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFYvcRSkpGOm5czSJ7U-Ev-wvOcreimT_621LKKYkKfrd9-UrFc0kQ22iElr544z760HmApHt7GhaOmcyoRKJKvDHNyFRu57bJ_-AaUgTv2J269xFiC3At1ijCbCFGWaJUmoFqoXdTOV67N5UCk9QyWGvTAOnkR8A3dPksmgnM3uMRrg8-nRoYDABLexw=w640-h517" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a closeup of a noID <i>Ceanothus</i> that came with the garden. It was grown as a hedge about one foot away from the <i>Xylosma</i> hedge that runs the full length of the back garden. There were several of these same <i>Ceanothus</i> growing in the front garden (a foot away from another <i>Xylosma</i> hedge). Those plants died back suddenly a few years after we moved in and we removed them - or thought we did. After 2 years of good rain, I've seen signs that 2 of the shrubs are attempting a comeback.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNLW8FLW2k32_6uG4DtWksaxjzj2zDidXDt5YBPWYFHgfJIo8fHZhGPS1qGwC8DG350Xwtqlw7tsfGJD8HEfLqs4n2YhAVaDYrpslMLwxah2jZO8AGhuj98ga_A_Wn-hAf6j-oD5a5oRYgnChRQXi6sqPLzh1gtdD1n2LIso8LEAT6E7xr51oc5893oeVz" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="3264" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNLW8FLW2k32_6uG4DtWksaxjzj2zDidXDt5YBPWYFHgfJIo8fHZhGPS1qGwC8DG350Xwtqlw7tsfGJD8HEfLqs4n2YhAVaDYrpslMLwxah2jZO8AGhuj98ga_A_Wn-hAf6j-oD5a5oRYgnChRQXi6sqPLzh1gtdD1n2LIso8LEAT6E7xr51oc5893oeVz=w640-h384" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of 3 <i>Echium handiense</i> I've grown from cuttings</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0M0kD-1xDYAcR01Ol5Pwu7MBOEeNdzewklg_8YjruPXZi3o-QHGQoEKFkssWnF1KTXUiWmhS3bXLCwUsMZ0i3nkGrAX-htnI7nZ3rlTjYUQphiRjXbYd2xUApY8SwdGKNjxG-GAhoAYThlrlPXyOo8U2D45xGBTE_qH9te8usbz6olWLyf7rqXQ3QZK0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1890" data-original-width="3264" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0M0kD-1xDYAcR01Ol5Pwu7MBOEeNdzewklg_8YjruPXZi3o-QHGQoEKFkssWnF1KTXUiWmhS3bXLCwUsMZ0i3nkGrAX-htnI7nZ3rlTjYUQphiRjXbYd2xUApY8SwdGKNjxG-GAhoAYThlrlPXyOo8U2D45xGBTE_qH9te8usbz6olWLyf7rqXQ3QZK0=w640-h370" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I grow several <i>Felicia aethiopica</i> sub-shrubs in the back garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7zDkyoN9OYPliffMiPTbvPs9jK1y86k1ImRfNItyy53Br1Uka21nJ9HRJWi4VJBbWj4wqYWUS4SMbnKtHnn-rj34R5sQsy-TCD-pKycaZsmmzh6y3aRZKLz3Dyzxf-jAblLfyamim2zjJXuZJ14NpmmRlScm5krjdLdR2NKhR6gaMironOt-4dOHeM9CS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="3264" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7zDkyoN9OYPliffMiPTbvPs9jK1y86k1ImRfNItyy53Br1Uka21nJ9HRJWi4VJBbWj4wqYWUS4SMbnKtHnn-rj34R5sQsy-TCD-pKycaZsmmzh6y3aRZKLz3Dyzxf-jAblLfyamim2zjJXuZJ14NpmmRlScm5krjdLdR2NKhR6gaMironOt-4dOHeM9CS=w640-h256" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ipheion uniflorum</i> (aka spring starflower and Mexican star) is a very pale blue</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCki9GQ39N1g9KF0kJ7MNYkabn3q2fKiXfOTahJ9czW13U2jjv6VMm34ockgeIQbxQgsOoLHy51ZJ2zSHMUUYEf4ohmBB7fj87wfJb50co7zV3I1W81Lws2vOq0hjl-r41jmwfAIwQVmfRoj1Kg3Kr6LmoI7XKYBcHOrY59_L81732ksG98YT0Z-ZhHXWa" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="3264" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCki9GQ39N1g9KF0kJ7MNYkabn3q2fKiXfOTahJ9czW13U2jjv6VMm34ockgeIQbxQgsOoLHy51ZJ2zSHMUUYEf4ohmBB7fj87wfJb50co7zV3I1W81Lws2vOq0hjl-r41jmwfAIwQVmfRoj1Kg3Kr6LmoI7XKYBcHOrY59_L81732ksG98YT0Z-ZhHXWa=w640-h280" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I planted 5 varieties of sweet peas in my cutting garden but only one is blooming so far and I can't say with certainty which one it is. My best guess is that it's <i>Lathyrus odoratus 'Mermaid's Dream'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTFTAlb_EQrYWIBDyxOeTsoQuh_p-EuWeSCgUqKngE4ICUB2d1wA_eQ9vfIZ6qKkqr-xzwt5TeKO25SwCJu_Ws7Y3vUB000JhmCVSogf-cwEQICgHMLGlSm-ItHaQOHl3tuvngyT5mIP4-vn9xGs2R6XGpp29IrhBz36iT8Fzu_eWwcJrj_B-KJCbkK8pw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2179" data-original-width="3264" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTFTAlb_EQrYWIBDyxOeTsoQuh_p-EuWeSCgUqKngE4ICUB2d1wA_eQ9vfIZ6qKkqr-xzwt5TeKO25SwCJu_Ws7Y3vUB000JhmCVSogf-cwEQICgHMLGlSm-ItHaQOHl3tuvngyT5mIP4-vn9xGs2R6XGpp29IrhBz36iT8Fzu_eWwcJrj_B-KJCbkK8pw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavandula multifida</i> (aka fernleaf lavender and Egyptian lavender) blooms year round</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiztXwRUf0w7axFm3kBqGMpMzTCuFE7eHupI7-7O1n_-Gz617FYjRdFROyegU2avyakrlXb9B2yawEzhNUxQ4_OliYPhqBOI3POIAba9riE3CVYUcYIq2WhetYX1PCrPe08NXjlh7HvLdW-I6jlJiPTUinqoVwx_XWbvViT54UXJ0E4SKVWRAbMmbzWUhMn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1000" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiztXwRUf0w7axFm3kBqGMpMzTCuFE7eHupI7-7O1n_-Gz617FYjRdFROyegU2avyakrlXb9B2yawEzhNUxQ4_OliYPhqBOI3POIAba9riE3CVYUcYIq2WhetYX1PCrPe08NXjlh7HvLdW-I6jlJiPTUinqoVwx_XWbvViT54UXJ0E4SKVWRAbMmbzWUhMn=w640-h442" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not flowers but the berries of <i>Mahonia x media 'Charity'</i> put on a better show than the flowers anyway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoC2-LxJbUAu1jz3o-yZQ1_Gj2AZ6nBwiBdcT6yN55ibFXWFrLwHEWiruX3PCxXPVVQ5nAeKpkwoY4WrRpDAKPMCSBlx45TXaCQTfEXbfugpu9FO_Y-2lrpzLms13vid2yzqHnCDWIt-a_A-eS9j7_U3e6vJe7bwotYGOSVOGXJNmFDz9xF2EBlmQdjQ3z" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2682" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoC2-LxJbUAu1jz3o-yZQ1_Gj2AZ6nBwiBdcT6yN55ibFXWFrLwHEWiruX3PCxXPVVQ5nAeKpkwoY4WrRpDAKPMCSBlx45TXaCQTfEXbfugpu9FO_Y-2lrpzLms13vid2yzqHnCDWIt-a_A-eS9j7_U3e6vJe7bwotYGOSVOGXJNmFDz9xF2EBlmQdjQ3z=w525-h640" width="525" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: <i>Osteospermum '4D Pink'</i> has a purple-blue center<br />Middle: <i>O. '4D Silver'</i><br />Bottom: <i>O. 'Purple Spoon'</i> and <i>O. '4D Violet Ice'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEKpBHtGFkGP0FUezF5GWuvqCiLccI9ypWvOBIST19FykSOurHs41CeqbSxwIspTTZ5bppHVrSHYEB7Jc09BbaMldkJ1Y8syAQcFJFe8X-Xu1oc5XEndTcQN9tQ5ogBxRCTfD2D0hwwNVwpPPFga4GivBq_XjDYXL1P7UDIF7p1xaguQ9dEWtEE_HYcdyk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEKpBHtGFkGP0FUezF5GWuvqCiLccI9ypWvOBIST19FykSOurHs41CeqbSxwIspTTZ5bppHVrSHYEB7Jc09BbaMldkJ1Y8syAQcFJFe8X-Xu1oc5XEndTcQN9tQ5ogBxRCTfD2D0hwwNVwpPPFga4GivBq_XjDYXL1P7UDIF7p1xaguQ9dEWtEE_HYcdyk=w499-h640" width="499" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pericallis</i> hybrids (aka cineraria), grown as annuals. The true blue varieties on top were included in a mix of plugs, most of which were blue. The one on the bottom is <i>Pericallis hybrida 'Magic Salmon'</i>, a favorite of mine.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFsQURPM7xXpDyGGCQPqrp0QyJzp2iMIFm3A6eZtpe-AQsSvVFLoii1aPFpzddobjK68Cy5-xJMI5e1Ri3OCisIw9j8vLZTR81_mvHQzFXysS0JA-pT3NFY_sfDK_Bpv11ALoN3Ri6a13BEs1raAt47MW3IscSSIRNttgLK0kRS2mpvRnw_Hrg_1FB9CEX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1000" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFsQURPM7xXpDyGGCQPqrp0QyJzp2iMIFm3A6eZtpe-AQsSvVFLoii1aPFpzddobjK68Cy5-xJMI5e1Ri3OCisIw9j8vLZTR81_mvHQzFXysS0JA-pT3NFY_sfDK_Bpv11ALoN3Ri6a13BEs1raAt47MW3IscSSIRNttgLK0kRS2mpvRnw_Hrg_1FB9CEX=w640-h500" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've a lot of prostrate rosemary (now classified as <i>Salvia rosmarinus</i>), all of which is blue even if it looks white in photographs</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6BzuwjAYkgfcZUSJ5UIkKZswHtAXzCCCrns-0M7z5gLnR0X4vkfyVwRuH7ZmZvSYjSuVD7LA65PhiK-zBhxv-tbeggYrsgCI8Te3gPPpZteC-kMnRI8GgzCU4vH4wXZRipDM6YTcBBKmVsOIP0lXSbocJYhwabxX86sR_NnzatV6d9qQZXblr5HoWmr5A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="3264" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6BzuwjAYkgfcZUSJ5UIkKZswHtAXzCCCrns-0M7z5gLnR0X4vkfyVwRuH7ZmZvSYjSuVD7LA65PhiK-zBhxv-tbeggYrsgCI8Te3gPPpZteC-kMnRI8GgzCU4vH4wXZRipDM6YTcBBKmVsOIP0lXSbocJYhwabxX86sR_NnzatV6d9qQZXblr5HoWmr5A=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NoID <i>Scaevola</i> and <i>Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'</i>, both best viewed in closeup</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9tUonT7MbeOx9C982KMUY7pXNfRbOP1AySJLIcNxEZg7f_49-tYEsE_gyLCaLXZfiK35zyV9Szpk8_bGdf0JjXT7Sa5D3FzXzWOeu9I1Pf8ecoTDQNJfPfzgfGpp1GheC-ZqmC8g3TLpm8t1Iic2lzzdlzrrQW8gjR9vj4Lj6u7i7XkNfudiNG2OekAG9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3233" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9tUonT7MbeOx9C982KMUY7pXNfRbOP1AySJLIcNxEZg7f_49-tYEsE_gyLCaLXZfiK35zyV9Szpk8_bGdf0JjXT7Sa5D3FzXzWOeu9I1Pf8ecoTDQNJfPfzgfGpp1GheC-ZqmC8g3TLpm8t1Iic2lzzdlzrrQW8gjR9vj4Lj6u7i7XkNfudiNG2OekAG9=w635-h640" width="635" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: <i>Viola 'Sorbet XP Neptune'</i><br />Bottom: <i>Viola cornuta 'Penny Peach'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />If my records from prior years can be relied upon, many more blue flowers can be expected to show up by the end of March. These are likely to include some of the brightest blues: <i>Delphiniums, Iris douglasiana, Iris hollandica 'Sapphire Blue'</i>, <i>Limonium perezii,</i> and <i>Scilla pervuviana</i>.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Before I exit for the weekend, I'll share a few of the white flowers that are currently putting on a good show as well:</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFXaBRnGBTFda1ByvGB_2WZRtm7xbc6XG1jzwcT1Iv1bhDFp6pT2yFPpWP1CSzno0DVwQKYuH26AOpfsRtUWjyvUxBC1EtFJw6M3FE2eP5imIl-lfbb3OgTPt4k8U658IAGNQkWe6ZfsjJtptetxFa-9cMPYUbyth_-3kcut-uguHDaw54NyRaoPcgJGe3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFXaBRnGBTFda1ByvGB_2WZRtm7xbc6XG1jzwcT1Iv1bhDFp6pT2yFPpWP1CSzno0DVwQKYuH26AOpfsRtUWjyvUxBC1EtFJw6M3FE2eP5imIl-lfbb3OgTPt4k8U658IAGNQkWe6ZfsjJtptetxFa-9cMPYUbyth_-3kcut-uguHDaw54NyRaoPcgJGe3=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ornamental pear tree (<i>Pyrus calleryana</i>) finally bloomed</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGmndYAv7Uyw2PJ6RheewxBuU4kr0wFQghX_9R9WqKV-6rmDVsjCEH2SBCw2q9TW-0CCJxe86V6ZexnPUN1uHzYAqYUZPnlOpccoDglcsChJW_cfLDevxj1OrdDEtWc-g3RTlKL3HgAadBGcSFNgdNGvolGqUysI2QK7H1W3NLc4Dcdhz2sFK56LP2IFuV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="3264" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGmndYAv7Uyw2PJ6RheewxBuU4kr0wFQghX_9R9WqKV-6rmDVsjCEH2SBCw2q9TW-0CCJxe86V6ZexnPUN1uHzYAqYUZPnlOpccoDglcsChJW_cfLDevxj1OrdDEtWc-g3RTlKL3HgAadBGcSFNgdNGvolGqUysI2QK7H1W3NLc4Dcdhz2sFK56LP2IFuV=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white <i>Freesias</i> (left) are well ahead of the blue ones this year, The <i>Osteospermum '4D White'</i> (right) are off to a very good start.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Have a great weekend!<p></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p></p></div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-77372943157854673482024-02-28T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-28T06:30:00.132-08:00Striking Succulents<p>After all the rain we've had this month, my succulents are looking squeaky clean. I thought it's a good time to show off some of those that don't get regular coverage (although some of those that do may have crept in here and there).</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkF5THKsF8jTGTzuheit2s_7qvOo0pGm7btto13sdGaFwvNADeJWXQ0jb1QGJ2l5En5xDJPak8qt9llHDdRto0LKn-mxw2vAiohS7GN2FpMplv-cqzPixwOiuq7VAWaDQhW42z5g73FwudWo9IOuQIPj7qIXlaWQkYQAHBvO9MMWqmxh_S_hjSC7MzH64A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="818" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkF5THKsF8jTGTzuheit2s_7qvOo0pGm7btto13sdGaFwvNADeJWXQ0jb1QGJ2l5En5xDJPak8qt9llHDdRto0LKn-mxw2vAiohS7GN2FpMplv-cqzPixwOiuq7VAWaDQhW42z5g73FwudWo9IOuQIPj7qIXlaWQkYQAHBvO9MMWqmxh_S_hjSC7MzH64A=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pot contains <i>Aeonium 'Jolly Green'</i>, a low-growing variety, and <i>Graptosedum 'Vera Higgins</i>', showing off the copper color it develops under cool conditions</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAt2Cegx8sbCXIa-gw4076B2DL1naC4CsGoklbex4CVP8BB3hVLGIaT_n8Cwl77Q5kEaBo3yhhj4J4uqBwt-HycOnqYZqe_EQ3jvpVytRnQSzPFz_2SSESl6SjkzLLJDeIjGCD6vMQXPrKxAY4HLgpDLEyyASc3zleukOeyJhPhL-qU0HfmcEeeOJ3k4Hi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="3264" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAt2Cegx8sbCXIa-gw4076B2DL1naC4CsGoklbex4CVP8BB3hVLGIaT_n8Cwl77Q5kEaBo3yhhj4J4uqBwt-HycOnqYZqe_EQ3jvpVytRnQSzPFz_2SSESl6SjkzLLJDeIjGCD6vMQXPrKxAY4HLgpDLEyyASc3zleukOeyJhPhL-qU0HfmcEeeOJ3k4Hi=w640-h298" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are all <i>'Sunburst' Aeoniums</i> but the 2 on the left have been growing in a pot in partial shade for years while those on the right are planted in the ground in full sun. What's most interesting are the variations in the color of the 2 on the left. Note that the yellow and green stripes in the 2 rosettes are reversed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiId0FBM0kG_j3HLeD3rQHFfc6sYnny-KF82MlOC885b3D6QKjZOP5ZNYhDkk6ZVLtN6gjC_KitNF0zXPR-TCziU0lxltogFEol4TQAimX_TDY2sm-fmnEivLxNghEsoLBuvbM6-3OAFNo0fT77fHVEcDPiNSuV4jNsKTC1wpMF7Uk3KZKoRrOW231ckd5g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1000" height="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiId0FBM0kG_j3HLeD3rQHFfc6sYnny-KF82MlOC885b3D6QKjZOP5ZNYhDkk6ZVLtN6gjC_KitNF0zXPR-TCziU0lxltogFEol4TQAimX_TDY2sm-fmnEivLxNghEsoLBuvbM6-3OAFNo0fT77fHVEcDPiNSuV4jNsKTC1wpMF7Uk3KZKoRrOW231ckd5g=w640-h543" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Velour'</i> is probably my favorite <i>Aeonium</i>. They need at least partial sun to develop that red color.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit4QWbsoKQKV_u1iVWrl4kvpJFDl0tSIuo_36I9n33L0FF8IH9mswBPm_0QMr70qaHp4O6KyjcPoyWDwNuPACzlZmHMZtkdgNJocPhSpjhQqHKDkW-ekEFoIONIJeB5-h2_Z9j0U9g89wl91UEv8Z-GNFfooKhknfbIZcBOMcmVePD8GB5oel4eoEuCMCd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit4QWbsoKQKV_u1iVWrl4kvpJFDl0tSIuo_36I9n33L0FF8IH9mswBPm_0QMr70qaHp4O6KyjcPoyWDwNuPACzlZmHMZtkdgNJocPhSpjhQqHKDkW-ekEFoIONIJeB5-h2_Z9j0U9g89wl91UEv8Z-GNFfooKhknfbIZcBOMcmVePD8GB5oel4eoEuCMCd=w552-h640" width="552" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Agave americana mediopicta 'Alba'</i> is looking far more striking now that it's been liberated from the embrace of the overgrown <i>Agave 'Blue Flame'</i> we removed last month. When I looked closely at this photo, I realized it's also up to its old tricks with a new pup tucked under a leaf on the left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg85U-26V0WmzzWUYDutbBVxLD80XdKpM80SEoKoXoQV0JK_sjbkbwYgXaFVVJ3eXrrS4rZxsr9cS0PX2fL-pMoqjxJhqpj_J6hRI3gU0a4z9QBIpemSZIpLpQ5uXj4axF3kRcOf_ZMLcw4sYNsGgVeGMZ8Gl3Ii_EArIrKRjTriopdJCYVB-CVAAwf4hWi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="3264" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg85U-26V0WmzzWUYDutbBVxLD80XdKpM80SEoKoXoQV0JK_sjbkbwYgXaFVVJ3eXrrS4rZxsr9cS0PX2fL-pMoqjxJhqpj_J6hRI3gU0a4z9QBIpemSZIpLpQ5uXj4axF3kRcOf_ZMLcw4sYNsGgVeGMZ8Gl3Ii_EArIrKRjTriopdJCYVB-CVAAwf4hWi=w640-h254" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I planted 2 <i>Agave attenuata 'Ray of Light'</i> (in different sizes) in October 2021. I wasn't overly impressed with them at first but their variegation is more pronounced now.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXstT3f1J-THY_YzvLoZ9OX9anfR7saFZnOIH2YlCdjWvnm6G-QpJw4YWwZZHf7AHb-a-Y-V8iT9VazpUNmwJNhRyIyVz6Gvqa-O0emYMlJwHWLsCDmC_ZCRzFK7c24w7fn-TRHih75tyludVe-cwjzPH_gri2e6NKVD0c2MR_sDFVTerbg-4oszJbbSKP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1000" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXstT3f1J-THY_YzvLoZ9OX9anfR7saFZnOIH2YlCdjWvnm6G-QpJw4YWwZZHf7AHb-a-Y-V8iT9VazpUNmwJNhRyIyVz6Gvqa-O0emYMlJwHWLsCDmC_ZCRzFK7c24w7fn-TRHih75tyludVe-cwjzPH_gri2e6NKVD0c2MR_sDFVTerbg-4oszJbbSKP=w640-h452" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the colors of <i>Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor'</i> but these plants are sneaky and prolific puppers. You can see yet another new pup developing on the far left of this photo.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHpa0DghB3b33Y_qOewdVRiNaTqOoftIoKWBQuW82bCfAoTUM5N7qdTZkIJoPzvREp3i4ehRu2rpqzEL0KzPgj460JE012ieL4eZoQFikOA7AAgCtsfHvA6GCQTWgaslsl1XeJ5D8sVBGlF3zgVW_xzLacz3OthQZSfHWxGeVeHTzMLGaVCQ06a5CEx3XL" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="930" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHpa0DghB3b33Y_qOewdVRiNaTqOoftIoKWBQuW82bCfAoTUM5N7qdTZkIJoPzvREp3i4ehRu2rpqzEL0KzPgj460JE012ieL4eZoQFikOA7AAgCtsfHvA6GCQTWgaslsl1XeJ5D8sVBGlF3zgVW_xzLacz3OthQZSfHWxGeVeHTzMLGaVCQ06a5CEx3XL=w595-h640" width="595" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I planted <i>Agave 'Mr Ripple'</i> from a 4-inch pot at the back of my south-side succulent bed in July 2016, where it was largely hidden and seldom noticed. With last month's cleanup of that bed, I'm admiring it much more often. </td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs8rjVjmyCNg9p4WxF-5AndP3gRYKL4hhY-qKxmEWQBCNf-DTM5hj9KcVK2aR1zfeBL5oz7lhxDcGG4rF6lu7VjPrbk355i6pUo00goiPJmkiF5o38bpQXcOoVmwvqCZUQmJ55iRIdMsAuAdXsop-seZZXPZZmURkos1JXa4bNv7LNy8deItmzdql4vNXE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="3264" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs8rjVjmyCNg9p4WxF-5AndP3gRYKL4hhY-qKxmEWQBCNf-DTM5hj9KcVK2aR1zfeBL5oz7lhxDcGG4rF6lu7VjPrbk355i6pUo00goiPJmkiF5o38bpQXcOoVmwvqCZUQmJ55iRIdMsAuAdXsop-seZZXPZZmURkos1JXa4bNv7LNy8deItmzdql4vNXE=w640-h270" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elimination of large clumps of <i>Aeonium 'Kiwi</i>' from my north-side garden in January provided a clearer view of <i>Agave pygmaea 'Dragon Toes'</i> (left). At some point, the plant had produced a good-sized pup on the other side of the gravel path (right). The pup of the dwarf agave is crowded by the larger <i>Agave capensis</i> so I may transplant it into my garage area succulent bed when it's ready for replanting.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiElAHzcCvvQTAPLAeEVj5CUYjvYG3iVhfbgVCDI7q816sSfg8HuHrWjPwZ_Nt4MnSofjcuMNcjmt1fjnI3mV-C7IMliQiqf1XQmPz14G6H3eHsPeMDdwLYOcXTkJjnt_jTGz2A1WW0mOy6Uy1qNLgwuwxwT8-SYNBT6dqgPNO9DLZcNLCZgitSJUE2oYL4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="3264" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiElAHzcCvvQTAPLAeEVj5CUYjvYG3iVhfbgVCDI7q816sSfg8HuHrWjPwZ_Nt4MnSofjcuMNcjmt1fjnI3mV-C7IMliQiqf1XQmPz14G6H3eHsPeMDdwLYOcXTkJjnt_jTGz2A1WW0mOy6Uy1qNLgwuwxwT8-SYNBT6dqgPNO9DLZcNLCZgitSJUE2oYL4=w640-h332" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of plants that need to be moved, I think both of these fall into that category. Neither appears on my spreadsheet but they may be varieties of <i>Agave titanota</i>. The one on the left is small and will be easy to move. The one on the right, with an attached pup, is going to be much harder to remove from under a large <i>Agave 'Blue Glow'</i> without blood being shed.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYmwgI79xSl5dmmoRyqoglo85mRNFUz-3wQjVVMU9HiuSIfXwv2ooFQOr8V5lUNWICX2OFTNOmvinxTMN0dxGbZ5PVYBfK_gFuq-W25iyUN8AjGYteANyGkE_Db-Ckpc_KTtjcS-lceUNiO9hlnb8pWkzjt2U8bQX3Pzu5M8oASm0Szq25w61P5LfxGKNI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYmwgI79xSl5dmmoRyqoglo85mRNFUz-3wQjVVMU9HiuSIfXwv2ooFQOr8V5lUNWICX2OFTNOmvinxTMN0dxGbZ5PVYBfK_gFuq-W25iyUN8AjGYteANyGkE_Db-Ckpc_KTtjcS-lceUNiO9hlnb8pWkzjt2U8bQX3Pzu5M8oASm0Szq25w61P5LfxGKNI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't resist including a shot of this renovated area of the north-side garden featuring <i>Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue', A. applanata</i>, and <i>A. pygmaea 'Dragon Toes'</i> surrounded by other succulents<br /> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgheGffXPf2yBppcNewg4AWGo9EZvm_fGGOiiIZTFdQ5l4u75zWjRwo1xwgjhXVbkHplg5xwYQGOt4RgA_EAzx0zzlsWIRIz7JYRo2BT10obYhKjWDuitG0DDgsHuJq1w8I58OmHIIWBQEop0wzMSqukRLE1eXczO3vUX5M_8l33KhX5ro187P9mY6CCr79" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="931" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgheGffXPf2yBppcNewg4AWGo9EZvm_fGGOiiIZTFdQ5l4u75zWjRwo1xwgjhXVbkHplg5xwYQGOt4RgA_EAzx0zzlsWIRIz7JYRo2BT10obYhKjWDuitG0DDgsHuJq1w8I58OmHIIWBQEop0wzMSqukRLE1eXczO3vUX5M_8l33KhX5ro187P9mY6CCr79=w595-h640" width="595" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several <i>Aloe striata</i> (aka coral aloes) in my garden finally starting to bloom</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE1DVeFe-wm_IKGjvtks5gXX2AFAZaYRQG4qk3Eve0SfNV9_ARwDqn0gugYtueYZp98jC1b5jUoi4IuRQup1jsD6jSfyjFQNATKfH_jkW6IFlhitNyJCtGSdLYOpmPaRr8Hzdpl-rxvbxhQZHrxEXNi1ZAuSeoir3NdIpIa0YPnrOHGk5GbFn21R3ca0x5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="3264" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE1DVeFe-wm_IKGjvtks5gXX2AFAZaYRQG4qk3Eve0SfNV9_ARwDqn0gugYtueYZp98jC1b5jUoi4IuRQup1jsD6jSfyjFQNATKfH_jkW6IFlhitNyJCtGSdLYOpmPaRr8Hzdpl-rxvbxhQZHrxEXNi1ZAuSeoir3NdIpIa0YPnrOHGk5GbFn21R3ca0x5=w640-h254" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cotyledon orbiculata</i>, one in a pot and another in the ground. These plants glow in the garden. I think I need a few more.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkArtSuZba5ZtKSuDCXnogk-ATBltnTNRycQoAjkBi7rsKHtgk9HpL2MEH8GKQUu3KJsMdgqybgE23MkSaulmXlVlWhf-sQp67DTLvAYeXitI8XlVNTQzLOH4tr-_WwqHCvjBqac9NCZkPJ8nObBt8txHOhwXBrL1eWZUJsiE8HHi_O5eGwMfqwjKZdcc2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1000" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkArtSuZba5ZtKSuDCXnogk-ATBltnTNRycQoAjkBi7rsKHtgk9HpL2MEH8GKQUu3KJsMdgqybgE23MkSaulmXlVlWhf-sQp67DTLvAYeXitI8XlVNTQzLOH4tr-_WwqHCvjBqac9NCZkPJ8nObBt8txHOhwXBrL1eWZUJsiE8HHi_O5eGwMfqwjKZdcc2=w640-h470" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pot containing <i>Echeveria 'Violet Queen'</i> accompanied by <i>Crassula perforata</i> and <i>Sedum 'Little Missy'</i>. I love the bright pink edges of the <i>Echeveria</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOcMXdrmg4Im4JB7jgxCR7GmpWEy4QzgduetG0FxIjVCKyG3mKQwLFGYeG6Yxel-BelVX9ASIt5JSRrMyQWvk_guYIlv0r3M6nLcO5Iv5OM26aWhikg3Rrtmuiw3twSjxvJDLTG1mRzgkjLcUQNkxmoO4hNjOUtd8bq8nYu7TGGfv-pbtGlDzqW1tgiF4M" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1000" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOcMXdrmg4Im4JB7jgxCR7GmpWEy4QzgduetG0FxIjVCKyG3mKQwLFGYeG6Yxel-BelVX9ASIt5JSRrMyQWvk_guYIlv0r3M6nLcO5Iv5OM26aWhikg3Rrtmuiw3twSjxvJDLTG1mRzgkjLcUQNkxmoO4hNjOUtd8bq8nYu7TGGfv-pbtGlDzqW1tgiF4M=w640-h561" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the mistake of planting one <i>Faucaria tigrina</i> in the ground. They're much happier in pots.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAJpY9xIMewU5YPCE6US_JnqJkSNl43wlTjAPrTrirKtyrFVzMZntQ9dUtGE2DkJImp5-nnVlc5Ih3tTh0nEH9V0WT4hECxwmwfaJ4OHAFFz6tlE3glDrk3M6Oc3PsqgxN2BDUz1cWf4fJU4QhxpELYODwhwW-oWA3VQi8hBxR17o_4_XYqJbCFlIxWYAy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="731" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAJpY9xIMewU5YPCE6US_JnqJkSNl43wlTjAPrTrirKtyrFVzMZntQ9dUtGE2DkJImp5-nnVlc5Ih3tTh0nEH9V0WT4hECxwmwfaJ4OHAFFz6tlE3glDrk3M6Oc3PsqgxN2BDUz1cWf4fJU4QhxpELYODwhwW-oWA3VQi8hBxR17o_4_XYqJbCFlIxWYAy=w467-h640" width="467" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This clam shell I planted with succulents in November 2022 has been very satisfying. <i>Gonialoe variegata</i> is currently getting ready to bloom. Last year, <i>Oscularia deltoides</i> bloomed with lavender flowers. Other elements include <i>Cotyledon orbiculata</i> and <i>Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQHvGc0xzRTaTRiMh4Lgp2iIGoEnlKultAi4wwEqMbkQfS9SIY3DjdT9CMXx-hJ9DxKAW9o7j2Iq-LIMWDbRK9HQalh7ub1vp3HkxXDKnpKXVgmDNs5Q3gTnn77a27b5RJDN91TrcT-YBgykkIiS9_CKSH6Gq4j8G58tEoRauIGH4BIu8Rdmpr39mo2Pw5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQHvGc0xzRTaTRiMh4Lgp2iIGoEnlKultAi4wwEqMbkQfS9SIY3DjdT9CMXx-hJ9DxKAW9o7j2Iq-LIMWDbRK9HQalh7ub1vp3HkxXDKnpKXVgmDNs5Q3gTnn77a27b5RJDN91TrcT-YBgykkIiS9_CKSH6Gq4j8G58tEoRauIGH4BIu8Rdmpr39mo2Pw5=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I planted this pot on steel legs a year ago with <i>Graptopetalum pachyphyllum, G. paraguayense, Graptoveria 'Fred Ives',</i> and <i>Sedum 'Little Missy'</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAIfpEV_Q-uaq0XIccMZgF28khjx4QuKSrpqR19pjEGK_KTZmfof0wuDzNvHfsh46nhAUpVJfvmPaqK32oHQCsdHoM122tqeXXrvzWb19Ny6T6JTfXFdnAh89YrRyN4j5pKVGlF7nP6r2ZDEyGxWeTlrvYqkZhaqY7wiv4S37NRxZu0S8vhDwmBpHBa3qb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1200" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAIfpEV_Q-uaq0XIccMZgF28khjx4QuKSrpqR19pjEGK_KTZmfof0wuDzNvHfsh46nhAUpVJfvmPaqK32oHQCsdHoM122tqeXXrvzWb19Ny6T6JTfXFdnAh89YrRyN4j5pKVGlF7nP6r2ZDEyGxWeTlrvYqkZhaqY7wiv4S37NRxZu0S8vhDwmBpHBa3qb=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Aztec King'</i> has become one of my favorite <i>Mangaves</i>. I've got one in a pot and 3 in the ground.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmo3gx5dbTxBDot-NSgc-UGmayepWse4MuxwidZIOigMo2Hk3sJRmTz2sXgE7QU5BgdT6JhqkLMUZYj9gHXqWzszhdvvl96qvr8vZ6hAEgcoseFrN8QUEQ7OvnKPvnbG1P2kFIvoKA6ZN5VpkHmq-SHUMiZlI9S4fp3Zm-XmBALKbE_BJ5TSsM37pnvUnO" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1000" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmo3gx5dbTxBDot-NSgc-UGmayepWse4MuxwidZIOigMo2Hk3sJRmTz2sXgE7QU5BgdT6JhqkLMUZYj9gHXqWzszhdvvl96qvr8vZ6hAEgcoseFrN8QUEQ7OvnKPvnbG1P2kFIvoKA6ZN5VpkHmq-SHUMiZlI9S4fp3Zm-XmBALKbE_BJ5TSsM37pnvUnO=w640-h522" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mangave 'Crazy Cowlick'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4dX8LZ5BrQKpTGkTTblaGtjzjDIRwWfx5MFZeV7GCF28HkoQdcIixpq5TinwUDErXe9pFfjSnn9tHMtmsE95hU3V5FE7r-9QuBtKJqvpUTE4fv6UNg09_kCn8Z7ndFDe9gUpTvB2bWathou6IBkULMFdLnWFfvqV0wNBBZkicytnd6YmRH1SUgPD6KsI_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1000" height="567" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4dX8LZ5BrQKpTGkTTblaGtjzjDIRwWfx5MFZeV7GCF28HkoQdcIixpq5TinwUDErXe9pFfjSnn9tHMtmsE95hU3V5FE7r-9QuBtKJqvpUTE4fv6UNg09_kCn8Z7ndFDe9gUpTvB2bWathou6IBkULMFdLnWFfvqV0wNBBZkicytnd6YmRH1SUgPD6KsI_=w640-h567" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mangave 'Night Owl'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFMfV2fNAq9iIkQHhzTxLJKwaNPpj1tkcMaeigHQZBxY10bsx7BnrK30voGrNiG28k3BURqNoaOFT93Wo_rzj925LNVqk2O3mmy5_oRWYd8Nywjjd2HF-XxPAJ4JvysZ2gnM53TJochOk_oJXfad6lIBCQp-SSNGnqQLFaperErwlm1FmRemwNeTi37rA9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="3264" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFMfV2fNAq9iIkQHhzTxLJKwaNPpj1tkcMaeigHQZBxY10bsx7BnrK30voGrNiG28k3BURqNoaOFT93Wo_rzj925LNVqk2O3mmy5_oRWYd8Nywjjd2HF-XxPAJ4JvysZ2gnM53TJochOk_oJXfad6lIBCQp-SSNGnqQLFaperErwlm1FmRemwNeTi37rA9=w640-h332" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mangave 'Pineapple Express'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdCFCPSldcBy4K--shpJmydFcuTZ3mwG5sn_HKUC9xaWyfX6zn11ac_Dw7FKjywYpCy9I_6xXvsZ3H4ppZDdDa0OOt_3mu1cadWQILoEgpjyKainglv2TSYYuR4YWMcyJEnFQMJTOJk5vtJXs96heGKwXsO6zHBUk9JcEsF4XNPQoy6yCSkc2KhPdXCdA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="3264" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdCFCPSldcBy4K--shpJmydFcuTZ3mwG5sn_HKUC9xaWyfX6zn11ac_Dw7FKjywYpCy9I_6xXvsZ3H4ppZDdDa0OOt_3mu1cadWQILoEgpjyKainglv2TSYYuR4YWMcyJEnFQMJTOJk5vtJXs96heGKwXsO6zHBUk9JcEsF4XNPQoy6yCSkc2KhPdXCdA=w640-h266" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of several '<i>Red Wing' Mangaves</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDO2_8yJfdg4E-YJmADQEHQPUDJMVYcLEzJPSb3qIZl-bm_vK2YbLI2A6aeo4lJjzZxZYAbNnFQ7Vd9mikvcQXVOeKcBwErqEB0Ul5lrI0U2HAQrwssvPvwughrFJ5X-A6fehml52eMiBDqQPQVzE6s8yZFx5aXNwJj2IkQ2B5nFVM1hWgIxdVh4y50lyg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1000" height="509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDO2_8yJfdg4E-YJmADQEHQPUDJMVYcLEzJPSb3qIZl-bm_vK2YbLI2A6aeo4lJjzZxZYAbNnFQ7Vd9mikvcQXVOeKcBwErqEB0Ul5lrI0U2HAQrwssvPvwughrFJ5X-A6fehml52eMiBDqQPQVzE6s8yZFx5aXNwJj2IkQ2B5nFVM1hWgIxdVh4y50lyg=w640-h509" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mix of <i>Mangaves</i> in my north-side garden includes <i>'Lavender Lady', 'Purple People Eater'</i>, and <i>'Silver Fox'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhATtssvWX38lN1riqoLyZMOJXw2Wtko0R8Ctusl8JW3hszOGTZz2xdD94op45vA1qXLiHVnobkQHYsOoQsbgXESsGm7XxM8Tm0Qnn4UUaMMyAz4Cntlu2y0uIrlEOGDyi_oEpt74kHDHRv3hPxFQf_XFI2ss_K9dU5V-bGlJPU7_L0jc6C9eS5yNbEy1ps" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="815" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhATtssvWX38lN1riqoLyZMOJXw2Wtko0R8Ctusl8JW3hszOGTZz2xdD94op45vA1qXLiHVnobkQHYsOoQsbgXESsGm7XxM8Tm0Qnn4UUaMMyAz4Cntlu2y0uIrlEOGDyi_oEpt74kHDHRv3hPxFQf_XFI2ss_K9dU5V-bGlJPU7_L0jc6C9eS5yNbEy1ps=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another mix of <i>Mangaves</i> at the back door includes <i>'Aztec King', 'Falling Water'</i>, and <i>'Praying Hands</i>'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />There are small succulents scattered here and there but I've mainly used them as fillers so they don't stand out as well as the larger plants except when used in pots. As I renovate my garage area succulent bed, I plan to use more of the smaller succulents in larger groups to boost their impact.<p></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-1296513893604883272024-02-26T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-26T06:30:00.140-08:00In a Vase on Monday: What's better than one zombie?<p>The answer is two <i>'Zombie' Hippeastrums</i> of course! We had a few days of warmer temperatures and my <i>Hippeastrums</i>, all grown outside, have begun to open one after another, with <i>'Zombie'</i> leading the parade.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAQ5hHt-st-hUPCqRyGkQlay6cWm37yeLzqSP76Qxidg73lgxSthNTnedhFFFLIGXTmx8ty-wsxMFTAfyxH-qxG8Y7ydK7irCDdYMoAroLR9I3uqy0s-dGcl_aUVyw5U5JmZ7u9f7Wx8z4EPc68M729hszjNqbPjN4VK5IpLa59CXn4MUlEFRMhUMczZIn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1000" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAQ5hHt-st-hUPCqRyGkQlay6cWm37yeLzqSP76Qxidg73lgxSthNTnedhFFFLIGXTmx8ty-wsxMFTAfyxH-qxG8Y7ydK7irCDdYMoAroLR9I3uqy0s-dGcl_aUVyw5U5JmZ7u9f7Wx8z4EPc68M729hszjNqbPjN4VK5IpLa59CXn4MUlEFRMhUMczZIn=w640-h617" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added 2 flowering stems of <i>Arbutus 'Marina'</i> in front to add more interest but I've no idea how long the small bell-like flowers will hold up. They look fragile.</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUTi5fPbXnbMzNbkgeaFEFwSAvRoOKpsrHtBMdf0tFhtXX6j62-gsD7AvU9qBBynAJzKOBsX0ueNOw3qDVOarMzjp2H3U2l3ePhM6CBLK1kW0eLFpU0iJlfgZOmJZKM7YoBLKiwU6OWE0B3NJh0ahJcxTctjGfX8BVe7swMUFkAXTbv9iu3nLTDqaYgsvf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUTi5fPbXnbMzNbkgeaFEFwSAvRoOKpsrHtBMdf0tFhtXX6j62-gsD7AvU9qBBynAJzKOBsX0ueNOw3qDVOarMzjp2H3U2l3ePhM6CBLK1kW0eLFpU0iJlfgZOmJZKM7YoBLKiwU6OWE0B3NJh0ahJcxTctjGfX8BVe7swMUFkAXTbv9iu3nLTDqaYgsvf=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: Like the last time I cut <i>'Zombie'</i> for a vase, I used the ever-abundant flowers of <i>Grevillea 'Superb'</i> as a filler</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEC_4G9K-DhVPohZEHf-lia6KH7zSGqkGMCpy2K3OSqcjBF-GvUJf-z2qbQVv7fwAULHn0oa0qU3ZiGnpVpJ7xTtKkGtUeHxuxw4f775TsFgL8Zcg-CAQ5YhFLg5jxM9GJULSTeIn2X9uognR8dHaqtpcu1MV9CTHGjPyyu1UVBWG4L8n0N71RUsv12uSs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1000" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEC_4G9K-DhVPohZEHf-lia6KH7zSGqkGMCpy2K3OSqcjBF-GvUJf-z2qbQVv7fwAULHn0oa0qU3ZiGnpVpJ7xTtKkGtUeHxuxw4f775TsFgL8Zcg-CAQ5YhFLg5jxM9GJULSTeIn2X9uognR8dHaqtpcu1MV9CTHGjPyyu1UVBWG4L8n0N71RUsv12uSs=w640-h553" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYmg3_sbHlUqSxwjrb7Z9L1QlG5WGSDi1jP3-dUzTJXGuio2Xr_gIdyZFo-OxlxGeGno43meCuMWDupzqsycBflIC7RmUz9YdsX5iQh2_sxuBxC5KKQOwJzfuc4eyHcS7mddG_91tfur679DOU20_u7zkdjht9Q53PubQv9d6Vc66AZwdmDX8_RBQEGlkV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2966" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYmg3_sbHlUqSxwjrb7Z9L1QlG5WGSDi1jP3-dUzTJXGuio2Xr_gIdyZFo-OxlxGeGno43meCuMWDupzqsycBflIC7RmUz9YdsX5iQh2_sxuBxC5KKQOwJzfuc4eyHcS7mddG_91tfur679DOU20_u7zkdjht9Q53PubQv9d6Vc66AZwdmDX8_RBQEGlkV=w581-h640" width="581" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Arbutus 'Marina'</i>, white <i>Freesia</i> with noID <i>Narcissus, Grevillea 'Superb', Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', Leucadendron salignum 'Blush'</i> (now faded to ivory/yellow), another noID <i>Narcissus</i> (Tazetta type), and <i>Hippeastrum 'Zombie'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>While the first arrangement sings of spring, the second looks like a reminder that winter isn't done with us yet. I had to fight the inclination to pick a cheerier set of blooms for my second arrangement but I'd already pruned stems of <i>Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder'</i> so I felt locked into the color scheme those stems set for me.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPgzXyxKISz5_4-TvmbbEFfquC5OnOH_TkPenVkBHJidRO6U5VXkiFoP8JdqmCdy-T5cbuPJMeFRS1D-0s4QQge3JJIpsvQQWPSVGg60k7W9elqiYCAldz2gcFiarwJIjdvPt_1Bac1yW0MgoCMqwo2jwuUhePRV6qJ29QGbuNclv4NadwwDy4K1ZZrZUC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1000" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPgzXyxKISz5_4-TvmbbEFfquC5OnOH_TkPenVkBHJidRO6U5VXkiFoP8JdqmCdy-T5cbuPJMeFRS1D-0s4QQge3JJIpsvQQWPSVGg60k7W9elqiYCAldz2gcFiarwJIjdvPt_1Bac1yW0MgoCMqwo2jwuUhePRV6qJ29QGbuNclv4NadwwDy4K1ZZrZUC=w640-h460" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cybister Hippeastrum 'Emerald'</i> is much less flashy than <i>'Zombie'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSUrKR8xYfWBOhWbDKHhDKPJ6nG9BDecPm7vVcEaOfW9l3k5NdhyLFREPUMcVTOPoGmIyBf8cj8A8dd-xTFziodQIJpVjIfWYDstBmxYXLPTP4xsm5rn9iUf7sJxNhmHCMJtInfDPaVVp3mHIDiwGu21935fg12MjZ1nXe0XN0ZVhKeusbL6-iaTUsfrY2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1000" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSUrKR8xYfWBOhWbDKHhDKPJ6nG9BDecPm7vVcEaOfW9l3k5NdhyLFREPUMcVTOPoGmIyBf8cj8A8dd-xTFziodQIJpVjIfWYDstBmxYXLPTP4xsm5rn9iUf7sJxNhmHCMJtInfDPaVVp3mHIDiwGu21935fg12MjZ1nXe0XN0ZVhKeusbL6-iaTUsfrY2=w640-h468" width="640" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: The last of the <i>Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder'</i> stems I cut, which originally bore green cones with light yellow bracts, now sport brown cones with reddish-green bracts<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbp0hOEgrjM_UQkmQQRFZy5ssF4KOHWL72UtPvqaJA9PjrYzUEZmEMcxh1D1J1kGUxftavrwA5swPBtp1MKP7dncxE_fQJmhVrrkKtVPJM1kBjuW-poZMoKajJ4FVATWxkbZs_c7b2epj500geBrPWHIjqmrFfRU4iDzgjceKV93klzdJo4AH2b_Y0Gpr_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1000" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbp0hOEgrjM_UQkmQQRFZy5ssF4KOHWL72UtPvqaJA9PjrYzUEZmEMcxh1D1J1kGUxftavrwA5swPBtp1MKP7dncxE_fQJmhVrrkKtVPJM1kBjuW-poZMoKajJ4FVATWxkbZs_c7b2epj500geBrPWHIjqmrFfRU4iDzgjceKV93klzdJo4AH2b_Y0Gpr_=w640-h406" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimPzCI_45dCS3JRr7M5KXvbd2_JmKjoJsT8A7Va1ckPwUcNw3MxNW2osU2c2jVYpVkBG5Ls4rth8qKvfposru79CTZedZWSIK7Spx0IUaw0Z6jhNuoWZqGq6pl3rGe4KX0UvSrPu76ZNP6nOfW0kqyfVz2ASagZWMVHr0uMrWF6FCvcIUPbKmq6R2WuJi6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimPzCI_45dCS3JRr7M5KXvbd2_JmKjoJsT8A7Va1ckPwUcNw3MxNW2osU2c2jVYpVkBG5Ls4rth8qKvfposru79CTZedZWSIK7Spx0IUaw0Z6jhNuoWZqGq6pl3rGe4KX0UvSrPu76ZNP6nOfW0kqyfVz2ASagZWMVHr0uMrWF6FCvcIUPbKmq6R2WuJi6=w440-h640" width="440" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Corokia x virgata 'Sunsplash', Hippeastrum 'Emerald', Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', Leucadendron 'Blush', L. 'Wilson's Wonder'</i>, and <i>Pyracantha</i> berries</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>The rainstorm that had been forecast for Sunday/Monday this week has largely fizzled out, although it's possible we'll get a stray shower or two between Monday night and Tuesday morning. There's now a greater chance of rain later in the week from Friday night through Saturday, possibly spilling into Sunday morning. Much as I've appreciated the rain we've received thus far, as well as a short break to dry out a bit, I'm also hoping we haven't already seen the last of our rainy season.</p><p><br /></p><p>For more IAVOM creations, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a>.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUSosa3Fmx_t2ZjNyrHFRyU6nCpHW45h3gi7d19Vt_JQI9MQNI-3ylKTNpC9npvDVWxP8EM1Ldcs2KfGO8rWki39NTSaU6rQEHq-RpeIRoA3Fv2klGD8Yddf_tif-M8uCQ7KEI1NjdskD4_zvgTvQy3pfCzsUpkkGOdEc3mHYi8SG8iAIXYh_KC8qrnJR1"><img alt="" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="3264" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUSosa3Fmx_t2ZjNyrHFRyU6nCpHW45h3gi7d19Vt_JQI9MQNI-3ylKTNpC9npvDVWxP8EM1Ldcs2KfGO8rWki39NTSaU6rQEHq-RpeIRoA3Fv2klGD8Yddf_tif-M8uCQ7KEI1NjdskD4_zvgTvQy3pfCzsUpkkGOdEc3mHYi8SG8iAIXYh_KC8qrnJR1=w640-h316" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-45974062658261347352024-02-23T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-23T10:57:47.040-08:00Making a start<p>I've been planning to renovate the succulent bed in front of our garage since last year but other priorities kept getting in the way. Weather has been the latest issue but I decided I needed to at least make a start so I did just that this week.</p><p>The bed in question has been an issue for me for years now. In 2016, after we removed the sod that originally covered most of the area in front of the garage, including the area later designated as a succulent bed, I added only a small number of succulent cuttings around the <i>Agave attenuata</i> that came with the garden. I didn't formally plant the area with a variety of succulents until September 2017. I've tweaked the succulent mix at regular intervals but these never made the difference I was looking for. I think it actually looked its best back in 2018.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGvzDXR-TsSFRGT8CGoRC-TzdSS0-iypmcHYAt9D8j7BKfzEZm0vNOmUjUpyCfO5L_MxFmeqt_AoB-UcOEKunHalPTFfGZux8xNzMLoKCsfjU736SlMY3WJjkRfifVOM5xAsWozHb3LbmBfJCKG6koEsiiBOEHOswv6i1N7E3iGwmwR_rDCG3wS78lVoIH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGvzDXR-TsSFRGT8CGoRC-TzdSS0-iypmcHYAt9D8j7BKfzEZm0vNOmUjUpyCfO5L_MxFmeqt_AoB-UcOEKunHalPTFfGZux8xNzMLoKCsfjU736SlMY3WJjkRfifVOM5xAsWozHb3LbmBfJCKG6koEsiiBOEHOswv6i1N7E3iGwmwR_rDCG3wS78lVoIH=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was taken in April 2018. I note that I had a small <i>Leucadendron</i> in the mix at that time, as well a <i>'Blue Flame' Agave</i>. I don't specifically recall my decision to remove them but I suspect I was concerned that both would get too big for their spots.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>This is what the bed looked like earlier this week before I started pulling it apart.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWSfS07NF0meBPxkMmSYpdPCrIuNpC5-bxCBQ_eMof9aiPvZ2YHP7oCvLqTiJK_PWI7XVF5FzbKkMioyGttMZzJ2AT7voviWWKIvtCgS9wirJKfuv0C2VtxzuMafTv2R6fBwVFN0pPRgm3jKye-IRmAJbGJK0rqJWPoy3nxR9lcXApLftAfKf3R-6zQTbg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWSfS07NF0meBPxkMmSYpdPCrIuNpC5-bxCBQ_eMof9aiPvZ2YHP7oCvLqTiJK_PWI7XVF5FzbKkMioyGttMZzJ2AT7voviWWKIvtCgS9wirJKfuv0C2VtxzuMafTv2R6fBwVFN0pPRgm3jKye-IRmAJbGJK0rqJWPoy3nxR9lcXApLftAfKf3R-6zQTbg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were already a large number of empty spots I hadn't bothered to fill as I'd been planning a wholesale renovation for some time. You may also recall that the large clump of <i>Agave attenuata</i> had been reduced by nearly half back in October when <a href="https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2023/10/tree-trimming-update-theres-always.html" target="_blank">the agaves were badly damaged</a> after being covered by a plastic tarp during our annual tree trimming exercise.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The plants in that bed have never fleshed out or filled in as my other succulents beds have done. Part of the problem may be starting with relatively small plants but I think I've also erred in failing to mix in some softer plants to blur the edges as I've done with all of my other succulent beds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsm-lf2gVkx2LGVQplaJgx1SZC1uzW93vD9KS1DPnh0sVD2__PjtOPtANV0gX5K31wRczU-D02L7wo7Af8DLMmcGOFFn9zcL7YBPTPZCgECTExTt7ZogK7c5hU_krH0w6R0L7kLmC-BnAScgIa32bltzAh7IYyYylCrANR9wG2Hxe821WzIXG6yx4JbF3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsm-lf2gVkx2LGVQplaJgx1SZC1uzW93vD9KS1DPnh0sVD2__PjtOPtANV0gX5K31wRczU-D02L7wo7Af8DLMmcGOFFn9zcL7YBPTPZCgECTExTt7ZogK7c5hU_krH0w6R0L7kLmC-BnAScgIa32bltzAh7IYyYylCrANR9wG2Hxe821WzIXG6yx4JbF3=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While this south-side bed is dominated by succulents, it also includes plants like <i>Hymenolepsis parviflors, Leucadendron 'Summer Red', Metrosideros 'Springfire', Salvia clevelandii,</i> and <i>Vitex trifolia</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcKgUdPCAR7odRZAD0Ct5tPyVZG1jqLOl9BVbjnon8L3Z1rF8aLuYAhLnyQe9V-LdIDUtUmM5S0dT0beL3NR2S-XiH7ElprRljPeW46j64oM3RWICL5avoVCrq4VB9CpziqNNCQgWoZB7OjtPsaP2wyncdEnbSXipHo0YYKiZhsCHGeAqxh29n_X_xzvZg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcKgUdPCAR7odRZAD0Ct5tPyVZG1jqLOl9BVbjnon8L3Z1rF8aLuYAhLnyQe9V-LdIDUtUmM5S0dT0beL3NR2S-XiH7ElprRljPeW46j64oM3RWICL5avoVCrq4VB9CpziqNNCQgWoZB7OjtPsaP2wyncdEnbSXipHo0YYKiZhsCHGeAqxh29n_X_xzvZg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the same bed from the other direction</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiNUNxo68K6mjJkPZCWhZ3DsqaZ1OWrRiLVU41NnzkjlJNgvSeeuWJL05ie8Y-k9AO35EOVcZXxEN9EbgvBN8PdaADN-G-W0pNLYgpNyT7lneYaAFEeisa9icNe1VhqIvqDA08t0PpYZw6va0kBHk0CcPJGl81ohzqJesQUIAY82pcRxdpc-XSOTRjDSQm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiNUNxo68K6mjJkPZCWhZ3DsqaZ1OWrRiLVU41NnzkjlJNgvSeeuWJL05ie8Y-k9AO35EOVcZXxEN9EbgvBN8PdaADN-G-W0pNLYgpNyT7lneYaAFEeisa9icNe1VhqIvqDA08t0PpYZw6va0kBHk0CcPJGl81ohzqJesQUIAY82pcRxdpc-XSOTRjDSQm=w640-h396" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The street-side succulent bed is mostly succulents but its backed by a leafy green hedge of <i>Xylosma congestum</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7inO5rQ4dd8shWLrefv0hZWLOZiDQ_iSC80mEu43YP34lVmLTsr0UeBi_a5hEsUQwrlj7qnInxYsur0r8W057ufb7Dm688sa6bgDvbxCydwnsgK-YWN0aHyGlfmlAFFBWsfYqN0-oN_lIJAjbPH1cnJ5HYC2ch3ra0Eq6GWgKRgzrmsQP6U3TDdToAD6J" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7inO5rQ4dd8shWLrefv0hZWLOZiDQ_iSC80mEu43YP34lVmLTsr0UeBi_a5hEsUQwrlj7qnInxYsur0r8W057ufb7Dm688sa6bgDvbxCydwnsgK-YWN0aHyGlfmlAFFBWsfYqN0-oN_lIJAjbPH1cnJ5HYC2ch3ra0Eq6GWgKRgzrmsQP6U3TDdToAD6J=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bed running the length of the lower portion of the back slope is about half succulents, sharing space with an <i>Arctostaphylos</i>, artichokes, creeping <i>Lantana</i>, <i>Abelia 'Chiapas', Ribes viburnifolium</i>, and rosemary</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I'm convinced of the value of adding some softer plants to the bed currently slated for an overhaul; however, I'm also concerned that the soil in that area doesn't drain as well as most areas of my garden. I've collected more rocks and I'm planning to give the plants better drainage by raising the soil level using succulent-friendly amendments. Thus far, I've pulled the plants I've decided I don't want to keep and and potted up half of what I want to hold onto.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcnXt3hNrGeA54oc35BqpBatlkPLvqsRTtb29VnKx3fhPWrH9ijcJ03gs3KuEZZFFVcTIjpvuS0I6YyjqMdjnXUv4bRCiVKozs9RBI61UgzuUiG6dKtu2GlIxZCn0Gico0RTeVxB1jgY_a388vuNk-L9QL5acNOsQHTfih5IM2wg7bJplep0mAlmiGJcgQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1000" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcnXt3hNrGeA54oc35BqpBatlkPLvqsRTtb29VnKx3fhPWrH9ijcJ03gs3KuEZZFFVcTIjpvuS0I6YyjqMdjnXUv4bRCiVKozs9RBI61UgzuUiG6dKtu2GlIxZCn0Gico0RTeVxB1jgY_a388vuNk-L9QL5acNOsQHTfih5IM2wg7bJplep0mAlmiGJcgQ=w640-h372" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo shows how much I've already cleared. I plan to leave the clump of <i>Agave attenuata</i> as it is and probably the bromeliad on the left (in front of the pot) as well. I'm still debating removal of the woody <i>Abelia grandiflora</i> on the far left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiylxPFJuLQVKrA7gByAtIIUiUd9piMx9JC940t8TFWC8Y8yxfFcN09GkDKxRd4u5dxnzsfMb2ikx6FGVs95HhHvEEz6L49c77tWD-Y6bQ_161Dv8jE5LYhi9RlzwjTnpclvWZfoTnRp8BuSvfamXLKv6BanwfRkXUfHdbjvx1y-bEFW210jQEnwHaEYdm4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="762" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiylxPFJuLQVKrA7gByAtIIUiUd9piMx9JC940t8TFWC8Y8yxfFcN09GkDKxRd4u5dxnzsfMb2ikx6FGVs95HhHvEEz6L49c77tWD-Y6bQ_161Dv8jE5LYhi9RlzwjTnpclvWZfoTnRp8BuSvfamXLKv6BanwfRkXUfHdbjvx1y-bEFW210jQEnwHaEYdm4=w488-h640" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These succulents are slated for a giveaway</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUlAnNiV3FM2lLz_Wnv5oZHEQaIN0MMO9W6MOQte7uQdVFkfs6NS4QpIdmAIg4OTzl1cwn65SOk2SsGu6iZwAtEIWX7T1Z_QY9Wxo7jEBvxLeLL2bV2Tf_V6ywRftRg8PQzEJBCLB0rvfLXt7NCZ_bxvOUuAvGz1nu3Vd9NMQyp4te7kLOVW5-sLQ-A9lb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="3264" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUlAnNiV3FM2lLz_Wnv5oZHEQaIN0MMO9W6MOQte7uQdVFkfs6NS4QpIdmAIg4OTzl1cwn65SOk2SsGu6iZwAtEIWX7T1Z_QY9Wxo7jEBvxLeLL2bV2Tf_V6ywRftRg8PQzEJBCLB0rvfLXt7NCZ_bxvOUuAvGz1nu3Vd9NMQyp4te7kLOVW5-sLQ-A9lb=w640-h322" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've held onto these to be replanted either in the renovated bed or elsewhere</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRxq0KkyqVndcMR14lz7ul1czBaN--kYj4-HIfbO7wUcc7cUjgw2RLiVDUFkHqenJ7_ELVTF8Y35ACkTxEpnSKNmkg41DhzeavjVYT4MErcmZsW5hW-1GghbdNAN73zEyQ_kUy1e1My2xhqfNKjr5vcAlYlF0RM9hLExhs9xWoPcT7E9NM1Erp9XRCTq-H" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="3264" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRxq0KkyqVndcMR14lz7ul1czBaN--kYj4-HIfbO7wUcc7cUjgw2RLiVDUFkHqenJ7_ELVTF8Y35ACkTxEpnSKNmkg41DhzeavjVYT4MErcmZsW5hW-1GghbdNAN73zEyQ_kUy1e1My2xhqfNKjr5vcAlYlF0RM9hLExhs9xWoPcT7E9NM1Erp9XRCTq-H=w640-h194" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some of the plants I'm considering adding to the renovated bed: A noID <i>Aloe</i> I got from one neighbor, a bulbil of what may an <i>Agave parryi</i> I received from another neighbor, an <i>Aloe cameronii</i> I got from a blogger friend, and one or more <i>Drimia maritima</i> bulbs from my back slope </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's another storm on the horizon. Before it arrives, I hope to dig up the other plants I want to keep and get them into pots. Time permitting, I'll also move the existing rock out of the way. I'm holding off on a delivery of a truckload of soil until there's a decent break in the rainstorms that gives me adequate time to move the soil out of the driveway when they drop it off. Then I need to decide whether more rocks are required before I go plant shopping. I'm guessing I may not be done with this project until sometime in April. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Best wishes for a good weekend, whatever conditions the weather in your area delivers. I'll send you off for the weekend with few new spring flowers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheLAiN-Wwzi4ApkTiXxgTJb3bFs2rIMlloUlZb39_gIFECW0rT4DXTiy7mo2tnbTG-5pR8QL14cy2QbLAkg-SIZoFredpSZ2fVFw_H3DT9j67LYnW9HpCG_1QiURXbko-6n2Ltu5Z5PrgP8bKvzzbU-vSBfpaExOrTTQdVQetB_ifX5T-recd21da7vwU1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheLAiN-Wwzi4ApkTiXxgTJb3bFs2rIMlloUlZb39_gIFECW0rT4DXTiy7mo2tnbTG-5pR8QL14cy2QbLAkg-SIZoFredpSZ2fVFw_H3DT9j67LYnW9HpCG_1QiURXbko-6n2Ltu5Z5PrgP8bKvzzbU-vSBfpaExOrTTQdVQetB_ifX5T-recd21da7vwU1=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anemone coronaria 'Rosa Tigrato'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTwclCPTcomUYRV-4Z8SFrzPJnUp__4ABiQDR9xaKtpp9eGUsXvY4lqyweodoYs2v69BCJSiAWvwMA_8AZBJq2Gdbeua70RvffoJUKnIje5JU1OzVeWMpz1b0mIoga0aACOndaktf-Uk7CUIdPKJb8dxcl6rrhOQ_0cFRRPEvMHXz5Z5HZxXx2AtJKaA4k" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="3264" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTwclCPTcomUYRV-4Z8SFrzPJnUp__4ABiQDR9xaKtpp9eGUsXvY4lqyweodoYs2v69BCJSiAWvwMA_8AZBJq2Gdbeua70RvffoJUKnIje5JU1OzVeWMpz1b0mIoga0aACOndaktf-Uk7CUIdPKJb8dxcl6rrhOQ_0cFRRPEvMHXz5Z5HZxXx2AtJKaA4k=w640-h344" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hippeastrum 'Emerald</i>' and <i>H. 'Evergreen'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div></div><p></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-56127792921477076512024-02-21T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-21T10:42:15.541-08:00Walking the neighborhood<p>During the atmospheric rivers that have meandered through Southern California at frequent intervals this month, I've stayed close to home, squeezing any required errands in between rain showers. Public announcements have encouraged residents to stay home if they can in order to avoid being caught by falling trees or flash floods. However, I've taken walks through the neighborhood between downpours, snapping photos along the way. Wrapped in clouds and using my cell phone, many of the photos aren't as clear as I'd like but I'm going to share some of them anyway.</p><p>My photo "trail" follows the route I took through my neighborhood. One of my favorite stops is several houses down the street. It's fronted by a sloped garden topped by a massive <i>Bougainvillea</i> and peppered with succulents. I've featured wide shots of it before but only took closeup photos during my recent excursions.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHIG9cn0PRCGTse_Hu4l2CyDnErFvBrfGPEb1Bo_3jhXiIyyUcAkRaIe0bT9a8bY9d24mwAAIdhVXyJP8ZGMT1vqlFXothNz8oZs9DnjSrs7-E34eRgVfNa7R7V1a9G05N3wCkq7bDqGAqJdOabB5pnp96HigdVyoVMT4CepLEaPvPwwupSSwbC2OmfJZk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="996" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHIG9cn0PRCGTse_Hu4l2CyDnErFvBrfGPEb1Bo_3jhXiIyyUcAkRaIe0bT9a8bY9d24mwAAIdhVXyJP8ZGMT1vqlFXothNz8oZs9DnjSrs7-E34eRgVfNa7R7V1a9G05N3wCkq7bDqGAqJdOabB5pnp96HigdVyoVMT4CepLEaPvPwwupSSwbC2OmfJZk=w637-h640" width="637" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Agave gypsophila</i>, surrounded by <i>Cotyledon</i> and <i>Kalanchoe</i> among other succulents</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMiDd9z3mP3tqHJmJAluJejDvq5dy5_FYhaEXY_nVf9clSaUYzs8aRr26nb1-yrqHNpzj_r6QssqBU1B44rZapHj9wLoc9oUpVenYgrzQ4NtA3YvAJm-4-oAABwXSg-uehqjprkEFyMtxt1TDeRfxVSXPVILNgT5beerElUz296S-gZ8QvnLl-N4IArig5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="618" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMiDd9z3mP3tqHJmJAluJejDvq5dy5_FYhaEXY_nVf9clSaUYzs8aRr26nb1-yrqHNpzj_r6QssqBU1B44rZapHj9wLoc9oUpVenYgrzQ4NtA3YvAJm-4-oAABwXSg-uehqjprkEFyMtxt1TDeRfxVSXPVILNgT5beerElUz296S-gZ8QvnLl-N4IArig5=w395-h640" width="395" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrubs like this <i>Echium handiense</i> are included in the mix here and there. This <i>Echium</i> has spread over the years via self-seeding. (I clearly cut back my spent <i>Echium</i> flowers too soon.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The gardener and I often take our spins around the neighborhood together. She showed me some other areas of her garden earlier this week before we headed out.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBEJbbGbgPk4EKQ8iwmezvcbAqTUyDkps4d3LYlgJCOz_yayRbHTfUlx5ulA_9blSXdUjze-ysjwevIyQtgImzcjmDH98yVX2dvvgFU-V0L0Up_ohCTFkeazW7CflTitJW4foQLb75weEcotetR61GaSCpuFWnGxsMi2Po6ND0lkmZmrLwVBb6ntiGN5VY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBEJbbGbgPk4EKQ8iwmezvcbAqTUyDkps4d3LYlgJCOz_yayRbHTfUlx5ulA_9blSXdUjze-ysjwevIyQtgImzcjmDH98yVX2dvvgFU-V0L0Up_ohCTFkeazW7CflTitJW4foQLb75weEcotetR61GaSCpuFWnGxsMi2Po6ND0lkmZmrLwVBb6ntiGN5VY=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left are <i>Chasmanthe floribunda</i> (aka cobra lily), noID <i>Narcissus, Rosa 'Julia Child'</i>, and <i>Streptosolen jamesonii</i> (aka marmalade bush). I'm on the lookout for both <i>Chasmanthe</i> bulbs, which do better than <i>Crocosmia</i> here, and the <i>Streptosolen</i> shrub.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAdemzEr_AFSX_53PUNusPRtlioT2VgFlkhBxRGI3PlTF1HUuZpe4Z7YhipGfv3n6MbPF1KbYfIYes0VA_GC2ftrBnPA3fZbYFBpF1Lfye7ZM6bGI1Ux1qW-CPoOP-HqEXYLo-MCRdkxAwM0dS3GM4TWzeBxuNpbJaZ9od6bR9f57zBV2neXTSiOqs1GP4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAdemzEr_AFSX_53PUNusPRtlioT2VgFlkhBxRGI3PlTF1HUuZpe4Z7YhipGfv3n6MbPF1KbYfIYes0VA_GC2ftrBnPA3fZbYFBpF1Lfye7ZM6bGI1Ux1qW-CPoOP-HqEXYLo-MCRdkxAwM0dS3GM4TWzeBxuNpbJaZ9od6bR9f57zBV2neXTSiOqs1GP4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large mass of <i>Helleborus foetidus</i> (aka stinking hellebore) in full flower</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp2IWxqQTAmk8JItOPujjt2IasvR0TGeYmKKjFb1jgx9ACaLg-lwRwbdt_7ptONTNWVnPQmCpXYNqzIME1tCF5lJ2oOcTEc76amEeCMN-UjHcwgRGM92MZv_MEQSI5Pb13Tg-c_5JMxZ-4W1rrq2BnwLOJQmABxrUsMOJ7JPZOaIamseR2cXUKlQA3joKz" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp2IWxqQTAmk8JItOPujjt2IasvR0TGeYmKKjFb1jgx9ACaLg-lwRwbdt_7ptONTNWVnPQmCpXYNqzIME1tCF5lJ2oOcTEc76amEeCMN-UjHcwgRGM92MZv_MEQSI5Pb13Tg-c_5JMxZ-4W1rrq2BnwLOJQmABxrUsMOJ7JPZOaIamseR2cXUKlQA3joKz=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vigorous <i>Phlomis purpurea</i>. Mine, planted from a 4-inch pot in 2020, is only now beginning to gain some girth after I moved it to a better spot in 2021.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2k-RNkOhlE48YCTAa74ocjIEl9I_aLKqfI1KHv4fqaRThkErMADoDksZQV4FJsBSGYxGjjIfbxyz2w5h3Tw6CtutTeavRCUwd6L473_zRPwAbGov11IFd_Rr2wGdXdmULlUwu0waH5T_j4iqZOotSitzKK8JWK530c_W751K8LGY5rkmBedcz1DfgC6m_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="751" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2k-RNkOhlE48YCTAa74ocjIEl9I_aLKqfI1KHv4fqaRThkErMADoDksZQV4FJsBSGYxGjjIfbxyz2w5h3Tw6CtutTeavRCUwd6L473_zRPwAbGov11IFd_Rr2wGdXdmULlUwu0waH5T_j4iqZOotSitzKK8JWK530c_W751K8LGY5rkmBedcz1DfgC6m_=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One section of a tiered succulent garden at the back of the house, The gardener is in the process of revamping another tiered area after the neighbor behind them removed a mass of juniper planted along the property line.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhehcvNx6ghBSluEdZRdl-u8fgYZC4gg05ZqZu2-BaXy2PVpxR_pAZJ_w9eAbjpUZGsD6oYUQbP1YoK-V18FFJ512wbA6bgUdRlPrEE8elX8SQ5_fhArvAMW1VE-nszbBGCZsTBJc0vkn0lGixNx6F41rKhLxkR2ocolWX10gwwE-xXUZz9m6SRfdroVbnN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhehcvNx6ghBSluEdZRdl-u8fgYZC4gg05ZqZu2-BaXy2PVpxR_pAZJ_w9eAbjpUZGsD6oYUQbP1YoK-V18FFJ512wbA6bgUdRlPrEE8elX8SQ5_fhArvAMW1VE-nszbBGCZsTBJc0vkn0lGixNx6F41rKhLxkR2ocolWX10gwwE-xXUZz9m6SRfdroVbnN=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A downed agave bloom stalk. The gardener gave me several bulbils. She pointed to the agave shown in the foreground on the far right as the parent plant's twin. I'm guessing it's a variety of <i>Agave parryi</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The house next door was professionally landscaped from scratch in 2022.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVIyj1NENyz4fi_PgO12CvDE2227mksCUULX9q-plSNSmIQ98clwZvf6MQ_jfO8rsP9rLJP4zGkDse29KOeRI3zcoxA8_CmYouiF-6q2-xkBO-gr2eWvgjmBZFtkJkb0YFy8oZSTsiOppHCL6lXhrXhnDKBd3kw3DTOBrQY0f4XYUaRAxjj7F2QjTobMvn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVIyj1NENyz4fi_PgO12CvDE2227mksCUULX9q-plSNSmIQ98clwZvf6MQ_jfO8rsP9rLJP4zGkDse29KOeRI3zcoxA8_CmYouiF-6q2-xkBO-gr2eWvgjmBZFtkJkb0YFy8oZSTsiOppHCL6lXhrXhnDKBd3kw3DTOBrQY0f4XYUaRAxjj7F2QjTobMvn=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The modern garden for a mid-century modern style house has matured, although I still wonder how manageable all that <i>Nasella tenuissima</i> (Mexican feather grass) will be. I've been slowly removing mine as I identify other options.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>As I rounded the circle that makes up our neighborhood, I took photos of another front garden that received an overhaul in stages in 2022 and 2023.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh55Fp2XZMsE8n5GsrFA_9wGzKNhuHZi_Z4c9BI0Mz38x9hQESXKGOWCTt9uDItALXKYfOX4HUvCCp3nKEk1b0se7Qgftc3cuEtb9di_CCPiGmUwLzE9DLMIQBlJzbAjfW5Agzlk4zpp3mFgDbpFncu56zpG6_t_9PCExLY-QVSb2pDvlaC1RBlBfOIgQMQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="3264" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh55Fp2XZMsE8n5GsrFA_9wGzKNhuHZi_Z4c9BI0Mz38x9hQESXKGOWCTt9uDItALXKYfOX4HUvCCp3nKEk1b0se7Qgftc3cuEtb9di_CCPiGmUwLzE9DLMIQBlJzbAjfW5Agzlk4zpp3mFgDbpFncu56zpG6_t_9PCExLY-QVSb2pDvlaC1RBlBfOIgQMQ=w640-h545" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sharply sloped front garden shown here was covered with a rumpled rug of artificial turf for many years. In 2022, the owners had the right-hand section of the "rug" removed and planted masses of <i>Agave attenuata</i>, several <i>Crassula ovata</i>, and a couple of <i>Magnolia</i> trees with an edging of junipers along the entire length of the bed. In 2023, they mirrored that planting scheme on the left side. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>A line of ornamental pear trees decorates the front of another house on the other side of the road.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6n3hjfoMoeHhAMz-ieUNfNRizQ6H3hAVt8VgUNT40SDWcP5PfNmqlcCtRqyRL8kHP0b_Zypyk8xnZQ4vQvQ2qodqsBcS9RoVFjEbwL2jvRwHia-ad88NfEw-lvwo9EyPHQjEoy2GGh-xW9MoTK77A3PVGGu4qRycclwrKTa3BizCDxdMX1pD_vn_v45OM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6n3hjfoMoeHhAMz-ieUNfNRizQ6H3hAVt8VgUNT40SDWcP5PfNmqlcCtRqyRL8kHP0b_Zypyk8xnZQ4vQvQ2qodqsBcS9RoVFjEbwL2jvRwHia-ad88NfEw-lvwo9EyPHQjEoy2GGh-xW9MoTK77A3PVGGu4qRycclwrKTa3BizCDxdMX1pD_vn_v45OM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this photo in between 2 back-to-back rainstorms. As messy as ornamental pears (<i>Pyrus calleryana</i>) can be, these well-manicured specimens always look elegant in early spring.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>I managed only a few shots on the other side of the neighborhood.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHNv2RO_h3jR5YqToFVToaEivptCEc1k_O9rm0XKOXVYCaW8z4kfO3pJNoYMGI8BWcttZiYXlLVTtzned4mtq82nrJV0P0LhQxhR8MkQ8XrUXEgGTolJWM5iJU_dcg5DKnWED5gWELsDMbIKHxx5SCnyD-rTnZagX14k-kTB1hInXBLyf8D64PyPeMNt_d" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="3264" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHNv2RO_h3jR5YqToFVToaEivptCEc1k_O9rm0XKOXVYCaW8z4kfO3pJNoYMGI8BWcttZiYXlLVTtzned4mtq82nrJV0P0LhQxhR8MkQ8XrUXEgGTolJWM5iJU_dcg5DKnWED5gWELsDMbIKHxx5SCnyD-rTnZagX14k-kTB1hInXBLyf8D64PyPeMNt_d=w640-h316" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This garden, designed by a former neighbor who's since moved, has always been a favorite of mine but the last 2 owners haven't been as invested in keeping it fresh, although it's tended weekly by a competent gardener. The steep front garden is terraced. The <i>Magnolia</i> (maybe '<i>Black Tulip'</i>) and gigantic <i>Leucospermum</i> (maybe <i>'Sunrise'</i>) have just started blooming.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTx73q2xfOl9gkicZNZpgao0x6_9uMFEWgpB8WlQVTtFOPcFeb4tGnae_GEui1eO3d4-0j1CDtyseG1pyWMXhUPW4_m5q-jXhefe1NMBf0RL5Ji6GK1FasLKD_dIURc7h9zrEbQwSXO11Lhiug7V-lYvTHN9MWlpiU_-bPrtH0qw9gqcATeQFhodvklOPJ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2028" data-original-width="3264" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTx73q2xfOl9gkicZNZpgao0x6_9uMFEWgpB8WlQVTtFOPcFeb4tGnae_GEui1eO3d4-0j1CDtyseG1pyWMXhUPW4_m5q-jXhefe1NMBf0RL5Ji6GK1FasLKD_dIURc7h9zrEbQwSXO11Lhiug7V-lYvTHN9MWlpiU_-bPrtH0qw9gqcATeQFhodvklOPJ=w640-h398" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another home on the other side of the street features this large <i>Roldana petasitis</i> (aka Californian geranium and velvet groundsel). Native to Mexico, it's reportedly drought resistant despite its large tropical-looking leaves.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>On another occasion, I took a brief jaunt up to the entrance of our neighborhood.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu8NmyQddQmwsLq-k_psFKI_H3i18YZmcJf1vQF6TU03Q5PasXfMbwDezgv0ph2nkFJ1l33NJPuXX6rZsl0EOYIQ7pcrIuXmRfeSlbkTOnjwoFJOyaC_ekpdctGHpQ6SHq-W8dmrRLh_h2lD10jop0MIPUlxSbfIipzTIFyAdPe8-zJGT3WEmquolqfhNn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="3264" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu8NmyQddQmwsLq-k_psFKI_H3i18YZmcJf1vQF6TU03Q5PasXfMbwDezgv0ph2nkFJ1l33NJPuXX6rZsl0EOYIQ7pcrIuXmRfeSlbkTOnjwoFJOyaC_ekpdctGHpQ6SHq-W8dmrRLh_h2lD10jop0MIPUlxSbfIipzTIFyAdPe8-zJGT3WEmquolqfhNn=w640-h250" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance has a gatehouse, a remnant of decades past, but no gate. It's been planted out over the years with succulents donated by neighbors, including me. The aloes are blooming now. The massive <i>Echiums</i> fronting the main road (probably self-seeded) will be blooming in a few months.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3uKQZPxMtXbvITdiOFqNqiqxWFXHKhFpy9s5iWPHPJyyEo7yXPmsmp_zZy9WwqpQts23QkKN_iBledyT-bsfaF1sTBf4TVv2RLroURedBF2jpFzCBRJOYBaN6rRZ03OjOO4aVxyDEGHPxjDv36Hku2Mcd0IjzG1ZsIjrwPCVlPLYhi3oZdZPYPv168kOr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="3264" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3uKQZPxMtXbvITdiOFqNqiqxWFXHKhFpy9s5iWPHPJyyEo7yXPmsmp_zZy9WwqpQts23QkKN_iBledyT-bsfaF1sTBf4TVv2RLroURedBF2jpFzCBRJOYBaN6rRZ03OjOO4aVxyDEGHPxjDv36Hku2Mcd0IjzG1ZsIjrwPCVlPLYhi3oZdZPYPv168kOr=w640-h420" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I noticed this <i>Aloe cilaris</i> (aka climbing aloe) next to the gatehouse for the first time</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAOQ4rvCWIhtHDOOQLHOGNIYtHv9UPjmIP0dkPNmqpx2dOovmyT6yWjcDGscP86aRzEYhmjxnkgg2mK-3XrIaW71Q8yJysrv_r2ZmqJjCVNt2ultaSlGV9UHN4GlUN0xVB9L5RaGUpgC3Xs4BxnJhZBaLEjSQ3Ziqk9wUJY4eyZlJ_EMD2K6P5l1_hiPn-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1000" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAOQ4rvCWIhtHDOOQLHOGNIYtHv9UPjmIP0dkPNmqpx2dOovmyT6yWjcDGscP86aRzEYhmjxnkgg2mK-3XrIaW71Q8yJysrv_r2ZmqJjCVNt2ultaSlGV9UHN4GlUN0xVB9L5RaGUpgC3Xs4BxnJhZBaLEjSQ3Ziqk9wUJY4eyZlJ_EMD2K6P5l1_hiPn-=w640-h488" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These cliffs run along the west side of the neighborhood road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzZ0pR6k5keEeZxKYCjP8KKzYUG_cvSTkLp1_g__st-DX7PFKsrsjDVQfpTwKHzJpCklnd2ByY2M0F3lr3-61oCOFY_9LVrKT1uWqIUvu1bJ-qx5Zw519uhZrjLy7vJ08kzOMIIOo_RTGxPcQ3nATxCJDXX_Zesm9gB6KJTujtRE6zi2-cOxmE0E4v88_6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzZ0pR6k5keEeZxKYCjP8KKzYUG_cvSTkLp1_g__st-DX7PFKsrsjDVQfpTwKHzJpCklnd2ByY2M0F3lr3-61oCOFY_9LVrKT1uWqIUvu1bJ-qx5Zw519uhZrjLy7vJ08kzOMIIOo_RTGxPcQ3nATxCJDXX_Zesm9gB6KJTujtRE6zi2-cOxmE0E4v88_6=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rhus integrifolia</i> (aka lemonade berry) is one of the native plants growing along the road with other plants, many presumably self-sown</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG9rzemCU8odEUhDOrnMUMx8vHXZwwsoEKvo2zMWaElcuHfVD6IeoAJ3rcEEcNoxdmvf_kMuYJTIoTUtErNtdbljLSN-L2za4OsDdUrrHpKzDLjB_P1pvLwQaGCKK5Ouk-2FQMlLHv0vjMHpJGGVQ6mMdTxHmKxTXEsu-F2E2lxrV3Il7ctFs-5_ppRHFH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG9rzemCU8odEUhDOrnMUMx8vHXZwwsoEKvo2zMWaElcuHfVD6IeoAJ3rcEEcNoxdmvf_kMuYJTIoTUtErNtdbljLSN-L2za4OsDdUrrHpKzDLjB_P1pvLwQaGCKK5Ouk-2FQMlLHv0vjMHpJGGVQ6mMdTxHmKxTXEsu-F2E2lxrV3Il7ctFs-5_ppRHFH=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade plants (<i>Crassulata ovata</i>) and <i>Yucca</i> grow there too</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixLBIh2XMLKfzM5HKkryQdG-aQs9L2G4YxXLpYUB6e4E7Rz1QwQR3rxV6zFGMcxeFUYoRrYP6XgbxjGcEE6suVIBSoQ6hRbgog74Kl0OQ86H0rEX6UFXq1UJkQ-nxdvAFsLxdsfrTv7k4yQ27Ch_W4jNZUfttBSMlVTNnzv9r6lmQ-kzgcoisbFFMqieAu" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixLBIh2XMLKfzM5HKkryQdG-aQs9L2G4YxXLpYUB6e4E7Rz1QwQR3rxV6zFGMcxeFUYoRrYP6XgbxjGcEE6suVIBSoQ6hRbgog74Kl0OQ86H0rEX6UFXq1UJkQ-nxdvAFsLxdsfrTv7k4yQ27Ch_W4jNZUfttBSMlVTNnzv9r6lmQ-kzgcoisbFFMqieAu=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are clumps of <i>Agave attenuata</i> studding the edge of the road too, this one accompanied by what I think is a banana plant</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's it for my latest neighborhood garden survey. Hopefully, I'll get to wander beyond its confines soon. The current rainstorm is expected to clear out this morning; however, there's yet another round of rain on the horizon, currently projected to arrive late Sunday or Monday. Our "water year" rain total to date (since October 1st) stands at 15.11 inches!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><p></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-56154334114331252752024-02-19T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-19T06:30:00.125-08:00In a Vase on Monday: Rhapsody in blue<p>Ominous rain forecasts followed us all weekend but both Saturday and Sunday were relatively sunny, if not exactly warm. The onset of rain was pushed back several times but Monday will almost certainly see some and, unless the forecasters are really off their game, Tuesday will see more. The front page of the Los Angeles Times on Sunday featured a front page article on my area's long-running issue with a slow-ball landslide that started in 1956 and continues to this day. The affected area is about five miles from us but it's a cautionary tale. Last July, just ten miles away, a nearby city on our peninsula lost a dozen homes built in the 1970s to a slide that dropped eight of them forty-five feet down into a canyon in only hours. Although that slide occurred months after the end of our rainy season, the higher rainfall we had was identified as the principal cause. A geological survey we'd done in 2019 indicates that our seventy-plus year old house is on bedrock so we hope we're okay whatever comes with these atmospheric rivers.<br /></p><p>Blue seemed the appropriate color to accompany the rain and, once I looked around a bit, I found more in that color than I'd anticipated.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid9N9XbIONdMZTn_88clVs9TdKgMOW5JCm5b7diifoszLAKHJeQbzMx3i0uCxwElqrJMvsTnVmLC4xCVFOIQ7w0RtNRC-vk1uP8HexyNyXuN9aJQzVxFHCKAk7ppKsSTzxf8uYH8DGaGI8Om9WGeChI_FnQ2yk_N4XRddd61axt5nr21Kl5cLgQhIoYwxQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1000" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid9N9XbIONdMZTn_88clVs9TdKgMOW5JCm5b7diifoszLAKHJeQbzMx3i0uCxwElqrJMvsTnVmLC4xCVFOIQ7w0RtNRC-vk1uP8HexyNyXuN9aJQzVxFHCKAk7ppKsSTzxf8uYH8DGaGI8Om9WGeChI_FnQ2yk_N4XRddd61axt5nr21Kl5cLgQhIoYwxQ=w640-h482" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My blue Anemones took center stage but I also turned up some white flowers, including scented <i>Freesias</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVm2oZnT74Tbkpeputy6yW8upglnUrk3V-CktIHYegz9wwESXdojwYBZM4s1G1VcNTocZiQSfn2naNdBWEh-0zhHLRRa6inAMQ5VPD5W1NJyeVYjQpqN4t5NQpDOV14__VzQfHxHFZ_kJmLqefyuD3oMrkF9L_QZjWQ7-XNYEgIGG-uUZYNMvhjgr8KOh3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1000" height="573" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVm2oZnT74Tbkpeputy6yW8upglnUrk3V-CktIHYegz9wwESXdojwYBZM4s1G1VcNTocZiQSfn2naNdBWEh-0zhHLRRa6inAMQ5VPD5W1NJyeVYjQpqN4t5NQpDOV14__VzQfHxHFZ_kJmLqefyuD3oMrkF9L_QZjWQ7-XNYEgIGG-uUZYNMvhjgr8KOh3=w640-h573" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: I used stems of a noID <i>Ceanothus</i> as filler material, along with a handful of early sweet pea blooms</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAQkS92wGjxe12V4j4fKQCEkjk_yPjtSzUZUngDGO5lhUBFz-TxKdXO5GJnRrr2qJvwG_4t7YgB_XEHo3rwSOIH5S386gNrf_83OG0tMBwmwOBforMkQiOJJy7h-fOHqGa569H7PKQccSGIvXu3aSfiNdGJhHWQg_PHc90-UJACLb55GkeJKx3VfI3CGVe" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAQkS92wGjxe12V4j4fKQCEkjk_yPjtSzUZUngDGO5lhUBFz-TxKdXO5GJnRrr2qJvwG_4t7YgB_XEHo3rwSOIH5S386gNrf_83OG0tMBwmwOBforMkQiOJJy7h-fOHqGa569H7PKQccSGIvXu3aSfiNdGJhHWQg_PHc90-UJACLb55GkeJKx3VfI3CGVe=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF0ofX583EyIyc3Fng4DBr4Euo1AYezusOswcAd2-x-KsDihMaTFWC05vBx3bZiGCk32lcZqdo07JhSS7snCZtp-nPzquY283OTJjDn5avM0M3hwnOCdCaii6KyAiR4BoEdOcUV8FHaN8G9-2DvFaGDSzJIsUJZabzmDLuVLttfoOCLe88hUUhq3lEsexP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2923" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF0ofX583EyIyc3Fng4DBr4Euo1AYezusOswcAd2-x-KsDihMaTFWC05vBx3bZiGCk32lcZqdo07JhSS7snCZtp-nPzquY283OTJjDn5avM0M3hwnOCdCaii6KyAiR4BoEdOcUV8FHaN8G9-2DvFaGDSzJIsUJZabzmDLuVLttfoOCLe88hUUhq3lEsexP=w573-h640" width="573" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Felicia aethiopica</i>, white Freesia, <i>Lathyrus odoratus</i> (maybe from <i>'Mermaid's Dream</i>' mix), <i>Anemone coronaria, Osteospermum '4D Silver', Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'</i>, and noID <i>Ceanothu</i>s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>Here's a musical accompaniment, a short version of 'Rhapsody in Blue' from Warner Brothers (circa 1945), should you wish to listen to it as you finish reading this post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VAuTouBhN5k" width="320" youtube-src-id="VAuTouBhN5k"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I've been planning to cut stems of <i>Grevillea sericea</i> for some time but was at a loss as to what I could use to complement its small, delicate flowers. Inspiration was found in the flowers of the sweet pea bush and my second arrangement came together better than I'd hoped, although I suspect the arrangement looks better up close than in photos.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcdqdGsyvtVh463JGB5uKTQSdF8QCdlDUcL7NvjSnmbhQtX--jUxNmxQrFK_7KLVUq9z3cVDsSzG-k8zAbPRONISwGkCwB0ICuhHP_jzv3SqVXFvDrdtrFB8UBed_YJdLX5kn6q-86tL-5Fl2cKhSf7QN0GvoyLezvgLMMRGzDIQYf1TVkkpUb9_GBkNZo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcdqdGsyvtVh463JGB5uKTQSdF8QCdlDUcL7NvjSnmbhQtX--jUxNmxQrFK_7KLVUq9z3cVDsSzG-k8zAbPRONISwGkCwB0ICuhHP_jzv3SqVXFvDrdtrFB8UBed_YJdLX5kn6q-86tL-5Fl2cKhSf7QN0GvoyLezvgLMMRGzDIQYf1TVkkpUb9_GBkNZo=w621-h640" width="621" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A noID <i>Anemone</i> planted years ago appeared in my cutting garden with a white bloom bearing just a faint hint of pink, its name now lost. The pinky-purple <i>Osteospermum</i> flowers stole the show from both the <i>Anemone</i> and the <i>Grevillea</i> flowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir-TYuqMuinEW7gNXpScxG0-FEURanwgU_7AjH6A4sh4jLnjlktVGmip5sJ24VfGHPxcw7S1LH5vsYc_npWO7sANatr8X2xM2XB1a2nfbqxeab7mIGMIdsLzw6nSd9Osc6_OfS9ljhDONxCuiRheokcS3f7Khn6MR7T7tCJj4DAUNfx-ggPyvAOf2hdNEp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="947" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir-TYuqMuinEW7gNXpScxG0-FEURanwgU_7AjH6A4sh4jLnjlktVGmip5sJ24VfGHPxcw7S1LH5vsYc_npWO7sANatr8X2xM2XB1a2nfbqxeab7mIGMIdsLzw6nSd9Osc6_OfS9ljhDONxCuiRheokcS3f7Khn6MR7T7tCJj4DAUNfx-ggPyvAOf2hdNEp=w605-h640" width="605" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ4_jO7ePVJ5rLojzo40z7I1T7_Sv7JmOjnaV19fTLYfY2lB7HU5qNeOwR2yOGzyVIE4h9SfdGhtEAxh1omzPuz0K-ua5ppaiEAYR0b8BtiDF6YEqUZwF0ZOgRb4Ut2diJNhcU7JX-RgnyPGxhNLf5Z4wg7bHYHhTvUQBHqkaGlCZiIspfeCtHZVmAG9n7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1000" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ4_jO7ePVJ5rLojzo40z7I1T7_Sv7JmOjnaV19fTLYfY2lB7HU5qNeOwR2yOGzyVIE4h9SfdGhtEAxh1omzPuz0K-ua5ppaiEAYR0b8BtiDF6YEqUZwF0ZOgRb4Ut2diJNhcU7JX-RgnyPGxhNLf5Z4wg7bHYHhTvUQBHqkaGlCZiIspfeCtHZVmAG9n7=w640-h504" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view: I added stems of what I think is an <i>Ageratum</i> of some kind, although I have no record of planting it and it grows far taller than <i>A. houstonianum</i>, the species commonly grown here. It also acts like a shrub, not an annual. It produces white floss-like flowers. The stems I cut have buds but aren't yet in bloom. I doubt they'll flower in a vase but I thought their buds were attractive enough to use as a filler.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih4fqOOZY2xL2suXc8W367BuyKsgIdwS27qlRXg-ThpF8KLTbq8OvpEEr4mS3doW6imJbGwll1J0KbdwIEJtyMWKhFIQW8TYV5vvsxLFGAet65zoU_W7zs6q9vMjEVPf1BVMZnELW4h9pRPnl5YJt3k_dXcnsxFyftZPpgRZZtjYC5Ks4h8gkyztW-AM-D" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2849" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih4fqOOZY2xL2suXc8W367BuyKsgIdwS27qlRXg-ThpF8KLTbq8OvpEEr4mS3doW6imJbGwll1J0KbdwIEJtyMWKhFIQW8TYV5vvsxLFGAet65zoU_W7zs6q9vMjEVPf1BVMZnELW4h9pRPnl5YJt3k_dXcnsxFyftZPpgRZZtjYC5Ks4h8gkyztW-AM-D=w557-h640" width="557" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: noID <i>Ageratum, Cuphea 'Starfire Pink', Daphne odora</i>, noID <i>Anemone coronaria, Grevillea sericea, Polygala myrtifolia</i>, and Osteospermum '4D Pink'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>My husband and I celebrated our anniversary over the weekend. He made one of my favorite meals for dinner and brought me an orchid so the kitchen island has its requisite decoration.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEips4YfCujBNFaf-mArBuD2xDPpm1sPsjYxfC4EbD9TR7xIjMBxmUDYeYSjhxuU-4YTBhDnDoebwDZOK0CpJ09kRePOdFa81D9GD4mY2bdcuK7ubYKpWH9cvKTryekvNMS9jky-yx_JL_aa67bmCvx1ILU0BfAkRRC-tAHgnfNeF62aZkra3HrGnFYzELpG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="749" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEips4YfCujBNFaf-mArBuD2xDPpm1sPsjYxfC4EbD9TR7xIjMBxmUDYeYSjhxuU-4YTBhDnDoebwDZOK0CpJ09kRePOdFa81D9GD4mY2bdcuK7ubYKpWH9cvKTryekvNMS9jky-yx_JL_aa67bmCvx1ILU0BfAkRRC-tAHgnfNeF62aZkra3HrGnFYzELpG=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pot contains 2 <i>Phalaenopsis</i> and a clump of Dracaena marginata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>For more IAVOM creations, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a> who runs the weekly show.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7dKh-gLpJ9DkuhnFkRLbVslDwoM08rqbg5fjFF-QBlWlezyL_PyPZl1e4COZrg4_1sD3_OhRBsX8btGHIt-gWzxuZ1VYKdAtyLcjw2HtyBVZx0aExxx_oQe4UOFJ7GYIQnstQz6j3mxiVI4NbZ9JsEJt45GNIWPngnwgkSKKLJ9Xz13oJgZSfGMeBOIPT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="3264" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7dKh-gLpJ9DkuhnFkRLbVslDwoM08rqbg5fjFF-QBlWlezyL_PyPZl1e4COZrg4_1sD3_OhRBsX8btGHIt-gWzxuZ1VYKdAtyLcjw2HtyBVZx0aExxx_oQe4UOFJ7GYIQnstQz6j3mxiVI4NbZ9JsEJt45GNIWPngnwgkSKKLJ9Xz13oJgZSfGMeBOIPT=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-48261656370753253112024-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:002024-02-16T06:00:00.345-08:00Bloom Day - February 2024 (Late Edition)In my coastal Southern California climate, we generally see the early signs of spring by mid-February. This year is no exception, although colder-than-usual temperatures and a late start to our rainy season has the floral stampede lagging behind last year's display. Nonetheless, I expect I'm still giving gardeners in much of the Northern Hemisphere a run for their blooms.<div><br /></div><div>I've assigned starring roles to half a dozen plants. Keep in mind that this award is governed by a jury of one.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEBkIEy382xsFtRkg9dQuBODRGzp8d1y1vpnjw4KqdJ3wRWuGYpWpE6bfA8q6l2Gjs9cN1rUWiXyzxnzYcaat1uGHV0NktfQsssRilp0lik6dmDtJIdwMKfrB0H78qoP495ZnYWbUkFHQogAqdvIy-tD7emrkiS99Ja6pVUpiY2BUlCvK8giShzu8Gr-L7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="3264" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEBkIEy382xsFtRkg9dQuBODRGzp8d1y1vpnjw4KqdJ3wRWuGYpWpE6bfA8q6l2Gjs9cN1rUWiXyzxnzYcaat1uGHV0NktfQsssRilp0lik6dmDtJIdwMKfrB0H78qoP495ZnYWbUkFHQogAqdvIy-tD7emrkiS99Ja6pVUpiY2BUlCvK8giShzu8Gr-L7=w640-h226" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My blue <i>Anemone coronaria</i> make me happy whenever I pass them in my cutting garden. They've been producing flowers continuously for more than a month now. I've been cutting them for vases every week, even when I don't share them as part of the "In a Vase on Monday" meme.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTCsVRv5i3nuO-5-r2NSBYd7hofKKhDP0iBPBpk6Y6XcGAJd_tZmw6yp3Md-CteHAkDYdG1k6IsEW1w4dLmzymKkGnCxAls9T2KKJ36eMfFMbBIqPe6l83JOXTbb--qUCdVxqOq1x-5X4STXBIqlIeTMQPZ4QJBbgS5nQHSpljkt4YzyMuguiI4R5LTPr_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="3264" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTCsVRv5i3nuO-5-r2NSBYd7hofKKhDP0iBPBpk6Y6XcGAJd_tZmw6yp3Md-CteHAkDYdG1k6IsEW1w4dLmzymKkGnCxAls9T2KKJ36eMfFMbBIqPe6l83JOXTbb--qUCdVxqOq1x-5X4STXBIqlIeTMQPZ4QJBbgS5nQHSpljkt4YzyMuguiI4R5LTPr_=w640-h314" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 <i>Arbutus 'Marina'</i> trees lost all their blooms when they were pruned in late October. The flowers reappeared en masse with the recent rainstorms. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxCGn9yFVLXRyYoZr_Qx6XLB0rhzQmRVlUSIN9RiYvwHm7sFlvweuThJX56JlMf-pfUF2Eajb5h-rBr86oHYwDXJsFgNN4ikDxO5anMRUATpiUD2IiqVfhVd9YFyBohZMwVGqVmn3CIMe07F5g9Jsojn39Ev_5UCbYE9q70Gr0psx85Xh3qvoH8WaCk-YR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="3264" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxCGn9yFVLXRyYoZr_Qx6XLB0rhzQmRVlUSIN9RiYvwHm7sFlvweuThJX56JlMf-pfUF2Eajb5h-rBr86oHYwDXJsFgNN4ikDxO5anMRUATpiUD2IiqVfhVd9YFyBohZMwVGqVmn3CIMe07F5g9Jsojn39Ev_5UCbYE9q70Gr0psx85Xh3qvoH8WaCk-YR=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the foliage of <i>Aeonium arboreum</i> but I'm not entirely fond of the succulent's dunce-cap shaped, florescent yellow flowers; however, they're prolific and the bees love them</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPT_dyh7M0AMxsy7k92pcn370F6PrnGgLto85bzCCITbPjMlGHsWjMRwyEABCD71rmf8ucMY5-sK2jOWJVteotAU7_weqLgzjkcPJua4XmJm7H5Qy6rMB-NPEEi_eHvmuVuaEXVM18Gvxa1msM0vBcYnPzU5kmBsVWl8U6M9XPNccSCHGTgxVZ6i1dOUZr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="3264" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPT_dyh7M0AMxsy7k92pcn370F6PrnGgLto85bzCCITbPjMlGHsWjMRwyEABCD71rmf8ucMY5-sK2jOWJVteotAU7_weqLgzjkcPJua4XmJm7H5Qy6rMB-NPEEi_eHvmuVuaEXVM18Gvxa1msM0vBcYnPzU5kmBsVWl8U6M9XPNccSCHGTgxVZ6i1dOUZr=w640-h226" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sulfur yellow flowers of <i>Euphorbia rigida</i> stand out beautifully against the bluish succulents in my garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc2LGm8u6iQ2w847FiM8FTOxCYSDhFJOuCYOBhFoHA-O08dAJjsiEs_t4nt4qc5aNH-uQCmUPdtUe6ALeVjYV8T1OOUd6bttH7pzE-Tdr_Z0P9EGkj_ajFfYuSfaC6x9khsoDPV5vAZx1uu1cwsBFmppi0GPZQQr2DTUBM9gy45IsG60kUt29J_FzpuDSd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1000" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc2LGm8u6iQ2w847FiM8FTOxCYSDhFJOuCYOBhFoHA-O08dAJjsiEs_t4nt4qc5aNH-uQCmUPdtUe6ALeVjYV8T1OOUd6bttH7pzE-Tdr_Z0P9EGkj_ajFfYuSfaC6x9khsoDPV5vAZx1uu1cwsBFmppi0GPZQQr2DTUBM9gy45IsG60kUt29J_FzpuDSd=w640-h464" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Similarly, <i>Euryops chrysanthemoides 'Sonnenschein'</i> adds a sunny element to the shady area outside the lath house</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdpmwyJGMuuke60SKDhwUjMj5emnE-fOJokuUGt3d5fl6Rp9cai1xYNqiVt0J6RwdUBvrZLppWqswLqhhM3POuR1fenhUkKgO2RSis3PIGp8f-N2PjXHLKNbc_2Y3kcwzXZPbmknlFvqO8ScTjYU4YcKpq3Exg6muHNGGe8_f_ZUuGMqAeOZ2Jd4CX0dDs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdpmwyJGMuuke60SKDhwUjMj5emnE-fOJokuUGt3d5fl6Rp9cai1xYNqiVt0J6RwdUBvrZLppWqswLqhhM3POuR1fenhUkKgO2RSis3PIGp8f-N2PjXHLKNbc_2Y3kcwzXZPbmknlFvqO8ScTjYU4YcKpq3Exg6muHNGGe8_f_ZUuGMqAeOZ2Jd4CX0dDs=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Felicia aethiopica</i> is still going strong. I'd always assumed that these would make poor cut flowers but I learned they do quite well in a vase, which makes me love the small shrubs even more.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>New blooms are showing up almost daily. Here are some of the newest arrivals:</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGHAyznupTHe7PDz3VEuVrppSSecHzPk7XkNUiUEga-PE4lXfG9QG-tigh65hyki47TwgKURcufSQR6BnTidaByEWxXng2GmrTqtfZ0tTSiwqMtu654YbUuEMi6c6KpgpG11gDD4P_EPve28haVFZ-vIyfb87vk_Byn9qqEapltYdJpNgjWZpXTUJTYXXl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="3264" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGHAyznupTHe7PDz3VEuVrppSSecHzPk7XkNUiUEga-PE4lXfG9QG-tigh65hyki47TwgKURcufSQR6BnTidaByEWxXng2GmrTqtfZ0tTSiwqMtu654YbUuEMi6c6KpgpG11gDD4P_EPve28haVFZ-vIyfb87vk_Byn9qqEapltYdJpNgjWZpXTUJTYXXl=w640-h314" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flowers of <i>Ceanothus arboreus 'Cliff Schmidt'</i> are mostly congregated at the top of the tree-sized plant, which made it awkward to photograph. The bees don't care.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivt6U-RAwzAE7KlDV0vc00rcXKaslbH9dQZXcTCkJKi24AB4D9ry4fewiwsAi7MqnLWj1ZWnvKdiWHjPuRNNwu1s8Swqqd7xN1IMaLdKrqKiOE1T8cso7i7AJibkaMAeW2BiW0eDuCqVezzBUj1tRiTdwPhoSAEjsqTN_qcfV5qLXZOs81-3IbcoV_Ionk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="3264" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivt6U-RAwzAE7KlDV0vc00rcXKaslbH9dQZXcTCkJKi24AB4D9ry4fewiwsAi7MqnLWj1ZWnvKdiWHjPuRNNwu1s8Swqqd7xN1IMaLdKrqKiOE1T8cso7i7AJibkaMAeW2BiW0eDuCqVezzBUj1tRiTdwPhoSAEjsqTN_qcfV5qLXZOs81-3IbcoV_Ionk=w640-h314" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm amazed every year when <i>Daphne odora</i> blooms as I never thought it'd survive in my garden. My only concern is that something always nibbles at the leaves.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibojqDkCmvNn9IReYcS1PMQn3HFRwsfI3-yE68ckZG0m310UMK7yKfvKr8bA5TkJpjnlK9C55ftiuTiCiZr-mncZhbHuKpRDyhsBBzyK3VUjUXoWXkMgZW5UJS-35onDKAKVT0kSDXLFF5oMPeV8u4H6Gj4yT7fwphzgbCQXBFc-GXqLfCC2C-RcYeo_CA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2902" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibojqDkCmvNn9IReYcS1PMQn3HFRwsfI3-yE68ckZG0m310UMK7yKfvKr8bA5TkJpjnlK9C55ftiuTiCiZr-mncZhbHuKpRDyhsBBzyK3VUjUXoWXkMgZW5UJS-35onDKAKVT0kSDXLFF5oMPeV8u4H6Gj4yT7fwphzgbCQXBFc-GXqLfCC2C-RcYeo_CA=w568-h640" width="568" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left, other new arrivals include: <i>Arctotis 'Pink Sugar', Calliandra haematocephala</i> (aka red powder puff), the first <i>Freesia, Centranthus ruber, Ipheon uniflorum</i> (aka spring star), <i>Pyrethropsis hosmariense</i> (aka Moroccan daisy), and the second <i>Freesia</i> to bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Even I was surprised by a few particularly early arrivals.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvcM-xUotBic257rFfE47d3sNLTTPCbYOK15GMO-8Cd4VYJ4fGrkTYYFrw2ALhbw8VXdBNOtiYuh-LVBZfKgCoSD-e8LKMvA-M2fs-fsCCsBHj-absaAWIHIr2VHEEEO_kULJGsUnshGuzFln0ksd5pNBVMvYoneVfRORuW7yxpvB1BVIQvcwidwwV7gts" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="3264" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvcM-xUotBic257rFfE47d3sNLTTPCbYOK15GMO-8Cd4VYJ4fGrkTYYFrw2ALhbw8VXdBNOtiYuh-LVBZfKgCoSD-e8LKMvA-M2fs-fsCCsBHj-absaAWIHIr2VHEEEO_kULJGsUnshGuzFln0ksd5pNBVMvYoneVfRORuW7yxpvB1BVIQvcwidwwV7gts=w640-h194" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first sweet pea blooms (possibly part of <i>Lathyrus odoratus 'Mermaid's Dream'</i> seed mix), first <i>Leucospermum 'Sunrise'</i> flower, and first <i>Sparaxis tricolor</i> bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, the backbones of my garden have shown up.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS-b5wSi60dOJUB3U7G86NSQyfI0SSbzMYFnZnP2HZGaNCWjCzLtJ0i21LBAoMDE_ShwLXLgBNrSxA1AD_eK-91bBE4tIsxejAGW2KOvhvk8UtwJbrCpusJhYTsSs-SjuoCeIYFNX5aApcjKNQpW_DU3cGwdrZI1r-eJWepOV-kGpWzA61Uuu8UVXbH4Pn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1612" data-original-width="3264" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS-b5wSi60dOJUB3U7G86NSQyfI0SSbzMYFnZnP2HZGaNCWjCzLtJ0i21LBAoMDE_ShwLXLgBNrSxA1AD_eK-91bBE4tIsxejAGW2KOvhvk8UtwJbrCpusJhYTsSs-SjuoCeIYFNX5aApcjKNQpW_DU3cGwdrZI1r-eJWepOV-kGpWzA61Uuu8UVXbH4Pn=w640-h316" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flowers of <i>Grevillea sericea</i> are small and pale in color but they're currently abundant</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDm6BxLUAYfu6xkCJVnSKySRocqJGYgx4Syw7cYNLQFlQLhwMLNyfQty3cI7yzzo5i9fMWPaDMbwp_D94U3KZ4xaxcS0IJbcvdm8dlzTSUsrggeqWmG7mb7YMh4xugrfEzyAO4bsqoxLXJQ89fflEBYi10sUS112XO3cj_WA6D048UBWRElddbkj4R9JTq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="3264" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDm6BxLUAYfu6xkCJVnSKySRocqJGYgx4Syw7cYNLQFlQLhwMLNyfQty3cI7yzzo5i9fMWPaDMbwp_D94U3KZ4xaxcS0IJbcvdm8dlzTSUsrggeqWmG7mb7YMh4xugrfEzyAO4bsqoxLXJQ89fflEBYi10sUS112XO3cj_WA6D048UBWRElddbkj4R9JTq=w640-h290" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite'</i> produces more flowers every day</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivvV0xBY7Deffm4CbdIdV6OdRgo0ITvBtRpBuByDD2m8GUHWAUcTaPgysHGUDMgXufV6YvBqGy5IiePrvpa5tKf4hOCZLMv3uk3QdQoslW22FQn-UgwJ-Ov-lHt_axqOnMJp8ISgI5GWqMIOu1xd1JezJWKbufdhiMucYocDwS5_SWweof3Req4_5TQYpn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2135" data-original-width="3264" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivvV0xBY7Deffm4CbdIdV6OdRgo0ITvBtRpBuByDD2m8GUHWAUcTaPgysHGUDMgXufV6YvBqGy5IiePrvpa5tKf4hOCZLMv3uk3QdQoslW22FQn-UgwJ-Ov-lHt_axqOnMJp8ISgI5GWqMIOu1xd1JezJWKbufdhiMucYocDwS5_SWweof3Req4_5TQYpn=w640-h418" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left, other <i>Grevilleas</i> currently in bloom include: <i>Grevillea alpina x rosmarinus, G. 'Peaches & Cream', G. 'Superb', G. rosmarinus</i> (dwarf form), and <i>G. lavandulacea 'Penola'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5sh8YkjxYUXW6xHSJnSIv7QnfM0s-m-rui-LHoRGwyOZH7pCg_5vZOydugKH7ig8k9sab05naj3gqhY1ygqfhMeQaWqQVR_4_OOwGRSnWR7YDNMZLvdQ_LauJxa_12CKGYwmznOhejyMCrJNHPZ4EG_5-1qrQ7KLuM10q_-sTAucV7Ffqm_U6Su28xCJi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="3264" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5sh8YkjxYUXW6xHSJnSIv7QnfM0s-m-rui-LHoRGwyOZH7pCg_5vZOydugKH7ig8k9sab05naj3gqhY1ygqfhMeQaWqQVR_4_OOwGRSnWR7YDNMZLvdQ_LauJxa_12CKGYwmznOhejyMCrJNHPZ4EG_5-1qrQ7KLuM10q_-sTAucV7Ffqm_U6Su28xCJi=w640-h290" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm still not quite ready to cut back the massive <i>Leucadendron salignum 'Chief'</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR6K8XLKk81Z6UDigCKFkqrLYZR9kFqoCtSCXqZ3SykQBsF3xlnPxM1Jkr7z6994J6k4HUurf82XHhFE8aGGprr23-5bijlCLHPX4FqdJfr9JgxwqSVZytI0zaEqUeBP_8Ee_I6kTUfOO6f1POQXx96IYZFfChflLpIfJK2iuVAfSmjz5LK92tFPH7-DFZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="3264" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR6K8XLKk81Z6UDigCKFkqrLYZR9kFqoCtSCXqZ3SykQBsF3xlnPxM1Jkr7z6994J6k4HUurf82XHhFE8aGGprr23-5bijlCLHPX4FqdJfr9JgxwqSVZytI0zaEqUeBP_8Ee_I6kTUfOO6f1POQXx96IYZFfChflLpIfJK2iuVAfSmjz5LK92tFPH7-DFZ=w640-h266" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Leucadendrons 'Summer' Red'</i> and '<i>Safari Sunset'</i> also look too good to cut back yet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWJihGvkk8FgLOjsdZuv_4S5e1BuzeGXWEFegkw7IQOIm2rMFlvdCb81VLwRYxHxnnldBXuRO0JT07opimfnhk2NQOZXuFd7egAlSOzRqJ1OKkfKEmFM5890rGFr_8r8CPvMYd71kj6B-pTtNO4TWvg51d6ugg__7IB37Vh-52RwkLR71JQRtzqtXKtV5O" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="3264" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWJihGvkk8FgLOjsdZuv_4S5e1BuzeGXWEFegkw7IQOIm2rMFlvdCb81VLwRYxHxnnldBXuRO0JT07opimfnhk2NQOZXuFd7egAlSOzRqJ1OKkfKEmFM5890rGFr_8r8CPvMYd71kj6B-pTtNO4TWvg51d6ugg__7IB37Vh-52RwkLR71JQRtzqtXKtV5O=w640-h266" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've begun to cut back <i>Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder'</i> already and will probably finish the job before the month is over</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYhmVjFqDQxEXD26ZQuW34b-1XR3GgzTtgUjWeXpvtMCGBIFL0TLbz_wybf3GXKQkQt-xU9Pis_fEts8wv7a5Qm8gKqdJSPH-B-kMzWZzr-rdHSZbLtzRFLwUdurB82RZKfOtwrIlCsOVLYxTPVrKnTYWjRtRHzJlfEuh_fBoSQFM06p_YJ5Z4B1y_erEj" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2271" data-original-width="3264" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYhmVjFqDQxEXD26ZQuW34b-1XR3GgzTtgUjWeXpvtMCGBIFL0TLbz_wybf3GXKQkQt-xU9Pis_fEts8wv7a5Qm8gKqdJSPH-B-kMzWZzr-rdHSZbLtzRFLwUdurB82RZKfOtwrIlCsOVLYxTPVrKnTYWjRtRHzJlfEuh_fBoSQFM06p_YJ5Z4B1y_erEj=w640-h446" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Osteospermums</i> are still taking their time to flesh out. I expect some of the small shrubs could use replacing but there isn't a good selection of the double-petaled varieties I like best yet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyn3LQJrGHi6c2AgQk9Y6GHDDDRWDU7AIma2Fbh5N4EkSuHIDEd2cmO5MrU0krInuk_GIBvk1hAaEeP3G_O1cd4dQ0fJmi4JiLUEX419u0tpRMCKFxJoSdOHr-lUdvO0O0PYvuNMUwX8fmj3Gyg2zDNjVDTdEYhbU8dDa7rfJWUGhQMK4jyCVwcmFZx6G4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="3264" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyn3LQJrGHi6c2AgQk9Y6GHDDDRWDU7AIma2Fbh5N4EkSuHIDEd2cmO5MrU0krInuk_GIBvk1hAaEeP3G_O1cd4dQ0fJmi4JiLUEX419u0tpRMCKFxJoSdOHr-lUdvO0O0PYvuNMUwX8fmj3Gyg2zDNjVDTdEYhbU8dDa7rfJWUGhQMK4jyCVwcmFZx6G4=w640-h366" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Camellia williamsii 'Taylor's Perfection'</i> dropped a lot of flowers during the earlier rainstorms but it hasn't thrown in the towel yet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What's missing from this post by comparison to last February's bloom report are the <i>Hippeastrums</i>. I've cut half a dozen stems since January. I've got plenty of buds left but only one plant currently has a bloom. I'll be moving all of those in pots under cover before the next storm arrives on Sunday.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirHsGQyCpHa0fc33hD_DSVGUWux27EPhcdQnyxR-UxPizun0UGG6pF2VDrwx5WCXBYXs103mUOfY8SR75OSkf1FMQT_j3ycvoJ4O9oUP-sk_fo9v11lp3VBhnGyRbgCiCShbuoovBR5T8nCXpr94Tcf1Pvau3Rxh_J-HGFOCbImbO-Oh_ihdntJMVv6Z2Z" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="772" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirHsGQyCpHa0fc33hD_DSVGUWux27EPhcdQnyxR-UxPizun0UGG6pF2VDrwx5WCXBYXs103mUOfY8SR75OSkf1FMQT_j3ycvoJ4O9oUP-sk_fo9v11lp3VBhnGyRbgCiCShbuoovBR5T8nCXpr94Tcf1Pvau3Rxh_J-HGFOCbImbO-Oh_ihdntJMVv6Z2Z=w493-h640" width="493" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hippeastrum 'Evergreen'</i>, a Cybister type originally hybridized in South America</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As always, I've assembled photos of flowers with lower profiles as part of collages organized by color.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEL0lxMSsXFLGudw5H1wJvyLnL3UTSRId_3pLdZmd5oSBCXF8qv56RJeZmZ8kiPXzrBre7HXeIoqzzPrxn_2VLWkN_CJk7ofzWtyD8zCVqHpnzRQdKpGIb2tZdNWpVzsMVYbBl0vkv9476pHjGKM2lUJK67KriJVov5TATDhXm3dQ3lH_39wBU1ezwlTpK" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2881" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEL0lxMSsXFLGudw5H1wJvyLnL3UTSRId_3pLdZmd5oSBCXF8qv56RJeZmZ8kiPXzrBre7HXeIoqzzPrxn_2VLWkN_CJk7ofzWtyD8zCVqHpnzRQdKpGIb2tZdNWpVzsMVYbBl0vkv9476pHjGKM2lUJK67KriJVov5TATDhXm3dQ3lH_39wBU1ezwlTpK=w565-h640" width="565" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Aloe striata x maculata, Antirrhinum majus, Cuphea 'Honeybells'</i>, noID orange <i>Gazania, Lobelia laxiflora, and Metrosideros collina 'Springfire'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUwN4bor_ovsZ5YAmZh-9xguezmHvT1yPTNpgZVaVJ5PhyENOb7kc_cwU7SwG_KQDhTK2ej3WSRIslnyAzy02dak37LmiUTckEmYJt1hAqECbtAY8WmJRnU_kGjkFS9o2VRxSR1xNOjHNdFLCbwcuJ-0kCkhaCPC7oy7jEOKWwr48ENXAWySLVaeqWTDHx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2881" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUwN4bor_ovsZ5YAmZh-9xguezmHvT1yPTNpgZVaVJ5PhyENOb7kc_cwU7SwG_KQDhTK2ej3WSRIslnyAzy02dak37LmiUTckEmYJt1hAqECbtAY8WmJRnU_kGjkFS9o2VRxSR1xNOjHNdFLCbwcuJ-0kCkhaCPC7oy7jEOKWwr48ENXAWySLVaeqWTDHx=w565-h640" width="565" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from upper left: <i>Argyranthemum 'Angelic Maize'</i>, noID Narcissus, <i>Gaillardia 'Spintop Copper Sun', Gazania 'Gold Flame'</i>, noID yellow <i>Gazania</i>, and <i>Senna artemisioides</i> (aka feathery cassia)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR9qkkgt8Csk2FDsBa0YF78O118oVc__QlJCPEfjhiY3gdV8TMtC-gLS6i6Fo55WAyj8J6RRdTV1hbtkGwDmpK8QRDWlbd9nkXvWZwxm2yhxmBiB2gktFV8dEPYNhJrI1CvYpsfDEhuGuwwChD5j2--FBcbByAsIj4wy4o9eLsdER-9bEcfAOXBY-lwHyg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="3264" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR9qkkgt8Csk2FDsBa0YF78O118oVc__QlJCPEfjhiY3gdV8TMtC-gLS6i6Fo55WAyj8J6RRdTV1hbtkGwDmpK8QRDWlbd9nkXvWZwxm2yhxmBiB2gktFV8dEPYNhJrI1CvYpsfDEhuGuwwChD5j2--FBcbByAsIj4wy4o9eLsdER-9bEcfAOXBY-lwHyg=w640-h234" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Antirrhinum majus, Fuchsia 'Windchimes White</i>', and <i>Nemesia 'Nessie Plus White'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyZ12qy8kmYFPbemGcW23RygAsRARRC-W5BOrm9cHaR_cwUdXA7n4pneRt43Tzb9xIhmeV16-rl0HI_PeExZndkq3PWgl6A7jY8Y7Ln7m1jHzZF51o3fhDD3PrL2Sd4ad7FR2K4z33s8yE7NA6vhIo8QQm_pEAn6Yh1iGAZmd2nqU0D2ZQniMMMqGqwWQe" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyZ12qy8kmYFPbemGcW23RygAsRARRC-W5BOrm9cHaR_cwUdXA7n4pneRt43Tzb9xIhmeV16-rl0HI_PeExZndkq3PWgl6A7jY8Y7Ln7m1jHzZF51o3fhDD3PrL2Sd4ad7FR2K4z33s8yE7NA6vhIo8QQm_pEAn6Yh1iGAZmd2nqU0D2ZQniMMMqGqwWQe=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: <i>Antirrhinum majus, Arctostaphylos bakeri 'Louis Edmunds'</i>, and <i>Arctotis 'Opera Pink'</i><br />Middle: <i>Bauhinia x blackeana</i> (aka Hong Kong orchid tree)<i>, Boronia crenulata 'Shark Bay'</i>, and <i>Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold'</i><br />Bottom: <i>Cuphea 'Starfire Pink', Hebe 'Wiri Blush'</i>, and noID <i>Kalanchoe</i> (maybe <i>K. fedtschenkoi</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo013Do_QYLTi4J6Nr1BmVIQBXLP2yD4gAX2GdnO1uNyCeLeTcaikIVDTVXmMDIxFO6P7Rik5Q2oLu5z60RS9eLcaGCnGSDpnQdG1F9DjIRox5VHU-EML4oDUtpQY6Bmelz6qkjwImnEpNAaHnHB9qXBMj03F39vB9K_OrO5nIwLwC4ltmqgDe1BdPdxvl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2983" data-original-width="3264" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo013Do_QYLTi4J6Nr1BmVIQBXLP2yD4gAX2GdnO1uNyCeLeTcaikIVDTVXmMDIxFO6P7Rik5Q2oLu5z60RS9eLcaGCnGSDpnQdG1F9DjIRox5VHU-EML4oDUtpQY6Bmelz6qkjwImnEpNAaHnHB9qXBMj03F39vB9K_OrO5nIwLwC4ltmqgDe1BdPdxvl=w640-h584" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Argyranthemum 'Grandaisy Red', Helleborus 'Anna's Red</i>', magenta <i>Pericallis hybrid</i>, and <i>Ribes viburnifolium</i> (aka Catalina currant)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu_Ge-iHWlvzXIqr1BVjp_BqubA5tRDR2Lq36V_aNU_3ZyO-fb0ivum1TNyk54IxK35C7Zwu_vlPBEkHkOb586msDH6RGX41b5KihOB3aIkE2z956e3vmijCcSsT3C5NMIgXb5ppnL9fX-wBn8YMxP8jPuaY2XZ6E8u0hDA1lB5SAysvxzZd_8Ws87gHyc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu_Ge-iHWlvzXIqr1BVjp_BqubA5tRDR2Lq36V_aNU_3ZyO-fb0ivum1TNyk54IxK35C7Zwu_vlPBEkHkOb586msDH6RGX41b5KihOB3aIkE2z956e3vmijCcSsT3C5NMIgXb5ppnL9fX-wBn8YMxP8jPuaY2XZ6E8u0hDA1lB5SAysvxzZd_8Ws87gHyc=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: <i>Delphinium grandiflorum, Echium handiense</i>, and <i>Geranium 'Tiny Monster'</i><br />Middle: <i>Lavandula multifida, Limonium perezii</i>, and <i>Pericallis hybrid</i><br />Bottom: <i>Polygala myrtifolia, Salvia rosmarinus</i> (aka rosemary), and <i>Viola cornuta 'Penny Peach'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's it from me for this month's bloom day coverage. Two more atmospheric rivers are due to arrive back-to-back this weekend. Those may leave me with soggy flowers once again, or spur other plants to burst into bloom. We shall see. Best wishes for a pleasant weekend and, if you haven't already done so, <a href="https://caroljmichel.com/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-february-2024/" target="_blank">check in with Carol at May Dreams Gardens</a> for more Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day posts.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-61136503861838574542024-02-14T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-14T06:30:00.128-08:00New plants and garden choresHappy Valentine's Day!<div><br /></div><div>I took advantage of a week of dry weather and sunny skies to tackle a few garden chores. The first involved finishing up the job that resulted from removal of a battered and over-sized <i>'Blue Flame' Agave</i> in my south-side garden. When I published my <a href="https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2024/02/rain-delay.html" target="_blank">post on the project</a>, I'd already cleaned up the area, added soil suitable for succulents, and planted cuttings of blue chalksticks (<i>Senecio serpens</i>). I finished replanting the area this week.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kQBaqgUGrCH3qMBFhBw5jWO1YNzDsYu03KEPZ5G9eS_Zj77O788pbR8wf2jZrkBKD-COMecuP5oeyHow0HVqHoB4vcVK5U0qxKMBxWwNasM3GRnllCwF9DcbRPBmGvgZB_AOJ32HSnZDSdj8QawZnjLQMdotlhHg3aHPLyNvVGHeB7pV-447zqcUEJGO/s1000/SoSide_Agave+Aeoniums3R_20240212_c.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kQBaqgUGrCH3qMBFhBw5jWO1YNzDsYu03KEPZ5G9eS_Zj77O788pbR8wf2jZrkBKD-COMecuP5oeyHow0HVqHoB4vcVK5U0qxKMBxWwNasM3GRnllCwF9DcbRPBmGvgZB_AOJ32HSnZDSdj8QawZnjLQMdotlhHg3aHPLyNvVGHeB7pV-447zqcUEJGO/s600/SoSide_Agave+Aeoniums3R_20240212_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added a few more <i>Senecio</i> cuttings, a mix of <i>Aeoniums</i>, and an <i>Agave ovatifolia</i> that I'd purchased in a 4-inch pot several months ago and potted up in a 1-gallon container. As you can see, the agave's still very small. I've left a relatively wide path, partly to accommodate the agave's eventual size but also to facilitate maintenance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kQBaqgUGrCH3qMBFhBw5jWO1YNzDsYu03KEPZ5G9eS_Zj77O788pbR8wf2jZrkBKD-COMecuP5oeyHow0HVqHoB4vcVK5U0qxKMBxWwNasM3GRnllCwF9DcbRPBmGvgZB_AOJ32HSnZDSdj8QawZnjLQMdotlhHg3aHPLyNvVGHeB7pV-447zqcUEJGO/s1000/SoSide_Agave+Aeoniums3R_20240212_c.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWtcx67CoiAZgF76ZUXp5pmUvXK2TSjr0C-qAl0DUmAVzShvxcn4CPY8OomWy5DXWbEJEV76otLbV1z1elywsocieQ_7FbHmBNXjTWU_2Sa6CbpQtm4oRa0Z-fnfj2TRSSsmAyzgnyKhmesREmoLSXY0rfibZkb4qWUy2tC_HNyJSBNOFHERrqQYGIldS/s1000/Aeoniums_mix1R_20240213_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1000" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWtcx67CoiAZgF76ZUXp5pmUvXK2TSjr0C-qAl0DUmAVzShvxcn4CPY8OomWy5DXWbEJEV76otLbV1z1elywsocieQ_7FbHmBNXjTWU_2Sa6CbpQtm4oRa0Z-fnfj2TRSSsmAyzgnyKhmesREmoLSXY0rfibZkb4qWUy2tC_HNyJSBNOFHERrqQYGIldS/w640-h438/Aeoniums_mix1R_20240213_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 4 <i>Aeonium</i> varieties in one shot. They're growing alongside an <i>Acanthus mollis</i> (left) that appears during our rainy season, then disappears during the hot summer months. As the <i>Aeoniums</i> fill out, I hope they'll hide the empty space during the summer season.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8MRYJKHqR63Q7k8r_jup-mMS8b5TMJWMu1weiIlAV3CP8fXi4feY33oDAzGTQv3L2vIWCwAHQH6_Mcp3GTxqyiAXORUisvsHbCFND52dKnVaPS8ucnyP5lS7nOPoA5xLKZfHlrDAlHmHm0vE6Tj2y_ZWe7Lo7jK11lkoGlahWqk-XuEFjie-CMgZWh7C/s3264/Aeoniums_mix_BFC_20240213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2345" data-original-width="3264" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8MRYJKHqR63Q7k8r_jup-mMS8b5TMJWMu1weiIlAV3CP8fXi4feY33oDAzGTQv3L2vIWCwAHQH6_Mcp3GTxqyiAXORUisvsHbCFND52dKnVaPS8ucnyP5lS7nOPoA5xLKZfHlrDAlHmHm0vE6Tj2y_ZWe7Lo7jK11lkoGlahWqk-XuEFjie-CMgZWh7C/w640-h460/Aeoniums_mix_BFC_20240213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top left: <i>Aeonium 'Dark Star'</i>, branching variety that grows 2 feet tall and wide</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top right: <i>Aeonium 'Jack Catlin'</i>, develops low-growing clumps with green centers and burgundy edges</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bottom right: green <i>Aeonium 'Jack Catlin',</i> needs sun to develop those red edges</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bottom middle: <i>Aeonium 'Octo Ink'</i>, which sports a singular tall black rosette 1-2 feet in size</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bottom left: <i>Aeonium 'Velour'</i>, branching variety with green centers and purple edges on lower leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*'<i>Dark Star'</i> and <i>'Octo Ink'</i> are <a href="https://www.stevesupergardens.com/" target="_blank">Steve Super</a> hybrids. The others are cuttings from my garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I received delivery of eight plants I'd ordered by mail prior to the rainstorms and got all of those into the ground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3UYSnKf_A2RqcqT103dO8qypQVKh4ftHv4XjjdbDmVSi1LBDfuFhAmsmSX4iqTgkvLg-OQFflP73phL6Oosj3aiEJqEBKrQtUDJPQ81E8RSveOna8Da_p5FA3O_GJfWxIhPzp9MGHa5HM7cBsgfyBkuKjkYOJTIlRKgD8JZwlK2Pm69aujNLsQSZgIHwk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1000" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3UYSnKf_A2RqcqT103dO8qypQVKh4ftHv4XjjdbDmVSi1LBDfuFhAmsmSX4iqTgkvLg-OQFflP73phL6Oosj3aiEJqEBKrQtUDJPQ81E8RSveOna8Da_p5FA3O_GJfWxIhPzp9MGHa5HM7cBsgfyBkuKjkYOJTIlRKgD8JZwlK2Pm69aujNLsQSZgIHwk=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My order from <a href="https://www.anniesannuals.com/" target="_blank">Annie's Annuals & Perennials</a> arrived Friday afternoon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh6i6ID2ERDkX62yQhGpjE2hJnyWLfzX-IiJZoPAoan4NE9pQuMWlSYBSyseQBPs8o6UDYfEKA9mLgnPli0otC7sE_9Mpt-GhBtr2qgjqCIZcUC5R5jCHewgxaTmpit_MUgA6TjzsV_0wm72jDIoGHBlQRr9C98skwbqgN9ww5QSJBQTNZdaw-0YcIWwqJ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1901" data-original-width="3264" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh6i6ID2ERDkX62yQhGpjE2hJnyWLfzX-IiJZoPAoan4NE9pQuMWlSYBSyseQBPs8o6UDYfEKA9mLgnPli0otC7sE_9Mpt-GhBtr2qgjqCIZcUC5R5jCHewgxaTmpit_MUgA6TjzsV_0wm72jDIoGHBlQRr9C98skwbqgN9ww5QSJBQTNZdaw-0YcIWwqJ=w640-h372" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the left, all 8 plants have landed space in my garden: 2 more <i>Arctotis 'Large Marge'</i> have joined 3 mature plants in my back garden; groundcover <i>Centradenia floribunda</i> (aka Spanish Shawl) sits in a bare area of my front garden behind my new <i>Protea "Claire</i>'; <i>Graptopetalum paraguayense 'Pinky'</i> sits in a mixed bed near the driveway; Helleborus orientalis 'True Love' is a splurge that joins other hellebores in a shady area of the front garden; and 3 <i>Papaver hybridum 'Lauren's Grape'</i> found spots in the cutting garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yesterday I tackled pruning of a large shrub, one that wasn't on my original project list.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilnM6OBSs02nUxkflYpR4kLilOyCzUyZQ4LUtFOhIV78CgnHHFIAh_VOj6r_DBOQlaoQBT8HYi--Mq_doqTtcfbtmImnf_vuWshTQRX5v8cgckBE_P6TuxKwz55aCpCh3jC0Cj9DZsXrXE-o-2I1lyumJtw-nhchYnIr9VfW5QvLukfzDePIe7mBZU2rNI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilnM6OBSs02nUxkflYpR4kLilOyCzUyZQ4LUtFOhIV78CgnHHFIAh_VOj6r_DBOQlaoQBT8HYi--Mq_doqTtcfbtmImnf_vuWshTQRX5v8cgckBE_P6TuxKwz55aCpCh3jC0Cj9DZsXrXE-o-2I1lyumJtw-nhchYnIr9VfW5QvLukfzDePIe7mBZU2rNI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shrub in question, <i>Grevillea lavandulacea 'Penola'</i> is barely visible in this shot taken from inside the house during a rainstorm last week</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioap1O46LNkTg_usELEn-NV9UuaGUcriRAbzaY9Ei1f1rCkcqv-x4cBjfo0gUHgSFFGrVY4auVizvu3oT9oRDs9_8Q7IoLSNzQEOm2CpTYgpW3huRqW512aJfA036lye6WGPOvCD2ddJVaaQKJJ4Vk_XQq5pmmr2wSJ1FdjunB495szQd7jbMO-QGrVttV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioap1O46LNkTg_usELEn-NV9UuaGUcriRAbzaY9Ei1f1rCkcqv-x4cBjfo0gUHgSFFGrVY4auVizvu3oT9oRDs9_8Q7IoLSNzQEOm2CpTYgpW3huRqW512aJfA036lye6WGPOvCD2ddJVaaQKJJ4Vk_XQq5pmmr2wSJ1FdjunB495szQd7jbMO-QGrVttV=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This long shot, which I think was also taken from inside the house during that rainstorm, provides only a nominally better view. I circled part of it just to make it more obvious. With its gray foliage and tiny red and white flowers, it's hard to make out at a distance, especially against a gray fence.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4RuLZo1gthu6p7-yZQimXhnczqHyLil5YPPyuoLhq14xLPfcqGoFe5RBoAKUuoJotEyddILRMd9NydC3tDVpd4WdC9yoQX1ad9c3Rfe8MGMpV5o4yyS5_VRe1MfhlJzw0nAyH5ANz2PPgAbaeykVlAiy87rMh0qFqbYDFZM2X9PdB20ogMYrLAPF5ttpx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1000" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4RuLZo1gthu6p7-yZQimXhnczqHyLil5YPPyuoLhq14xLPfcqGoFe5RBoAKUuoJotEyddILRMd9NydC3tDVpd4WdC9yoQX1ad9c3Rfe8MGMpV5o4yyS5_VRe1MfhlJzw0nAyH5ANz2PPgAbaeykVlAiy87rMh0qFqbYDFZM2X9PdB20ogMYrLAPF5ttpx=w640-h510" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But, close up, its lovely flowers are densely packed along most of its branches</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-_MTejQIv3c49Ssz-F_TZlS4Yc7kEbyEit5U_BSM9KHlm63ZfCeMWDQXYEAKk0fMTTBaEHX8VCNAHwVa-pmvdX1JxUgKApc5rRiPqydwlSbJwh4XYGYVD7jTgZvPUE0vldv2QxcktLHYeyyjKM00-rJiJninrPcVTGGVsU90181OJoqAN6v5JmPLFZsMk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2350" data-original-width="3264" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-_MTejQIv3c49Ssz-F_TZlS4Yc7kEbyEit5U_BSM9KHlm63ZfCeMWDQXYEAKk0fMTTBaEHX8VCNAHwVa-pmvdX1JxUgKApc5rRiPqydwlSbJwh4XYGYVD7jTgZvPUE0vldv2QxcktLHYeyyjKM00-rJiJninrPcVTGGVsU90181OJoqAN6v5JmPLFZsMk=w640-h460" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, I positioned it poorly, thinking I could espalier it along the fence. I've regularly tied it to supports attached to the fence, only to have it break away. The long branches were stretching into the path that leads down the back slope. I didn't take a before photo but I cut back or removed many of the branches that blocked the ease of movement down that concrete block stairway. I reduced the size of the plant by more than 25% and tied the largest remaining branches into the supports using plastic-covered wire. Whether this latest effort to manage the shrub this way will be successful is yet to be determined.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More rain is on the horizon. There are two more back-to-back atmospheric rivers currently forecast to show up Saturday and continue into Tuesday. We got off easy with the earlier storms, ending up with only a chimney leak and relatively minor damage to my lath (shade) house; however, others in California didn't fare nearly as well. Over four hundred mudslides were reported, as well as nine deaths. As the ground hasn't had much time to dry out we can only hope that those in the most vulnerable areas will be better prepared this time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: I hope to publish my Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day post on Friday, February 16th.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p></div></div></div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-44903539070254028862024-02-12T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-12T06:30:00.152-08:00In a Vase on Monday: Soggy flowers<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We got more rain than expected last week, albeit the only snow nearby was in the mountains to the east of us. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbaXoZ2GQFP1HHVxpHNWOPYJM70tiozSSeLwqSrVgYViCndUvKpAOWA4GrRM4ZoiGViVfMGx-kYjS8BAcygSKXIqlEzU1RtsPJsweoIr5YptUzPTkqNzayuaSZjlyGCgUetxnk8jWyASDYSVhOvkTBuyCgLakSV1U27x9ku0URnbHSSAP29UMkYv6zAAAu" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbaXoZ2GQFP1HHVxpHNWOPYJM70tiozSSeLwqSrVgYViCndUvKpAOWA4GrRM4ZoiGViVfMGx-kYjS8BAcygSKXIqlEzU1RtsPJsweoIr5YptUzPTkqNzayuaSZjlyGCgUetxnk8jWyASDYSVhOvkTBuyCgLakSV1U27x9ku0URnbHSSAP29UMkYv6zAAAu=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from our back garden looking east. The Port of Los Angeles is in the foreground and the City of Long Beach is visible in the mid-range area. The mountains beyond are usually obscured but they showed off their snowy caps clearly after storms scrubbed away the smog. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>Many of my flowers were left in a soggy state and finding enough to fill a couple of vases was harder than I'd anticipated on Sunday. The <i>Hippeastrum 'Exception'</i> I used last week was in passable condition so I put together another arrangement recycling it as the centerpiece.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdbamT9XmKgxH8p2k3YUTz1WJfnmswrJvx6emRctgOKMJ0IoR4YhrgBPaw9WRGhINwD4nw2YpzG4oUxVuCFW2jr9X7My1YLBggZN2OVH1OzGlR-yj7oBrBB0w9N-DsfgZaif4VW8pFEv2uwPHxe10ybPHya9CZRedsxr7iQlAxFOuJNPt52kiJDtwib_G2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1000" height="569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdbamT9XmKgxH8p2k3YUTz1WJfnmswrJvx6emRctgOKMJ0IoR4YhrgBPaw9WRGhINwD4nw2YpzG4oUxVuCFW2jr9X7My1YLBggZN2OVH1OzGlR-yj7oBrBB0w9N-DsfgZaif4VW8pFEv2uwPHxe10ybPHya9CZRedsxr7iQlAxFOuJNPt52kiJDtwib_G2=w640-h569" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I reduced <i>'Exception's'</i> stalk by almost half and cut off 2 of the blooms that were browning around the edges</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6BPi3tpCGqf6_Orq3Cw29_R0bkwwjVr_w7_BLu4cFkmpCeOuPVzFSfiS_7ysykPGY92B_Q7Vl-aV-f_D6m5eSg5xZSHkeMJHDhV3KQ2m3qZrL9HkimF30mWfHnexWjQOioal2hbKqjj9FofRo9jQdocbiqZ7eSkouI2VeDMOLwGo2vNH-Qhtpti6QNRjG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1000" height="555" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6BPi3tpCGqf6_Orq3Cw29_R0bkwwjVr_w7_BLu4cFkmpCeOuPVzFSfiS_7ysykPGY92B_Q7Vl-aV-f_D6m5eSg5xZSHkeMJHDhV3KQ2m3qZrL9HkimF30mWfHnexWjQOioal2hbKqjj9FofRo9jQdocbiqZ7eSkouI2VeDMOLwGo2vNH-Qhtpti6QNRjG=w640-h555" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: I used more feathery foliage than I assembled last week and added stronger punches of color</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDotJqDA3RCdb8pzT6wSSjr4Nordoj4WeB5BSXes7kNdXRRruomuh3RzDg2maD5uVDK-hQNHTp-LxQbfGTo-k3rUrjCXnm837uej3kL0ZEZ7u9YThzKqFIn0jTZNY5ciFbfZOEsIT7Nfd5W7r05Se_Oo_YV9AXPELWNfYm5rOzZSKQ5LhsLGLdSb5o5YQj" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1000" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDotJqDA3RCdb8pzT6wSSjr4Nordoj4WeB5BSXes7kNdXRRruomuh3RzDg2maD5uVDK-hQNHTp-LxQbfGTo-k3rUrjCXnm837uej3kL0ZEZ7u9YThzKqFIn0jTZNY5ciFbfZOEsIT7Nfd5W7r05Se_Oo_YV9AXPELWNfYm5rOzZSKQ5LhsLGLdSb5o5YQj=w640-h446" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYvDezpEx35LRnVMNm0FPqUDunIrDgUSV_XeNp_1bvCHoTABvbrNqbyS165Re2cLRIsZ4JZtYrA5Eb8WikETxx6WaMKVGKTWWguwmjZgzMTys1Nt5190tBlh3r17SR159pVffDBoQXd-czGfERvX5TdBHqhlOCYDqPaTdGXvq2OusEsYI-4qjzA_Mw-BSA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2520" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYvDezpEx35LRnVMNm0FPqUDunIrDgUSV_XeNp_1bvCHoTABvbrNqbyS165Re2cLRIsZ4JZtYrA5Eb8WikETxx6WaMKVGKTWWguwmjZgzMTys1Nt5190tBlh3r17SR159pVffDBoQXd-czGfERvX5TdBHqhlOCYDqPaTdGXvq2OusEsYI-4qjzA_Mw-BSA=w493-h640" width="493" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Alstroemeria 'Inca Vienna'</i>, a noID <i>Alstroemeria, Antirrhinum majus, Boronia crenulata 'Shark Bay', Chlorophytum comosum</i> (aka spider plant), <i>Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold</i>', and <i>Hippeastrum 'Exception'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>I created a second arrangement using <i>Hippeastrum 'Elvas'</i>. It wasn't in perfect condition but I patched together a vase with a nod to Valentine's Day.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw9aYh1U5X5v6lgIuujmwENd5T1VdCh9uNaXBl0WhH0R0aQo9uylc42if6P--qXhj9HarTRKFVMjKIiED0m9xqtHBI3yX6nTZU-VwatimTfFRLaeakbP5jH6O-8hPfeY_34iUn9ddKBPd1Ylk20pfSWbZEpNp71Ie7QR_zWhjbxOgCe42ChuCl5QDXo3v6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1000" height="573" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw9aYh1U5X5v6lgIuujmwENd5T1VdCh9uNaXBl0WhH0R0aQo9uylc42if6P--qXhj9HarTRKFVMjKIiED0m9xqtHBI3yX6nTZU-VwatimTfFRLaeakbP5jH6O-8hPfeY_34iUn9ddKBPd1Ylk20pfSWbZEpNp71Ie7QR_zWhjbxOgCe42ChuCl5QDXo3v6=w640-h573" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hunted down red flowers to play off the red edges of <i>'Elvas'. </i>I can usually count on the feathery flowers of <i>Calliandra haematocephala </i>(aka red powder puff) at this time of year but they're only just getting started<i>.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbBzYJhffpaapC8thuxDc6ngYWalGJZInl92USKX-ctrhUGRnGBb5cSq971kiPQ2RBADVe-hr-RZ23ZKqmtzDsEp3495gfWAoa2XRx_9oXiwnMhfxIOffBsCoNcHu_2aISwGmNs5dqT3xelmOYQeALB64FdGLppXUVKvVqdj9gHZM0yAttgtvL8RMmgIc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1000" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbBzYJhffpaapC8thuxDc6ngYWalGJZInl92USKX-ctrhUGRnGBb5cSq971kiPQ2RBADVe-hr-RZ23ZKqmtzDsEp3495gfWAoa2XRx_9oXiwnMhfxIOffBsCoNcHu_2aISwGmNs5dqT3xelmOYQeALB64FdGLppXUVKvVqdj9gHZM0yAttgtvL8RMmgIc=w640-h378" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXN3iVB4pcapSWfUMzK2KOXZ70rKEQzJVBCF3gdlRrWZe3RWXZC9O5rypseToEpBHunbgqUSeENzTT-DDT9mFA-VTFaboCkj4Y2UwnYo55kBXB-oE2UWfN3TpjYtRW60xmqXZxWQbfLiSFsSEC7R3dkLkC1h4Ju4yVCaYYWRGyF-PmZJ02uAXeXAtcQLxY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1000" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXN3iVB4pcapSWfUMzK2KOXZ70rKEQzJVBCF3gdlRrWZe3RWXZC9O5rypseToEpBHunbgqUSeENzTT-DDT9mFA-VTFaboCkj4Y2UwnYo55kBXB-oE2UWfN3TpjYtRW60xmqXZxWQbfLiSFsSEC7R3dkLkC1h4Ju4yVCaYYWRGyF-PmZJ02uAXeXAtcQLxY=w640-h580" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDYjnrda105dqx6jLPFFBZu5Cadp1HV3VKwUZZ6Fy1RpXCE1fotQ6HJc3sg_sDdqFDr7WOzb4Um3vr8b9G0KTd4F5ti2HOzSuZ9XpFtIjeUvXkwFy-xIqrt9B3e1sveWlZQrBmK5lrqXW78bzYUAJcGC8tclCmy9ASLSI4gLT5WcqgKaG1Qpr8l9lp4ZY3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2763" data-original-width="3264" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDYjnrda105dqx6jLPFFBZu5Cadp1HV3VKwUZZ6Fy1RpXCE1fotQ6HJc3sg_sDdqFDr7WOzb4Um3vr8b9G0KTd4F5ti2HOzSuZ9XpFtIjeUvXkwFy-xIqrt9B3e1sveWlZQrBmK5lrqXW78bzYUAJcGC8tclCmy9ASLSI4gLT5WcqgKaG1Qpr8l9lp4ZY3=w640-h541" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Alternanthera 'Little Ruby', Calliandra haematocephala, Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', Grevillea lavandulacea 'Penola'</i>, and <i>Hippeastrum 'Elvas'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>Best wishes for a happy Valentine's Day! We expect sun today but mostly cloudy skies through the rest of the week, probably culminating with the arrival of another atmospheric river on Saturday. </p><p><br /></p><p>For more IAVOM creations, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidtN0Yt9minv0tfFbualCMXSx3b40P7cyQY3NtyshRYT1wBpPnQzn6SfAz_RvMrWczF9u-yZ4IqD2YCMAxiKP65lUSmZm38B0uOge7aqnSxJkchvmdLtjLJl_cgw9HCHyTdRHfZpTHzwtVuWvL3g670ZxXKeeWHncvgu9AvBX-1HNRQCpSZU4FTCVJiqnX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1738" data-original-width="3264" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidtN0Yt9minv0tfFbualCMXSx3b40P7cyQY3NtyshRYT1wBpPnQzn6SfAz_RvMrWczF9u-yZ4IqD2YCMAxiKP65lUSmZm38B0uOge7aqnSxJkchvmdLtjLJl_cgw9HCHyTdRHfZpTHzwtVuWvL3g670ZxXKeeWHncvgu9AvBX-1HNRQCpSZU4FTCVJiqnX=w640-h340" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-72834063850562436162024-02-09T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-09T06:30:00.138-08:00Aloes in bloom - South Coast Botanic Garden in early February<p>I took advantage of the one day break between our first and second atmospheric rivers last Friday to visit <a href="https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/" target="_blank">South Coast Botanic Garden</a>, which is about five miles from my home as the crow flies. It was mostly sunny, although not at all warm, but I wanted to check out the garden's aloe collection while the majority of the plants were still in bloom.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRKA43eumI7sqfv0jXQAlHKNTcgm7ufkuxSLt_rYM898OgCkVKwk0c7YiM_Dfn0sG6UtNO5KZTyw5u3dYxSxybyOFsFLpb4FYVvIq_burwehC0Rn61YEhSLLeEwigSDvewPe7db7JR9ZXnA8yiQyccGY4Pr3HjZYQorC7CSjh99cJsJUG9awzBoWofc67s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1000" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRKA43eumI7sqfv0jXQAlHKNTcgm7ufkuxSLt_rYM898OgCkVKwk0c7YiM_Dfn0sG6UtNO5KZTyw5u3dYxSxybyOFsFLpb4FYVvIq_burwehC0Rn61YEhSLLeEwigSDvewPe7db7JR9ZXnA8yiQyccGY4Pr3HjZYQorC7CSjh99cJsJUG9awzBoWofc67s=w640-h502" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As if offering an advertisement, there was a large aloe in full bloom at the entrance to the garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCAzHjtl8kbsUN-22NpJthHXstjF5j61DNkePyJtOnlYRlajkMX1EXQw8E0r8u0ShRxMsB6LmQJqOCHYaTv1AOSknzcIw9gMnX1LQZJFMSzorEGzFytjWZZHb9ZQ1W-dO1l0XJbzaH2MDZN85x5N2M4ropdMieuxAE3Gj0C0NTtUeTMqCZpdq3rWgYX4LU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1623" data-original-width="3264" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCAzHjtl8kbsUN-22NpJthHXstjF5j61DNkePyJtOnlYRlajkMX1EXQw8E0r8u0ShRxMsB6LmQJqOCHYaTv1AOSknzcIw9gMnX1LQZJFMSzorEGzFytjWZZHb9ZQ1W-dO1l0XJbzaH2MDZN85x5N2M4ropdMieuxAE3Gj0C0NTtUeTMqCZpdq3rWgYX4LU=w640-h318" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to guess at some plant IDs, as many labels seemed to be missing. I think these are <i>Aloe cameronii</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-uvzSLfUReCn1aikK0x8g96MPVKxBlY49Z3kdOyro2Wx78smBqqjb8rEhNDoRVIP4pekMNuRg5tUWZrjXfnmEqU7aFsIOl6Of8e5B8sX2wNTkJQ2rGsNecEHArdwTMNk9-CnWL6LQfaOMzyzuw88yX3XgC6L4yRxepctLUUoCTHqOe_n4evrgYC_rnsTf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="3264" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-uvzSLfUReCn1aikK0x8g96MPVKxBlY49Z3kdOyro2Wx78smBqqjb8rEhNDoRVIP4pekMNuRg5tUWZrjXfnmEqU7aFsIOl6Of8e5B8sX2wNTkJQ2rGsNecEHArdwTMNk9-CnWL6LQfaOMzyzuw88yX3XgC6L4yRxepctLUUoCTHqOe_n4evrgYC_rnsTf=w640-h346" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aloe 'David Verity'</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikUFAahOQgXtXouwE-3_bOg3W29KT4a7FkPn8A_EPD1wIDwuze5pa9S9KIumy6-aBopbn7284ewrztvlT56PdgFWKgM0k5jcE0PNZfLxQkoPsPJnbQwk81dBSoyFaRMmpGTvgCdimi5414iRN0BnNruoPkhGpmSuPTgBt13Hd139wMEuMWqj_au0Liz7uD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="3264" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikUFAahOQgXtXouwE-3_bOg3W29KT4a7FkPn8A_EPD1wIDwuze5pa9S9KIumy6-aBopbn7284ewrztvlT56PdgFWKgM0k5jcE0PNZfLxQkoPsPJnbQwk81dBSoyFaRMmpGTvgCdimi5414iRN0BnNruoPkhGpmSuPTgBt13Hd139wMEuMWqj_au0Liz7uD=w640-h346" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aloe 'Erik the Red'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTooeo3i4vrUCtmVuFRxIa4ljszmputFQXmyZAswHXC8N150Oz6gpV9KDCLnHvRsn3i2IumSTMogytVNShpsduYMRC0duPLR0zTQOZXeaarQy6S3G_jbWxv5MuCzeBfRgzJ1-HWx6-dUj_9Gw9ZRBqe6SH-3At6SRhdn7D7GN9YgTsOps7IKhBkThORRj-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="852" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTooeo3i4vrUCtmVuFRxIa4ljszmputFQXmyZAswHXC8N150Oz6gpV9KDCLnHvRsn3i2IumSTMogytVNShpsduYMRC0duPLR0zTQOZXeaarQy6S3G_jbWxv5MuCzeBfRgzJ1-HWx6-dUj_9Gw9ZRBqe6SH-3At6SRhdn7D7GN9YgTsOps7IKhBkThORRj-=w544-h640" width="544" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one had a label that said "<i>Aloe hybrid</i>"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4bEQCPO1m5RLyIhJFamvspE_Tz5ax2ysIvtkQOHIwblf8ysyR2IOX3NJrY_u2jSb2zLlfE5alO7Hk4Tc5y9-1MZyDJibVPimBHLRUYA_cwMsMSj2EFxku_atrFW2aVFA-BKcs04FjfgJ5ZXx6_e6ZFjrSPDr4fZYYM3BU5pWAq72FxO3DMM2ANoiJdoE5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1000" height="607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4bEQCPO1m5RLyIhJFamvspE_Tz5ax2ysIvtkQOHIwblf8ysyR2IOX3NJrY_u2jSb2zLlfE5alO7Hk4Tc5y9-1MZyDJibVPimBHLRUYA_cwMsMSj2EFxku_atrFW2aVFA-BKcs04FjfgJ5ZXx6_e6ZFjrSPDr4fZYYM3BU5pWAq72FxO3DMM2ANoiJdoE5=w640-h607" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't ID this one and my phone's ID function wasn't helpful</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib0BmutmjKInoPZhnl6EGw7v7Gp6V8M1BoxXjFWugfjsn2RN2xVbJH1ZhiF0k0X7yxGCQ1_FqFJ_H-XvBOUC65RXElOCtQ-1GgYIo6zSSwkdCs_oQmTO9G723BgDMKiw7nNeuAHqT48Nmi7Jz1DyO1bWqJ13SImaY-tTqyRmlLh7q8x69YlFz-IkeTR-xd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1000" height="569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib0BmutmjKInoPZhnl6EGw7v7Gp6V8M1BoxXjFWugfjsn2RN2xVbJH1ZhiF0k0X7yxGCQ1_FqFJ_H-XvBOUC65RXElOCtQ-1GgYIo6zSSwkdCs_oQmTO9G723BgDMKiw7nNeuAHqT48Nmi7Jz1DyO1bWqJ13SImaY-tTqyRmlLh7q8x69YlFz-IkeTR-xd=w640-h569" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aloe petricola</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyHzwsvl7wCN_5I2V-LRc31B9fyWfndn4RpJf18MPefDFQ22VZT1ZPU4ii82Vl4O5vMXqd-AE0D4au5_ruXhq4ImFZ1J36GY2-P5sh8Hj52r9OZwX67VMvYogcJteWGP3DP_PyaZSULyz7Ec9DYYQRKYJ3n3e8tjMphlJwu2q4ge6bV8Rq0LuMhhVKdLKI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="3264" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyHzwsvl7wCN_5I2V-LRc31B9fyWfndn4RpJf18MPefDFQ22VZT1ZPU4ii82Vl4O5vMXqd-AE0D4au5_ruXhq4ImFZ1J36GY2-P5sh8Hj52r9OZwX67VMvYogcJteWGP3DP_PyaZSULyz7Ec9DYYQRKYJ3n3e8tjMphlJwu2q4ge6bV8Rq0LuMhhVKdLKI=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aloe vanbalenii</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The garden as a whole wasn't especially colorful at this time of year but that doesn't mean there weren't flowers here and there.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXJkMaxmZtP7hNeaoseAmN2bpJ4R4Fs18JsXi_MyvNBttHb_EKm7YP2omK-9gimXFdvn9bJAbGlzBOG3nmR3vbIt9LuFjoyeueywRhXGqWZ8SswD-BZHSYVknkJeR3SA2n6EsRpn17kmB51VMAg0WEo1mXHv5OEPtk1QcxYqv_NOK7WXgEb3-6nPmNFWVV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="3264" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXJkMaxmZtP7hNeaoseAmN2bpJ4R4Fs18JsXi_MyvNBttHb_EKm7YP2omK-9gimXFdvn9bJAbGlzBOG3nmR3vbIt9LuFjoyeueywRhXGqWZ8SswD-BZHSYVknkJeR3SA2n6EsRpn17kmB51VMAg0WEo1mXHv5OEPtk1QcxYqv_NOK7WXgEb3-6nPmNFWVV=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These 2 ornamental cherry trees (<i>Prunus campanulata</i> hybrids) are blooming</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSO7Fvy2LdA_oItC-gZKRJRTKSVyh6svhCdsk8pVX523_fz8op_cBFOmwJsiy54ZIFaKGNaGOUhECP_SWekH4Mj-RqC79Nt-hNett38IcbIComxOqdPLcgQurkTZVOP9lbhtIEmygCuom2JnrJJDsahWdbuS01OuFBM3jJiG3TBLvYoWQrQUBikkRbeXVW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="3264" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSO7Fvy2LdA_oItC-gZKRJRTKSVyh6svhCdsk8pVX523_fz8op_cBFOmwJsiy54ZIFaKGNaGOUhECP_SWekH4Mj-RqC79Nt-hNett38IcbIComxOqdPLcgQurkTZVOP9lbhtIEmygCuom2JnrJJDsahWdbuS01OuFBM3jJiG3TBLvYoWQrQUBikkRbeXVW=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Narcissi</i>, mostly paperwhites, were in full bloom in the meadow area adjacent to the amphitheater. The circular paved area is new, at least to me. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4XgET6XBCwsu-xgeI5cosJQycPCBcMUKLycBDOPw72Z9Xp24ju6ALJbN1dfcj5V1KI5bmjeUxxrMtwLReeKCs5QCADjHU9GVVGT377Q3PuO0Kdecg8uoZCX1K8_kUqAPjKBFvEcJHBdvG5a0Ne7WZdQz7m-p4I9etv8lqtBsSwArHLVpdzVe01kLTHPgs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1000" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4XgET6XBCwsu-xgeI5cosJQycPCBcMUKLycBDOPw72Z9Xp24ju6ALJbN1dfcj5V1KI5bmjeUxxrMtwLReeKCs5QCADjHU9GVVGT377Q3PuO0Kdecg8uoZCX1K8_kUqAPjKBFvEcJHBdvG5a0Ne7WZdQz7m-p4I9etv8lqtBsSwArHLVpdzVe01kLTHPgs=w640-h545" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This coral tree (<i>Erythrina caffra</i>) was just coming into bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSoR88vG8tBTmpkA-gzM1iE-ptYkmf9pSRKiE-n3JlDMyVIR2XxsilMf0jshIFnCJzKKC_TTHxHaDnfqglEkDhiwB_qeWzFdHnt_kdsksTfRa_WNKL7bMUs_-gqEElxed3IZrR7Y2R7Oq2GZbvqfV8DlUftAiKh-abbPh4uwxlrI2ZFhnS580ztSUcDBkb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSoR88vG8tBTmpkA-gzM1iE-ptYkmf9pSRKiE-n3JlDMyVIR2XxsilMf0jshIFnCJzKKC_TTHxHaDnfqglEkDhiwB_qeWzFdHnt_kdsksTfRa_WNKL7bMUs_-gqEElxed3IZrR7Y2R7Oq2GZbvqfV8DlUftAiKh-abbPh4uwxlrI2ZFhnS580ztSUcDBkb=w597-h640" width="597" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miscellaneous flowers, top row: <i>Acacia podalyrifolia, Brugmansia</i>, and <i>Chasmanthe</i><br />Middle: <i>Euryops, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi</i>, and <i>Magnolia doltsopa</i><br />Bottom: <i>Melianthus major, Rotheca myricoides</i>, and <i>Salvia 'Amistad'</i><br />(All IDs are best guesses)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga22iZvJcydc9ZvdbGDLs5QeJO6crnUPXzCkYIeclO8jlj5abkVmTUx4ckh434FZiM0RJhbq1x9f0Pq-vLd2RVBgdsrN-7VCBTT4L1hAClbdPdipJ_84DGVBdQR-h9Z15gLb1ML76zlcKxFqQ8OOzztowxrIgxRMgo9yCilnQIpaVYzSQqnTWBNkCBhC-j" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1954" data-original-width="3264" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga22iZvJcydc9ZvdbGDLs5QeJO6crnUPXzCkYIeclO8jlj5abkVmTUx4ckh434FZiM0RJhbq1x9f0Pq-vLd2RVBgdsrN-7VCBTT4L1hAClbdPdipJ_84DGVBdQR-h9Z15gLb1ML76zlcKxFqQ8OOzztowxrIgxRMgo9yCilnQIpaVYzSQqnTWBNkCBhC-j=w640-h384" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The not-so-elegant but pleasantly warm tropical greenhouse contained a noID <i>Billbergia</i> and several <i>Phalaenopsis</i> orchids</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzWRPN7zirp08MhUGVL_e4OpwiicFTmz55irYTi3OrQ_Z8LbUyKOkLJ9JEO1SwKwbEG-xju2Gu_ceT1EaCd-GKvNSALcxTylpAqCqctYwpbpjnV5TxwOaEd44r3O6xsYrB3quyEYgepCDOmpIcfUSfzM32NneNG-4IoPR1lC8myyUSM42mMJRRvQF7VdB-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1000" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzWRPN7zirp08MhUGVL_e4OpwiicFTmz55irYTi3OrQ_Z8LbUyKOkLJ9JEO1SwKwbEG-xju2Gu_ceT1EaCd-GKvNSALcxTylpAqCqctYwpbpjnV5TxwOaEd44r3O6xsYrB3quyEYgepCDOmpIcfUSfzM32NneNG-4IoPR1lC8myyUSM42mMJRRvQF7VdB-=w640-h602" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a few tiny yellow flowers on this plant but what stood out was the foliage. My guess is that this is <i>Senna artemisioides</i>. I have one that doesn't look this good, probably because it's overcrowded. I need to move it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>I didn't walk the entire eighty-seven acres of the garden this time. Even approaching noon, it was still cold and the wind was picking up but I strolled through a couple of other areas.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2gwq2kvuJvhkAb5ESiNrAqOFeQRxsdkBoSYDW8CoGMRj3ekLju5j8_xlFvbJmT47GSHu7_U1iBbEm9iNdBe1g-X2Mjlg8DtDWTpZEIjYl5_kIyDoYKkobcgSKAaouiriW1QyPIAwMEaxyoVqYTWSq1k-mvRU8yGOlLx_Q1rlNSW5n9njYOlN-n7MbjoDp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1954" data-original-width="3264" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2gwq2kvuJvhkAb5ESiNrAqOFeQRxsdkBoSYDW8CoGMRj3ekLju5j8_xlFvbJmT47GSHu7_U1iBbEm9iNdBe1g-X2Mjlg8DtDWTpZEIjYl5_kIyDoYKkobcgSKAaouiriW1QyPIAwMEaxyoVqYTWSq1k-mvRU8yGOlLx_Q1rlNSW5n9njYOlN-n7MbjoDp=w640-h384" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I miss the garden's lake, which was drained years ago when its rubber liner broke down. There have been discussions off and on about bringing it back in a manner that'll accommodate storm flows. Meanwhile, the first atmospheric river left behind plenty of mini-lakes, including some visible through the fenced area undergoing construction of the new children's garden (lower right). It's supposed to open sometime this year but I didn't see the progress I'd anticipated.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfva1nGNK4XtmtWG2CmxuV8y4i3ed_Cu_mAwaR0G1SVsOxpOwW2mGrU21H6KnC4uIsHiZ6nV-jwIu6ghRFdG9pY6mvyuj5PDcVrBaKD5A10MPlU073u-WZBS_M32HIgTK8GmdcHt1E9Ge5gqU3YvZy07BEB8Z1O0niEn8nU8k-lpkFcKi63Fj6MHIcs2GD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="3264" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfva1nGNK4XtmtWG2CmxuV8y4i3ed_Cu_mAwaR0G1SVsOxpOwW2mGrU21H6KnC4uIsHiZ6nV-jwIu6ghRFdG9pY6mvyuj5PDcVrBaKD5A10MPlU073u-WZBS_M32HIgTK8GmdcHt1E9Ge5gqU3YvZy07BEB8Z1O0niEn8nU8k-lpkFcKi63Fj6MHIcs2GD=w640-h264" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I walked by the area adjacent to the upper meadow and across the road from the rose garden and was startled to realize that the entire area to the right of the corner bed occupied by a palm tree and agaves had been replanted as shown in the 4 boxes on the right. I spotted succulents (including additional blue chalksticks and various <i>Opuntias</i>), grasses, <i>Leucadendrons</i>, and some <i>Salvia leucantha</i>. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCQs8M5o6SV2nYoMQIstcu9WEvpiAcJF1wQuFqpDZZ4SoI-DwVqM4p8_e_ly4xOq8E4nGaxTbLCoz8wXI2CpNewdA-0vA6TQ2e4i7cEqWZpWfjzEPQ4YzIu08vYENjGR-1U5yh22G5n-p4cFpaw2CPuRCCFbitLpBXvkRj4O-7EY5ae3vRTEpQMHMRjT3n" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1000" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCQs8M5o6SV2nYoMQIstcu9WEvpiAcJF1wQuFqpDZZ4SoI-DwVqM4p8_e_ly4xOq8E4nGaxTbLCoz8wXI2CpNewdA-0vA6TQ2e4i7cEqWZpWfjzEPQ4YzIu08vYENjGR-1U5yh22G5n-p4cFpaw2CPuRCCFbitLpBXvkRj4O-7EY5ae3vRTEpQMHMRjT3n=w640-h485" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For as long as I can remember, much of that area was a mass of <i>Salvia leucantha</i> (aka Mexican bush sage), as shown in this photo taken last September. The new planting also stretches into a portion of what was the Mediterranean Garden (with the rest of that area now behind the construction fence).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>I expect I'll wait another couple of months for spring's arrival to visit again. Between the rain and the disruption caused by the ongoing construction project and removal of both the Troll and Astra Lumina exhibits, the garden's flow was awkward. It's always a nice place to walk, if just for exercise, but I found myself backtracking each time I met a construction impasse or another lake-sized puddle.</p><p>At present there's a projected forty-eight percent chance of rain next Friday/Saturday. Our rain year total to date is 12.51 inches so it's looking likely we're going to have "normal" rainfall this year after all, if not a bounty. As we await the next storm, I hope to get some planting done (once we dry out just a little).</p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-2183127653468103202024-02-07T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-07T06:30:00.146-08:00Housebound<p>Given our climate, I'm seldom housebound by inclement weather for long; however, the relentless rain and cold temperatures associated with the most recent atmospheric river has kept me inside almost continuously for three solid days. Although I've periodically said I'd welcome a winter break from gardening (as long as it wasn't longer than a month), the present experience suggests otherwise. After three days, I'm feeling stir-crazy! There are only so many home chores I can stand in steady succession.</p><p>As we were flooded with warnings about this second storm, I took care of grocery shopping and outdoor activities in advance of its arrival. In the course of surveying the garden, I cleaned up my lath house and discovered two issues. The first was that I'd been unsuccessful driving away the gopher(s).</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBJO4WhuPGaT6yYEZInGdLWOqnHCtJGluyO02xoAl_tc-mOJk_7rSmOIvPyBpoCvyx-csFUMNrtCsCuGLqI7MvtlTgLelyxI-S2QCSaySxE3qmDmFTdVFkhSMqoC6ypi03cVbywqQN1B9--vcMw1gdZOzB8Rs-p9OCSccPTqT6YDAktsFGfIUN6JwF_QMl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="3264" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBJO4WhuPGaT6yYEZInGdLWOqnHCtJGluyO02xoAl_tc-mOJk_7rSmOIvPyBpoCvyx-csFUMNrtCsCuGLqI7MvtlTgLelyxI-S2QCSaySxE3qmDmFTdVFkhSMqoC6ypi03cVbywqQN1B9--vcMw1gdZOzB8Rs-p9OCSccPTqT6YDAktsFGfIUN6JwF_QMl=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I discovered mounds inside and outside the structure. The floor's comprised of concrete pavers. It was my idea to leave planting pockets along the edges of the pavers but I didn't factor gophers into the equation. Now I think I need to add concrete bricks to fill those gaps.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivM9r-6q87Xo_1t4RseisKLWahbUhD4R14ISjTfGvvfAgZGFzrXrCs8-zQYVdozlsstkBnkNCeIL3q2Bzsrw5U9wY7zbAavNFz22aCBrNvs-C7dyDRjaIMx9EJ-Sp5xjsCZqeHUCZsSPFAoOEy7nzorsnUj-oPzzZXdq48CYYW5GaAa7ndnc3_xVEM_cic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivM9r-6q87Xo_1t4RseisKLWahbUhD4R14ISjTfGvvfAgZGFzrXrCs8-zQYVdozlsstkBnkNCeIL3q2Bzsrw5U9wY7zbAavNFz22aCBrNvs-C7dyDRjaIMx9EJ-Sp5xjsCZqeHUCZsSPFAoOEy7nzorsnUj-oPzzZXdq48CYYW5GaAa7ndnc3_xVEM_cic=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's also a gap in the short retaining wall that came with the garden on its southwest corner that wasn't there before. It's visible from inside the lath house. I'm inclined to blame gopher activity but time and weather could also have played a role in this break.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p>The second issue was that the first atmospheric river had an impact on the lath house structure itself.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5S1TQcGiLJPxJygktplIavEp_8zKXs5GuCUhnvE5OPec6DlyIbr4NlImURI82a6Q_nhdlJYGwazP2KM2178G7GIQKV6ogm5UYz7_eYPBnI9Il0NLp16ky-3sNGu9f8RgFpB7hjQw1EGgAIhgAy1vvuh_rXftdPrVRiSDyKDwM_tAieACr0ugH0F3-qs9C" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="3264" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5S1TQcGiLJPxJygktplIavEp_8zKXs5GuCUhnvE5OPec6DlyIbr4NlImURI82a6Q_nhdlJYGwazP2KM2178G7GIQKV6ogm5UYz7_eYPBnI9Il0NLp16ky-3sNGu9f8RgFpB7hjQw1EGgAIhgAy1vvuh_rXftdPrVRiSDyKDwM_tAieACr0ugH0F3-qs9C=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think critters may have contributed to breaks in the lath house roof but tree trimming activity could also be a factor; however, the recent storms have made things much worse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>My husband, who built the lath house for me in 2018, will make repairs to it once our rainy season is over in late March or early April. Meanwhile, I ordered more gopher repellent and yesterday took advantage of a brief break in the rain in another effort to drive it/them away.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdug5DmW3yEJP6bcy-jpaAITB23sqHaSSwK4fdhIbWlOwlMHfIp73EHeXS9DPyvwxgovFDxHbpCd0S_Y0EJQmWTe4-xR19yG8xF1k1Lakv0S41ttNG-IDUqA8JmOLwHeZRoQRupndB35--kBcM_NaX5WTr5zuwVquT47L0YzT0dXjD21FrWPSONDNHDSE4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="3264" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdug5DmW3yEJP6bcy-jpaAITB23sqHaSSwK4fdhIbWlOwlMHfIp73EHeXS9DPyvwxgovFDxHbpCd0S_Y0EJQmWTe4-xR19yG8xF1k1Lakv0S41ttNG-IDUqA8JmOLwHeZRoQRupndB35--kBcM_NaX5WTr5zuwVquT47L0YzT0dXjD21FrWPSONDNHDSE4=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sprinkled the gopher repellent in what appeared to be entry/exit holes, pounded the soil back into place, watered in more of the castor oil pellets they hate, and added a solar-powered sonic deterrent device</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>Earlier efforts to drive the gopher(s) out of the back garden seem to have yielded results but whether the activity near the lath house can be attributed to the same animal or a different one isn't clear, especially as I've found evidence of activity on the back slope.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4rmPN6Vr8ndEL38wUy8CiqSLKafrHzSGiRVt2hWy9oD0uvFGTkS1AET1ofZPLSvjUgYJKP5Ucpo9-aqD-c00huuGxlGHjmV8kpuGTPePZXTFsuzC9vBTn9DeCNUuzh8LG-YJdW0Eaz8unENYRJfdqfvqYdcJK1MUF7xif1orqiYLeY-OQKCW5-iq_mQuU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4rmPN6Vr8ndEL38wUy8CiqSLKafrHzSGiRVt2hWy9oD0uvFGTkS1AET1ofZPLSvjUgYJKP5Ucpo9-aqD-c00huuGxlGHjmV8kpuGTPePZXTFsuzC9vBTn9DeCNUuzh8LG-YJdW0Eaz8unENYRJfdqfvqYdcJK1MUF7xif1orqiYLeY-OQKCW5-iq_mQuU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gopher mound on the lower level of the back slope suggests that the critter that'd made a mess of my back garden had moved downward through the garden in the direction of the eastern canyon area. It's hard to imagine that the same animal is responsible for the new activity on the southwestern edge of our property adjacent to the lath house. Gophers may be solitary creatures but they seem to have subdivided our property into at least 2 territories.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>I've made a couple of other brief excursions into the garden, usually involving picking up the mail or taking out trash, but I've pulled a few weeds and cleaned up the fruit littering the driveway under the ornamental pear tree and the Camellia petals shattered by the rain. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix_RaRJLio8z0hBjxIHUo3IN_Zw5wpwLXJIKlOnp4-ozpIPkXWQKdLR-IaawENS1qrIiKYmzyFOdHcuaNu0Adz2k-0JSlMg-qn9M8fMfCJX43XsH0jxqBbriTA9xJOjQsXdi3l8iPTlXwGW-h7eB_9fNKWRrSLgpbiRTq7bopU_4xHpXIUbnCy7tBt1opA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="3264" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix_RaRJLio8z0hBjxIHUo3IN_Zw5wpwLXJIKlOnp4-ozpIPkXWQKdLR-IaawENS1qrIiKYmzyFOdHcuaNu0Adz2k-0JSlMg-qn9M8fMfCJX43XsH0jxqBbriTA9xJOjQsXdi3l8iPTlXwGW-h7eB_9fNKWRrSLgpbiRTq7bopU_4xHpXIUbnCy7tBt1opA=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo of <i>Camellia 'Taylor's Perfection'</i> on the left was taken just as the first storm started last Thursday. The photo of the same plant on the right was taken yesterday.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>I noticed the first sweet pea flower when I passed through the cutting garden and the first <i>Arctotis</i> flower as I walked through the back garden.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie7m-p0XcAPHIVXBWjWYP_izvn_ZMaM6IL3OuRfr2rMc0TlECh_s5_fWfpyNtsRfEpkoWXstw2yV97Jj0bIl0rZIYORaHLefA0gzABxb9mxkCFwkoQSB9nAVjp198b5ZTGEg42XbFHSZO_NAqxOfy3FcW-5hxD-Qu9I8Bv49myWZfvjn-JSc2PA9zB3X9Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1000" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie7m-p0XcAPHIVXBWjWYP_izvn_ZMaM6IL3OuRfr2rMc0TlECh_s5_fWfpyNtsRfEpkoWXstw2yV97Jj0bIl0rZIYORaHLefA0gzABxb9mxkCFwkoQSB9nAVjp198b5ZTGEg42XbFHSZO_NAqxOfy3FcW-5hxD-Qu9I8Bv49myWZfvjn-JSc2PA9zB3X9Q=w640-h624" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is still the only open sweet pea bloom but there are other buds biding their time, waiting for more sun and warmth to open</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSd-2gqhIJ7O2xNzI7JnllMsnG1l_EfXePtR4k2En9iYHdYbNjolYK92hj7XMadjCCbTa2cwx3vyfpwP0l4LAY0EM-wOpGa3oe8M34kRshiqylpn4xHQajk5Kqy9ToLikyR41RgTBvH-U2y04t27jIT5bkbPDXsrk44i-RYwoms8TJaS_thevnoC8ZfgZa" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1000" height="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSd-2gqhIJ7O2xNzI7JnllMsnG1l_EfXePtR4k2En9iYHdYbNjolYK92hj7XMadjCCbTa2cwx3vyfpwP0l4LAY0EM-wOpGa3oe8M34kRshiqylpn4xHQajk5Kqy9ToLikyR41RgTBvH-U2y04t27jIT5bkbPDXsrk44i-RYwoms8TJaS_thevnoC8ZfgZa=w640-h519" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctotis 'Pink Sugar'</i> is also waiting on some sun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>Other than the quick passages through my garden, I've had to make do with checking it from inside the house looking out.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHaRbr6KTeFy9rk67ozOCJMy90tu3fxvaA1QZpXdOrknZHa10bzFH7SKyHnMGh6IVg5OHbq4li9QBAwUAJxF6SzE0eQxdpsWaGrFL8FWXmDJMKlzG6s8HQF8yZ9OdBmxXD3TFhhc0y5wQJLU3wQOUn9KIcMa2wQ1DiDcY1SWi6UrbSJ3uJcQt0iDNTw3eu" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHaRbr6KTeFy9rk67ozOCJMy90tu3fxvaA1QZpXdOrknZHa10bzFH7SKyHnMGh6IVg5OHbq4li9QBAwUAJxF6SzE0eQxdpsWaGrFL8FWXmDJMKlzG6s8HQF8yZ9OdBmxXD3TFhhc0y5wQJLU3wQOUn9KIcMa2wQ1DiDcY1SWi6UrbSJ3uJcQt0iDNTw3eu=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the living room looking at the back garden. The <i>Callistemon 'Cane's Hybrid'</i> in the background (center) is getting top heavy and could use pruning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJpAtryVQQpnbC83_Us36MlRDAcC2XpFssM-g9Ci9K7s02R7sdZyFwwIkqnNCJPUGMMMrAc5S7JWoqezCNVQjpCvKsEgLFIMYodQUBzo6h0cQ6azIxNJ-NiLFTvNBjM2uKCpybswSKFhlC2JQybtxEENRstUzKP4PuHJz5mdWB3MDn61Lx1o0NEFsGhJ17" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJpAtryVQQpnbC83_Us36MlRDAcC2XpFssM-g9Ci9K7s02R7sdZyFwwIkqnNCJPUGMMMrAc5S7JWoqezCNVQjpCvKsEgLFIMYodQUBzo6h0cQ6azIxNJ-NiLFTvNBjM2uKCpybswSKFhlC2JQybtxEENRstUzKP4PuHJz5mdWB3MDn61Lx1o0NEFsGhJ17=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the north side garden from the master bathroom (with a bit of glare from the window glass apparently created by a night light). I've yet to even start cutting back the <i>Leucadendron 'Chief'</i> in the background on the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>My husband's kept himself busy with a woodworking project in the garage, where he has his own small hobby shop. It's times like this when I'd really like a smallish greenhouse to putter in. If we get a lot more atmospheric river events as some climate scientists predict we will in the future due to climate change, I may campaign for a greenhouse, if I can only figure out where to put one.</p><p><br /></p><p>Pipig's company is helpful.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlwNDyRC9e73d-TrecSjxkd1wR1rpubnOtj60c2vF_kvBxFtrePrtWt1qWMyEWY4wdc_O1AK6tqkYnNJ5vb5LLdN_sVZy1vaEPRRG5PBWBMbpIyyNmRauyM2ROdhigMuZaAGOARSyoTcXKCfSXTv4NNlL09tSr6ifcNwYU0ffJiTm2f-OYgAxaZeeida7f" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="3264" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlwNDyRC9e73d-TrecSjxkd1wR1rpubnOtj60c2vF_kvBxFtrePrtWt1qWMyEWY4wdc_O1AK6tqkYnNJ5vb5LLdN_sVZy1vaEPRRG5PBWBMbpIyyNmRauyM2ROdhigMuZaAGOARSyoTcXKCfSXTv4NNlL09tSr6ifcNwYU0ffJiTm2f-OYgAxaZeeida7f=w640-h246" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She spends most of her days now sleeping on the afghan covering her heating pad in my office. Her gait suggests arthritis and I think the extra warmth offers comfort. She insists that I leave the guest chair by my desk askew, though, so she can jump on my desk when she wants attention. She lodges a vocal complaint if the chair is improperly positioned as she's no longer prepared to jump on the desk in a single leap as she once did. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>It looks like we have one more day of rain left, although we may be lucky and get several hours of partly sunny skies. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiPNudx5iv4HC2qNeSzIM7C-BjTp1qLVLNqIxWPHC2yX9IvUEQjePjvWOpCywPPMl6iVLyaiNiUmlE7R7veg3Bd1ranZweFtX2nn1ju4w2wl9mBSL6pL4oJ4DqVXKnHNQzuCz-YBnFU2bS2JKwCCYUaWpmxEOARsvrjIRDoZ3x5fBt8HkKE-hW4B9JCXxV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1000" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiPNudx5iv4HC2qNeSzIM7C-BjTp1qLVLNqIxWPHC2yX9IvUEQjePjvWOpCywPPMl6iVLyaiNiUmlE7R7veg3Bd1ranZweFtX2nn1ju4w2wl9mBSL6pL4oJ4DqVXKnHNQzuCz-YBnFU2bS2JKwCCYUaWpmxEOARsvrjIRDoZ3x5fBt8HkKE-hW4B9JCXxV=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View looking northeast from our backyard late yesterday afternoon. I saw traces of blue sky as I took a quick spin around the neighborhood to walk-off some pent-up energy. About 90 minutes later, the skies opened and we had the biggest downpour we've had yet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-68442020496837902092024-02-05T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-05T06:30:00.135-08:00In a Vase on Monday: Hip, hip Hippeastrums<p>As expected, the <i>Hippeastrums</i> have finally jumped into gear. I used two of them in my arrangements this week but four have blooms at present. The difficulty now is finding suitable companions to show them off. As California was forecast to take a punch from a second <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/stories/what-are-atmospheric-rivers" target="_blank">atmospheric river</a> beginning late Saturday or early Sunday, I collected materials for my vases on Saturday afternoon, although I put them together on Sunday as usual.</p><p>The first one features <i>Hippeastrum 'Zombie'</i> (which deserves a better name).</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQAWPaxM80jRDVXAUwPwxJvh004UYuXw4NLAubIpUAlEsaiNdMt-xIonbIvjGgQ0YYTXoKZQbqhV7iAqjxaqfg1SZ3EIJ3SxglH9zUnoM753BZEr81Nc9HC8cnP2Ff4ANRt5nPWjXzHrQFxxj7Py4-r96Wklz5UveT_zZRy2ySggQ44OJW6wqlB8zh4JbZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1000" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQAWPaxM80jRDVXAUwPwxJvh004UYuXw4NLAubIpUAlEsaiNdMt-xIonbIvjGgQ0YYTXoKZQbqhV7iAqjxaqfg1SZ3EIJ3SxglH9zUnoM753BZEr81Nc9HC8cnP2Ff4ANRt5nPWjXzHrQFxxj7Py4-r96Wklz5UveT_zZRy2ySggQ44OJW6wqlB8zh4JbZ=w640-h495" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Zombie'</i> has fully double 5-inch blooms</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoZH-PbfGX7X7jqiiE1PkQ9S3BN7NOB_53CtIBlmCEBpX0qO71xWcf7ko_OsWF_s1MoVMY2c-bQTmtEuDSvAX4U36N4dgza0L_qNySlcvIsxrNdJqAFi0a9Pfu5pKQCbUasISAecrYnxIi2ZanB9edd_L9BDA5EX9kbs0ZbiGbqyykW2ERLjXycvSCvAb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1000" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoZH-PbfGX7X7jqiiE1PkQ9S3BN7NOB_53CtIBlmCEBpX0qO71xWcf7ko_OsWF_s1MoVMY2c-bQTmtEuDSvAX4U36N4dgza0L_qNySlcvIsxrNdJqAFi0a9Pfu5pKQCbUasISAecrYnxIi2ZanB9edd_L9BDA5EX9kbs0ZbiGbqyykW2ERLjXycvSCvAb=w640-h483" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: I added orange snapdragons for another jolt of color</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdVVbcjUxQsL6XHrhyuU_C0KDKfwIk0lsxI8UF9vF8gv5gmWAR_VIaTFtUYOoBkN2nBlaLv1lUCcmvStBT-nVJ8Hj3abxWCi6dk-IycJXbJZ6PVMDO6XWMrvq5y9HDWx4nn7we8W9C2OU81ijnpGB09d3DRYzjXQP_rzuW8c72Ig6D6lsr67QH-ZKyLhou" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1000" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdVVbcjUxQsL6XHrhyuU_C0KDKfwIk0lsxI8UF9vF8gv5gmWAR_VIaTFtUYOoBkN2nBlaLv1lUCcmvStBT-nVJ8Hj3abxWCi6dk-IycJXbJZ6PVMDO6XWMrvq5y9HDWx4nn7we8W9C2OU81ijnpGB09d3DRYzjXQP_rzuW8c72Ig6D6lsr67QH-ZKyLhou=w640-h474" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjL11dhxJGYXp-8Fkf9VJHzqomccmEBSWFGVHB22qoL2010unoBHidUgrT-To0PZbdaTpvvg5JS1QgYJmqQm3He78cYAjwidkfEjLNe5xr_07IXMfpnCTCIlI2vn7zg8XgkAO3HsUgEW3aU-eqwCuOGiojExf2pjKLyYQeZH2sJY-75h91in1HYxSilae_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2915" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjL11dhxJGYXp-8Fkf9VJHzqomccmEBSWFGVHB22qoL2010unoBHidUgrT-To0PZbdaTpvvg5JS1QgYJmqQm3He78cYAjwidkfEjLNe5xr_07IXMfpnCTCIlI2vn7zg8XgkAO3HsUgEW3aU-eqwCuOGiojExf2pjKLyYQeZH2sJY-75h91in1HYxSilae_=w571-h640" width="571" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt', Leucadendron 'Jester', L. 'Summer Red', L. 'Safari Sunset'</i>, noID <i>Antirrhinum majus, Hippeastrum 'Zombie'</i>, and <i>Metrosideros collina 'Springfire'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>While I was relatively pleased with how the first arrangement came together, I struggled to find the right materials to fill out the second arrangement featuring <i>Hippeastrum 'Exception'</i>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhluqn0gtyobP2uK7dLn3oCG1hL2xm-4iDmXBv4mB_Plc99TZ9JrlBLuKpnu454EqUY-7_flighl2DBbsJ5OSGc2qvZttbttusVor5UAm41FZmpbXcvS9B91JN3FdH3Oul2yddpdAZE3V9e2NtwLK4AcQbu0k8QkUW687utgl9Q19oxqfoGIj-Ps0j6NI60" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="849" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhluqn0gtyobP2uK7dLn3oCG1hL2xm-4iDmXBv4mB_Plc99TZ9JrlBLuKpnu454EqUY-7_flighl2DBbsJ5OSGc2qvZttbttusVor5UAm41FZmpbXcvS9B91JN3FdH3Oul2yddpdAZE3V9e2NtwLK4AcQbu0k8QkUW687utgl9Q19oxqfoGIj-Ps0j6NI60=w544-h640" width="544" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hippeastrum 'Exception'</i> has large (6-inch) single-petaled flowers. It's beautiful but I had very limited options to accent its pinkish-red tones or white background. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Xjj8GqZo-3L5LdkvroDvCwOeGtS6roed45jscnQsm1vUIFeXG7qgb3goSBcK6VZuMYfHzKMj55GVK7EaCitTqV3ZPrzQP0nrTzCXDrO70zLzm8_LowV6R-LuQo9-N27JHrwJAZFGFge3gklqJ3lBi6V8O_yx1n2t58YZOQibGm9QAJsS8E216YIQuH5w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1000" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Xjj8GqZo-3L5LdkvroDvCwOeGtS6roed45jscnQsm1vUIFeXG7qgb3goSBcK6VZuMYfHzKMj55GVK7EaCitTqV3ZPrzQP0nrTzCXDrO70zLzm8_LowV6R-LuQo9-N27JHrwJAZFGFge3gklqJ3lBi6V8O_yx1n2t58YZOQibGm9QAJsS8E216YIQuH5w=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: I made do with the stiff, prickly stems and rosy-red flowers of <i>Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite'<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqF72fyetViL2zgOFjhKF3tpoJc7LekevU_UrvsLPm8GkpL7FBiIY2wYGi_FA0dKqL901aIuxBiegpl4IBhCcx4DwlPcipgnLwgwVYr7rFg6jbtVwEHB9i47nQfKOe79pHsv8A0SLEoilyl57kNqONBxnfsLLxEUpuD3UOIXmNQHcBmolsEMDTpRlnHalv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1000" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqF72fyetViL2zgOFjhKF3tpoJc7LekevU_UrvsLPm8GkpL7FBiIY2wYGi_FA0dKqL901aIuxBiegpl4IBhCcx4DwlPcipgnLwgwVYr7rFg6jbtVwEHB9i47nQfKOe79pHsv8A0SLEoilyl57kNqONBxnfsLLxEUpuD3UOIXmNQHcBmolsEMDTpRlnHalv=w640-h580" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiuSZI3cLThP7MVs9UK0PNZ3ju2TlbrDA1tcEM9dpZE5EtOca8c0kQZz0Odny9w5iAq0VTphx99OdX96g5m1UnE0rw2mcTTHlb_pHeLBS4HePfjbowDOt6Fu9Omzr9ru-TVhRoLGEl7i-oNT1Ymfz9aAKiFpJ7y6vYK58f3zwnG3LDjSZ5KnEL8hKM182p" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2915" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiuSZI3cLThP7MVs9UK0PNZ3ju2TlbrDA1tcEM9dpZE5EtOca8c0kQZz0Odny9w5iAq0VTphx99OdX96g5m1UnE0rw2mcTTHlb_pHeLBS4HePfjbowDOt6Fu9Omzr9ru-TVhRoLGEl7i-oNT1Ymfz9aAKiFpJ7y6vYK58f3zwnG3LDjSZ5KnEL8hKM182p=w571-h640" width="571" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Alstroemeria 'Inca Vienna', Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite', Hippeastrum 'Exception', Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', Leucadendron 'Blush'</i>, and <i>Prostanthera ovalifolia 'Variegata'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>I threw together a third small arrangement because the kitchen island needed fresh flowers and there was no point allowing all the anemones in bloom in my cutting garden to be pummeled by rain.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmCJt6JEmc20FA0my-iG4FFsFtu7MPWurK7XjevgzMVSWZCXNqkOIEVAmrJgg7gdV5j5_ok7BDnOt9tjE1NrTtVTG-2DISKUChiRQpVtCCgxQEiQqJGaQiTUEbj6hMBVcyMBmSmyyhYeDr7RUU8nZz3y4fRlQgEwRt7LS9zi0NELCMSW6BiQg5CYxCMXyB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmCJt6JEmc20FA0my-iG4FFsFtu7MPWurK7XjevgzMVSWZCXNqkOIEVAmrJgg7gdV5j5_ok7BDnOt9tjE1NrTtVTG-2DISKUChiRQpVtCCgxQEiQqJGaQiTUEbj6hMBVcyMBmSmyyhYeDr7RUU8nZz3y4fRlQgEwRt7LS9zi0NELCMSW6BiQg5CYxCMXyB=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the left: Front view, <i>Anemone coronaria, Antirrhinum majus, Felicia aethiopica</i>, and <i>Pyrethropsis hosmariense</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>As it turned out, the storm took its time moving into coastal Southern California. We didn't see any measurable rain until early afternoon on Sunday and it didn't pick up force until late afternoon. The current forecast calls for "torrential rain" through Monday, tamping down a bit on Tuesday before slowly petering out by Thursday or Friday. It has the potential to cause more damage than last Thursday's atmospheric river did. On that occasion a rain cell got stuck in place directly over the area I live in, resulting in local flooding and temporary road closures (but no landslides which are a significant issue here). This time concerns are greater for the Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties north of us. It's just after 9pm now and I'm scheduling this post to publish automatically as there's no certainty we won't lose power overnight. At present, we've accumulated just under one-inch of rain in about nine hours and our rain year-to-date total (since October 1st) stands at 8.84 inches.</p><p><br /></p><p>For more IAVOM creations, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLVq85VBOnlrBUv8Tjlu6-ts6LeG3dPzHXBbIC7kkOpMhMIZDkB-HkPDEpXvKJuyNxns_05K0X_RHDMjBqxMXpD6yeiEwb1T7hYedV1248GMbiIopaogzHNbMFbx4jmx10Au22nKXSpApWaIZV6AEJIGGxGOJPkR3dvXZTgkFigYyjjudpKJe6zhj-Eg4A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="3264" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLVq85VBOnlrBUv8Tjlu6-ts6LeG3dPzHXBbIC7kkOpMhMIZDkB-HkPDEpXvKJuyNxns_05K0X_RHDMjBqxMXpD6yeiEwb1T7hYedV1248GMbiIopaogzHNbMFbx4jmx10Au22nKXSpApWaIZV6AEJIGGxGOJPkR3dvXZTgkFigYyjjudpKJe6zhj-Eg4A=w640-h256" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-55542158263709189742024-02-02T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-02T06:30:00.144-08:00Rain Delay<p>My husband and I got busy with another project late last week. It involved removing one of the large '<i>Blue Flame' Agaves</i> in the south-side garden, although upon deliberation, not one I'd originally identified. Instead, I targeted the largest one, which was also the most damaged by sunburn and scarring. I quickly realized that I wouldn't be able to handle it by myself and sought help from my husband. He took care of the heavy lifting, with me helping to remove the debris.</p><p>I'll start with a before and after shot.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuFVTuM-jhuYPuucmYOEIrAM9tCgpb1xl0MZ8fXDRz9vi_lBujy0lKwVc8uJq71CdBsGeSGKkLuGYqo6qS_ay_mcOqfRommn1D3j9DH1DJwtiQafgeQ5IpYTxhc0v36iygd-yUDrMTHoqP5yHPc_aXBYyk2PNWOv0OEzDk_fo51PxjKvRyqpXJwKcAhvkt" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2579" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuFVTuM-jhuYPuucmYOEIrAM9tCgpb1xl0MZ8fXDRz9vi_lBujy0lKwVc8uJq71CdBsGeSGKkLuGYqo6qS_ay_mcOqfRommn1D3j9DH1DJwtiQafgeQ5IpYTxhc0v36iygd-yUDrMTHoqP5yHPc_aXBYyk2PNWOv0OEzDk_fo51PxjKvRyqpXJwKcAhvkt=w507-h640" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top photo was taken in early January. The bottom one was taken on January 31st. If you don't immediately see the difference, look at the area behind the <i>Euphorbia 'Sticks on Fire'</i> at the center of each shot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUSZ0sEYSf2o31ZwYEY8wigNMk-H_YDXch_aH8Ve6CLoTPzyIaIQe6n-9s0VqnE5VY6vAMSPqtMdlywI8_tRyHE4Cu-JRGqYrx_L_Wfw8peDGfQBKCtc0hKNo6dOpYhYU-wsmLPB0PqZW255JaNPygStglx9cZZ6jxO8tEEk_LOoN9r6MmjOfSxX7PT7vP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUSZ0sEYSf2o31ZwYEY8wigNMk-H_YDXch_aH8Ve6CLoTPzyIaIQe6n-9s0VqnE5VY6vAMSPqtMdlywI8_tRyHE4Cu-JRGqYrx_L_Wfw8peDGfQBKCtc0hKNo6dOpYhYU-wsmLPB0PqZW255JaNPygStglx9cZZ6jxO8tEEk_LOoN9r6MmjOfSxX7PT7vP=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this photo using my cell phone after my husband cut off all the agave's leaves and dug up the core of the plant. He used a small saw given to us as a gift to cut the hefty leaves - until it jammed and he had to revert to manual tools.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyIIKh4uouFO1nB_UmTeuLJ7wJ2lUL9qYrUJpKB7xOv6Nyjbo8MArLbtAMRYnkhvC7o7KUO2v6ArYe8g5NwUHb1CRFloeoSnFQvdG9HKlYRD1ko37XkrtpVdnJieQVsUdgzDt0cGDohXFlPR-Z7ajXZqLbF42MoexYSOvRGyBNMp3Ym0Ri3-nt7peRc2z_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1000" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyIIKh4uouFO1nB_UmTeuLJ7wJ2lUL9qYrUJpKB7xOv6Nyjbo8MArLbtAMRYnkhvC7o7KUO2v6ArYe8g5NwUHb1CRFloeoSnFQvdG9HKlYRD1ko37XkrtpVdnJieQVsUdgzDt0cGDohXFlPR-Z7ajXZqLbF42MoexYSOvRGyBNMp3Ym0Ri3-nt7peRc2z_=w640-h424" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the agave's trimmed carcass, which I couldn't even pick up. We rolled it into a corner to dry out for a time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The leaves were so heavy, they had to be left in our driveway to dry out before we loaded them into our green recycle bins for pickup yesterday with their weight evenly distributed between the three bins. The agave's carcass will be cut into two or more pieces before they go into the recycle bin next week. Meanwhile, I got to work cleaning up the area opened up by its removal. I cut back the <i>Vitex trifolia,</i> woody sections of one of two <i>Salvia clevelandii,</i> and the dead spikes around the base of the <i>Dasylirion longissimum</i> (aka Mexican grass tree). I also removed masses of <i>Senecio serpens</i> (aka blue chalksticks), pups of <i>Agave americana mediopicta 'Alba'</i>, and pesky grass weeds with deep roots (which could be crabgrass or possibly bermuda grass planted long ago by prior owners). I can't claim I got all the grass weeds as some are wrapped under and around other large, prickly agaves.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOv7MqjRjBXr_qCOm0RaPhX1xQ-AwOTJlBKZQKZ1AELViOpCoFXUmo3ywRqeqIkvEglJ3mFsHlIJ5y5vMKij-jNxRy3n_0Rk0B4nHqQ6SbhJGm3T-XTS_6GZ1UDoukFF36dbm8O3HQ8I3oX8tdLzcj61Md2Ric5Pj-Uo8rwat2figMW-qGvsKA8oH8HAtr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOv7MqjRjBXr_qCOm0RaPhX1xQ-AwOTJlBKZQKZ1AELViOpCoFXUmo3ywRqeqIkvEglJ3mFsHlIJ5y5vMKij-jNxRy3n_0Rk0B4nHqQ6SbhJGm3T-XTS_6GZ1UDoukFF36dbm8O3HQ8I3oX8tdLzcj61Md2Ric5Pj-Uo8rwat2figMW-qGvsKA8oH8HAtr=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This view from the west side looking east doesn't look much different</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTNEeHtKI3m4hwl9USMDwrauOJRlNAidE0S3fBVhN15X8Ykg67ChTYREhKUCyH2Lk368uSdBOzdSg1GY0Yd5VngH3x6e8XpxJTCuCI76rA97t5C00j0f18pUFGLIvg0QohYfE_ebrnwz2mK-Fi3TWEm3Rs8t8WwQx6IDB007GMzIcsVtF1L_w3jUTV6Yle" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTNEeHtKI3m4hwl9USMDwrauOJRlNAidE0S3fBVhN15X8Ykg67ChTYREhKUCyH2Lk368uSdBOzdSg1GY0Yd5VngH3x6e8XpxJTCuCI76rA97t5C00j0f18pUFGLIvg0QohYfE_ebrnwz2mK-Fi3TWEm3Rs8t8WwQx6IDB007GMzIcsVtF1L_w3jUTV6Yle=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This side view shows off the 3 <i>Agave mediopicta 'Alba'</i> that have been partially hidden for some time</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVopFfOE2--DpZKurtOusqxFIijrSmrnar5u3TB0BeXBDXCAbavKIa-C1ATDQ0BxYZPvMkd_k2xqcllYQn6Cyu8EQxAtw4HS80GBRnEuA6UO2nJewkKU0-5bJA-Hhny3e8D2YGP4cU4L7n781y-RJ3UrbgaIUNiDvQuBMC7ZPurQSuYIcMmddBwOErkGV7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVopFfOE2--DpZKurtOusqxFIijrSmrnar5u3TB0BeXBDXCAbavKIa-C1ATDQ0BxYZPvMkd_k2xqcllYQn6Cyu8EQxAtw4HS80GBRnEuA6UO2nJewkKU0-5bJA-Hhny3e8D2YGP4cU4L7n781y-RJ3UrbgaIUNiDvQuBMC7ZPurQSuYIcMmddBwOErkGV7=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the cleared area from the dirt path behind the bed, offering sight of the seldom seen <i>Agave 'Mr Ripple'</i> on the lower right. I added soil suitable for cactus and succulents to smooth out the bare areas.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2jw8xFvF4cwZA4h6kVY8pFyipzBIGOEYI485Qt8F1AX9yktOgk3kVIzinK5F2poQEU7tyi1vVdRMFS3l2ZOlqyySUcaplwaFO8OipuJxELbzcQf-XKZZ9d7RopuUpxid3oFAWB7-m7_nW0HPxf6KjPrput6gISAq_U99Z4l4cVWbbaStR02e0ZB9hKK0q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2jw8xFvF4cwZA4h6kVY8pFyipzBIGOEYI485Qt8F1AX9yktOgk3kVIzinK5F2poQEU7tyi1vVdRMFS3l2ZOlqyySUcaplwaFO8OipuJxELbzcQf-XKZZ9d7RopuUpxid3oFAWB7-m7_nW0HPxf6KjPrput6gISAq_U99Z4l4cVWbbaStR02e0ZB9hKK0q=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the area from the east side looking southwest. The yellow trug behind the <i>Euphorbia 'Sticks on Fire'</i> was full of cuttings.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>I replanted some of the area I'd cleared with cuttings of <i>Senecio serpens</i> but there's still a good-sized empty spot to be filled.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg9Eog9qDM1-alc1DPbS7h6SRSU8IubaU-iMSqZxccGtU03vhakbWqQv-wSlJPMAVc1jny8ulovTedUM7sEg7P5OZ_xSm8Pd32G4iUsabQlNDaUw2NoY_BxA8WZUnJGVBRJaYto2lFHRGI3nvpIVmADUIH7pkZf2kb0PN0RG-DtB4UnnJqMVZ8xfqrtk6f" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg9Eog9qDM1-alc1DPbS7h6SRSU8IubaU-iMSqZxccGtU03vhakbWqQv-wSlJPMAVc1jny8ulovTedUM7sEg7P5OZ_xSm8Pd32G4iUsabQlNDaUw2NoY_BxA8WZUnJGVBRJaYto2lFHRGI3nvpIVmADUIH7pkZf2kb0PN0RG-DtB4UnnJqMVZ8xfqrtk6f=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are 9 <i>Senecio serpens</i> clumps here and a few others outside the photo's frame on the left</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAWhRaYegtMmVmkAhqkP8kyUYkR-Kx3X6HkywMDIB912mVeNAlOjYbQYngZWaYAjTsOm-VdsOqoQS3aVy6Qx4fiOUD-VwvxUxIqhIceFOBI3Mwx-U9bUQcoqhIXXOc9LisWzihUUGF2b6CaAcdO4xcFJSAnJeYWjXzg1YZ8A27iPMGJckTZQll6PPYoz_a" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAWhRaYegtMmVmkAhqkP8kyUYkR-Kx3X6HkywMDIB912mVeNAlOjYbQYngZWaYAjTsOm-VdsOqoQS3aVy6Qx4fiOUD-VwvxUxIqhIceFOBI3Mwx-U9bUQcoqhIXXOc9LisWzihUUGF2b6CaAcdO4xcFJSAnJeYWjXzg1YZ8A27iPMGJckTZQll6PPYoz_a=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the empty spot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>I've been considering options for filling the open space while leaving sufficient room to facilitate future weeding and other maintenance work. Rain interrupted my work schedule.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQkFIbN3fC3wBnvYJj1k20Sh1ksi8QQNbuv0ueh0faYThg-CjAf7Ti2I3yyMu0VSXQbL-U4_m8BbYwbk3t9mKrutOVe4G5_7_xx-v8HWDj6wYvlN9fpxtHz5pM5rYGQiKjfy8zWclc3UruMElh5dlyHLuLIyEu8BHiPq3IN8hpn8JRH2Af6RuXZWJbIPWy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQkFIbN3fC3wBnvYJj1k20Sh1ksi8QQNbuv0ueh0faYThg-CjAf7Ti2I3yyMu0VSXQbL-U4_m8BbYwbk3t9mKrutOVe4G5_7_xx-v8HWDj6wYvlN9fpxtHz5pM5rYGQiKjfy8zWclc3UruMElh5dlyHLuLIyEu8BHiPq3IN8hpn8JRH2Af6RuXZWJbIPWy=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I filled several trugs with rainwater once daylight arrived but it was coming down so hard and fast I didn't even try moving any of it. As it was, I got soaked just going to pick up the newspaper from the driveway.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrZJgd0SDqY5N1ucq0IYxiZa0owJK85zcyitHKhQAw7toFZ3utr1ffsMycTqL6dpGRnyjh8SNEM_DF_ir1pLsS9sX3SbU-ODFj10skpy2BMr_ZVljKXNrda2ASclcFUCERmHd_BtNSqpwtSXuXSM2635KxUXAoTXzeWCbv69FZBbKAvDpWLouFEm0vrLUh" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1000" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrZJgd0SDqY5N1ucq0IYxiZa0owJK85zcyitHKhQAw7toFZ3utr1ffsMycTqL6dpGRnyjh8SNEM_DF_ir1pLsS9sX3SbU-ODFj10skpy2BMr_ZVljKXNrda2ASclcFUCERmHd_BtNSqpwtSXuXSM2635KxUXAoTXzeWCbv69FZBbKAvDpWLouFEm0vrLUh=w640-h499" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I considered moving this <i>Agave attenuata 'Raea's Gold'</i> to the open area but these agaves are liberal puppers and I don't need a replay of my problem with <i>'Blue Flame'</i>. This is the mother plant we removed from the back border in December because it was crowding <i>Aloe vanbalenii x ferox</i>. It's currently in a pot. I may plant it in the community garden at the entrance to our neighborhood once it's developed more roots.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWkZgGqWL392CZk2hcd6WRUjMe1aSq6ttWE2cbxYbp2nkfRW_JoEAgWF-svywWqirFGC2hiW4LFp4BUIUfeqeg8U_1nlMrmy0cwz3LPXIAJ3HiPjqqYxKZf_VLd1j2RWuO_10q-1Htb_gtVs07ij5sfvgl7d2JKfWAxEl6fsd9F0nOf3sBwQXWvkbRQ9cV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1720" data-original-width="3264" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWkZgGqWL392CZk2hcd6WRUjMe1aSq6ttWE2cbxYbp2nkfRW_JoEAgWF-svywWqirFGC2hiW4LFp4BUIUfeqeg8U_1nlMrmy0cwz3LPXIAJ3HiPjqqYxKZf_VLd1j2RWuO_10q-1Htb_gtVs07ij5sfvgl7d2JKfWAxEl6fsd9F0nOf3sBwQXWvkbRQ9cV=w640-h338" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have an Agave ovalifolia 'Vanzie' planted at the back of the south-side bed about 6 feet away from the empty space (shown left). It's handsome and doesn't pup so I'm inclined to plant the small specimen of the same plant I've had in a pot for a year (shown right) in the middle of the empty area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwUZ4ybAf5C1S1PKEr6mRMXYfpZNQE1kOlo_Ho6OJ66EttKyz4kPA3sY4Gy2I4US9GeHMAxcvmVc9h5cBJwL554zTQjNTKs9wo3oaVgPkDAIEKgAl1YTq7urvtu9AsARhDLIS4fdCU3Oo7h0BYUvVgbzudBo0FxWFywthrRwHt8tJGbjbCqrZ-2lzvSSdF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3087" data-original-width="3264" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwUZ4ybAf5C1S1PKEr6mRMXYfpZNQE1kOlo_Ho6OJ66EttKyz4kPA3sY4Gy2I4US9GeHMAxcvmVc9h5cBJwL554zTQjNTKs9wo3oaVgPkDAIEKgAl1YTq7urvtu9AsARhDLIS4fdCU3Oo7h0BYUvVgbzudBo0FxWFywthrRwHt8tJGbjbCqrZ-2lzvSSdF=w640-h605" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As filler material, I'm considering a variety of <i>Aeoniums</i>. Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Aeonium 'Jack Catlin'</i> (pups that had been hidden behind the agave we removed, which hadn't received the sun needed to bring out their burgundy edges), <i>A. 'Velour'</i> (shown in another area of my garden), and 2 other varieties I purchased by mail order a few months ago, <i>A. 'Octo Ink'</i> and <i>A. 'Dark Star'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>I still have plants in need of new homes too.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4Irg1jPbPNQMwj43P9bspxk1KZjBSrg3XnqHViy5HIGrDCYecNQhr03td3xUevZTZbMeAMEL1yCpcEvvySTDLEccJVdJ0OcL2jeIpzQGadx64Vf-8mZMst_6t-ShFu-Ac3UFifLI4BG8PR0gIRzyl1V1YdqM7d7sBjMR8LBjW2KyF0Y0DZ7Yo933003ga" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1000" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4Irg1jPbPNQMwj43P9bspxk1KZjBSrg3XnqHViy5HIGrDCYecNQhr03td3xUevZTZbMeAMEL1yCpcEvvySTDLEccJVdJ0OcL2jeIpzQGadx64Vf-8mZMst_6t-ShFu-Ac3UFifLI4BG8PR0gIRzyl1V1YdqM7d7sBjMR8LBjW2KyF0Y0DZ7Yo933003ga=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The largest of the <i>Agave mediopicta 'Alba'</i> pups went into the empty pot in the north-side garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi11sS52kWR1txeUy1UTSmEffVp5SEShmj-Q8YPP2ZrwRyLsL2aiyYFlGgiLwSw0wipJBcKpxkDuToFxZ3qVE6nSQQ6JGdc0JPa8_Pr-pX1tlqr8bgC_yczxPavyNHkfWf7uzn8HbkNcDwOfOXof5OfFvHwcQBK2eNbLK99mEPwBf0T9hzz7SzQk7YQaWK1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="3264" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi11sS52kWR1txeUy1UTSmEffVp5SEShmj-Q8YPP2ZrwRyLsL2aiyYFlGgiLwSw0wipJBcKpxkDuToFxZ3qVE6nSQQ6JGdc0JPa8_Pr-pX1tlqr8bgC_yczxPavyNHkfWf7uzn8HbkNcDwOfOXof5OfFvHwcQBK2eNbLK99mEPwBf0T9hzz7SzQk7YQaWK1=w640-h242" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 more agave pups and piles of Senecio serpens that will probably be given away</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>We got 2.32 inches of rain in less than ten hours yesterday. It came down heavily, causing freeway and local road closures for a few hours. Our own neighborhood road, periodically used by skateboarders looking for thrills (despite signs prohibiting that), looked like a river for a time. Today should be mainly dry but another, larger atmospheric river is expected to move through beginning late Saturday. Current forecasts suggest that rain could continue through the following Saturday, which is a unnerving. Too much of a good thing can become a bad thing.</p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-62036418507422045842024-01-31T06:30:00.000-08:002024-01-31T06:30:00.137-08:00A different sort of plant giveaway<p>Last week, I started pulling out the mass of <i>Aeonium arboreum</i> that's blocking a major pathway in my cutting garden. It's going to take a long time to reduce the plants to a manageable number. As these succulents are heavy, I can't overload the green recycle bins with all of them at one time, even if I could stand handling the repetitive nature of the task in one go. I put aside the best rosettes to give away but, even throwing out those that weren't in perfect condition, I didn't think the neighbors would flock to take armloads home, especially as I've given these cuttings away many times over the years. So, when I read an article in a local magazine about a parkway succulent garden being created in front of a mosaic wall four miles away, I contacted the woman managing the project and offered the <i>Aeoniums</i> and a host of other succulents. She said she'd accept them all and I took her at her word.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV0SXMrZLhX2XzFmH9FuZHgR9MLz8rLaeJA1yDisk3Mf08Squm3MvTY3iviQF45HD6E4GqaGlYUFvKN86ogJw8rTZSYE7pqxBPpWZuvAgUc0ax5z8PONjQWDdBCtRWRZGTjYV1bv8vOxoe0u2OeIs_cGAnzMQXZ6vjTfiIoWmUUOxtldguCeRn42xpNiUF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="3264" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV0SXMrZLhX2XzFmH9FuZHgR9MLz8rLaeJA1yDisk3Mf08Squm3MvTY3iviQF45HD6E4GqaGlYUFvKN86ogJw8rTZSYE7pqxBPpWZuvAgUc0ax5z8PONjQWDdBCtRWRZGTjYV1bv8vOxoe0u2OeIs_cGAnzMQXZ6vjTfiIoWmUUOxtldguCeRn42xpNiUF=w640-h244" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my car, packed and ready to make the delivery</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The project manager told me she expected to be weeding the new garden during certain hours but no one was there when I arrived. However, I'd been told I could leave them at the bus stop nearby even if no one was there so that's what I did.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7ghFxV9pyT8m1Ao0BiQIuTzyZMI4UENYGOSWOrw9qBdExjua_bsf8zJ5wpF9K4I71UMa6XS1n6ppqtO_xwlNTxlbxOL_MWyrw_nfKYpJwx4MuZOh0R5vehKpuAY9LIIybDZAz32zctr8Cl3i2nVN_9CsFmviNhaBbCJsXQbSE6Zv2rb1B4rlE6oVkxcT3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2318" data-original-width="3264" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7ghFxV9pyT8m1Ao0BiQIuTzyZMI4UENYGOSWOrw9qBdExjua_bsf8zJ5wpF9K4I71UMa6XS1n6ppqtO_xwlNTxlbxOL_MWyrw_nfKYpJwx4MuZOh0R5vehKpuAY9LIIybDZAz32zctr8Cl3i2nVN_9CsFmviNhaBbCJsXQbSE6Zv2rb1B4rlE6oVkxcT3=w640-h454" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to 2 flats piled high with <i>Aeonium arboreum</i> and <i>A. 'Kiwi'</i> cuttings, I left cuttings of <i>Euphorbia 'Sticks on Fire'</i>, pups of <i>Agave mediopicta 'Alba'</i>, potted bulbils of 3 other agaves, <i>Crassula ovata</i> and <i>Senecio amaniensis</i> in one-gallon pots, and a relatively large <i>Agave attenuata</i> division</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>I didn't spend much time looking at the garden, something I regretted after the fact.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT99GfxPapv-JarZZ-VhMRMuiigf-GN9jbJpmodZmyVyEjh1gtSeH_P_s67EUXxv0xXQEr20NuaH5B3RR8s3JCkOcGTAl0MauLrmjid3taPQl4Fps4tEkgZ21UIuW5z2Hp7fXSRT39zRk7y-8Z0ronscAVCd-8DjVTv9ebkNjAf3opJExRILru6oQ-l61F" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="818" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT99GfxPapv-JarZZ-VhMRMuiigf-GN9jbJpmodZmyVyEjh1gtSeH_P_s67EUXxv0xXQEr20NuaH5B3RR8s3JCkOcGTAl0MauLrmjid3taPQl4Fps4tEkgZ21UIuW5z2Hp7fXSRT39zRk7y-8Z0ronscAVCd-8DjVTv9ebkNjAf3opJExRILru6oQ-l61F=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a relatively new garden and they're planting only succulents as the parkway strip isn't irrigated</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>I spent a lot of time looking at the mosaic wall. The mosaic was created with public support over a two-year period. The artist is a former fire fighter, Julie Bender. She got help and input from some three hundred local residents. You can find a history of the mosaic wall on 25th Street in San Pedro <a href="https://www.juliebendermosaics.com/mosaic-wall-timeline" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkEaYQ8rtomgY6xUlS7Ap-cmGbnaIyrzPA461m9KwPp55HbnXj3NN6WYx-5hzRDNdZS3PTmrZ-mD1759cdtkc7ApcMfuOq9lqK4ub5QFoskWp6TLhKk8_O-Q6HZ6i6LSFI5qadAe-u_IQ_v__5fgwoYKcPWafRUAFku2u-o81-RsNSChNj2I57W-XNeS-B" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1000" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkEaYQ8rtomgY6xUlS7Ap-cmGbnaIyrzPA461m9KwPp55HbnXj3NN6WYx-5hzRDNdZS3PTmrZ-mD1759cdtkc7ApcMfuOq9lqK4ub5QFoskWp6TLhKk8_O-Q6HZ6i6LSFI5qadAe-u_IQ_v__5fgwoYKcPWafRUAFku2u-o81-RsNSChNj2I57W-XNeS-B=w640-h474" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partially hidden, this section proclaims Welcome to San Pedro, Los Angeles. San Pedro was incorporated into the City of Los Angeles in 1909 but it's retained its own personality.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Cic9ub9Rlmrza9POLS5h2f7yYOes1AM0B1ooLorNPCdfBV0DSdhKwdhl_WMpsdbOMnAGlviDq3eNS9f5WOQGzGLhN9NkNP6hpMa-8i9pLYBq_yZkPWXQcpXFGHXy9uOTXr7oiCxGNbLbLg-2wg5nAEAGAJoea3904kf3N6E5-EMYJk_H9Tqtb_SFO0NE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1000" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Cic9ub9Rlmrza9POLS5h2f7yYOes1AM0B1ooLorNPCdfBV0DSdhKwdhl_WMpsdbOMnAGlviDq3eNS9f5WOQGzGLhN9NkNP6hpMa-8i9pLYBq_yZkPWXQcpXFGHXy9uOTXr7oiCxGNbLbLg-2wg5nAEAGAJoea3904kf3N6E5-EMYJk_H9Tqtb_SFO0NE=w640-h624" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Pelicans punctuate the 200 foot long expanse of the mosaic mural at intervals. San Pedro is a port town and this section of the mural shows boats of various kinds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO8kBcBzKSWeQ771e4u6KjcGmSnmk6deu23qWUi61Sz-xuzpI2OyCYnvMIHgm3uPD-nvXaq1Ru-sQM-Nj-FifHPrKxQ3jhfaivRAZoTefHz3nJTm_MrrYcd8NQtgJSxuD4XiFGQ9jW3ipmAiL2yp0hepDEeFfII5b5xI21lcwvfpoya7EwU4_3dzRahv1x" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO8kBcBzKSWeQ771e4u6KjcGmSnmk6deu23qWUi61Sz-xuzpI2OyCYnvMIHgm3uPD-nvXaq1Ru-sQM-Nj-FifHPrKxQ3jhfaivRAZoTefHz3nJTm_MrrYcd8NQtgJSxuD4XiFGQ9jW3ipmAiL2yp0hepDEeFfII5b5xI21lcwvfpoya7EwU4_3dzRahv1x=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The SS Lane Victory, a cargo ship used in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, now berthed in San Pedro as a museum, is shown here with other ships and boats. The USS Iowa, a retired battleship, is shown elsewhere. It's docked at the Port of Los Angeles and also serves as a museum. The Vincent Thomas Bridge between the South Bay and Long Beach is also shown in the upper left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7_DokzSbnLidG57dxYcTkQnFHjmwSAGOPQnKiPOu08CyRCmjQCBtNU9cSXhrEIotgYd6CS-hAHl--4Uz7ZLQnDAz6NCduLHsTATPl6vwwM2ZYXUw3POmc-LQftuzAA81wkm9i2tb9LS_OEdeo7VohLjbBxi8NWUuga7jZP1HBOcx6euD_npbLf8D6Dm03" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1000" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7_DokzSbnLidG57dxYcTkQnFHjmwSAGOPQnKiPOu08CyRCmjQCBtNU9cSXhrEIotgYd6CS-hAHl--4Uz7ZLQnDAz6NCduLHsTATPl6vwwM2ZYXUw3POmc-LQftuzAA81wkm9i2tb9LS_OEdeo7VohLjbBxi8NWUuga7jZP1HBOcx6euD_npbLf8D6Dm03=w640-h528" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to palm trees, houses, and an air plane, this section shows the Korean Friendship Bell in the upper left area. I'm guessing that the large white structure on the right represents the Point Fermin Lighthouse.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoLWjLHpF2PeJM_xt-nyp5jOqmli22APWdHTM5IblktP8oGY3PXIPLOAzsxjrXJbssOCYBLZYRFDSixLhBGDRtIkH3uKfHL0F2MKe8uvsS1XlvDaeFqmiw3TTUdXuT0VVBMEIDYTT5hUiDKcbrkzkhYg9IFyimzAHj_7wUS-bo930jlcifHedQocJWr8nR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="722" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoLWjLHpF2PeJM_xt-nyp5jOqmli22APWdHTM5IblktP8oGY3PXIPLOAzsxjrXJbssOCYBLZYRFDSixLhBGDRtIkH3uKfHL0F2MKe8uvsS1XlvDaeFqmiw3TTUdXuT0VVBMEIDYTT5hUiDKcbrkzkhYg9IFyimzAHj_7wUS-bo930jlcifHedQocJWr8nR=w461-h640" width="461" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An angel carrying a light is one of several larger figures, probably representing the entrance to the Port of Los Angeles, known as Angel's Gate</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSUqHCv-3uq97_jXCv5nEdMAZvmMaYyviz3yoSbE3_3eXqk_n2xw6zGhWKTBO8CE6AoE_kjBWgFTNpIhUJp8dB6PLxya9vLwaPsLLLBsWXnZlL-ryxXj1Ej39LfMYKZERP8Ah_OHr11g-Aj7cUwwegSQimjC01NnKRH50EgAW9HHowr4W6WqM5nijtPhWV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1887" data-original-width="3264" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSUqHCv-3uq97_jXCv5nEdMAZvmMaYyviz3yoSbE3_3eXqk_n2xw6zGhWKTBO8CE6AoE_kjBWgFTNpIhUJp8dB6PLxya9vLwaPsLLLBsWXnZlL-ryxXj1Ej39LfMYKZERP8Ah_OHr11g-Aj7cUwwegSQimjC01NnKRH50EgAW9HHowr4W6WqM5nijtPhWV=w640-h370" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two mermaids, one featured in a wheelchair (tended by a person tagged with the names of churches) and the second marked with graffiti</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYuLBTCncGZncpE9bAT20tjmSJ_N8XyZOxXINCchp9s8xzEBmXz7Xdh0qrrHEPxoH3tSTdkyxFrfUKUd5mlZWHneYk34JQm5sgBqf6aE8kLLs4vN7RIVUC_QZcA5Qc2iEo1QtroXsvnKwm3bfNjRcV2_vg-wmh4rcQjrUU4e1KgwwK233nTN33Hrdah3JV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="3264" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYuLBTCncGZncpE9bAT20tjmSJ_N8XyZOxXINCchp9s8xzEBmXz7Xdh0qrrHEPxoH3tSTdkyxFrfUKUd5mlZWHneYk34JQm5sgBqf6aE8kLLs4vN7RIVUC_QZcA5Qc2iEo1QtroXsvnKwm3bfNjRcV2_vg-wmh4rcQjrUU4e1KgwwK233nTN33Hrdah3JV=w640-h334" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other large figures include what I've dubbed as the "serviceman" (representing people in military and public service as indicated by tags covering his uniform), the "worker" (tagged with the titles of various tradespeople), the "cook" (tagged with names of restaurants) and the "teacher" (tagged with names of schools in the area)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq4Zrj4njrj2rWTf_pUb8YdIOC_B08RtDZWITs9P6l60BDxRTguIhIIRn6i62dmYYC64gGXY23BxnGTU2hi2PGUZv-nVe7ujc7CNFXOMHKrv5Y7o3edUNHL2HHhiBQlkr_Tuv3n4dceRTQBDgTn0_F9yRHcor59aA9aOTkFL3UIVMZYSYAQrFILiDFDFYZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="3264" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq4Zrj4njrj2rWTf_pUb8YdIOC_B08RtDZWITs9P6l60BDxRTguIhIIRn6i62dmYYC64gGXY23BxnGTU2hi2PGUZv-nVe7ujc7CNFXOMHKrv5Y7o3edUNHL2HHhiBQlkr_Tuv3n4dceRTQBDgTn0_F9yRHcor59aA9aOTkFL3UIVMZYSYAQrFILiDFDFYZ=w640-h248" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details included scenes from a beach (left) and the cliffs in San Pedro with houses and roads above and small buildings at sea level (right). In other areas, houses were tagged with family names.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiURKwFwIyYeWEqbVGg_ZUx8zEr_Ldsi2Q42UTwjN1IoQNR7ffoar9vUCngLfNmdghJal_4xBciiFAaoi1WXY1h62tX1gzAkXJHRlPyZigzLbEwOBpx1Pbj8KfpmG_DGWj26qVa0MGdhisJYkEI4z2fuhUQwhrwDM532UfUvqJ3lw5YdzA_sGf-8MxlW1LM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiURKwFwIyYeWEqbVGg_ZUx8zEr_Ldsi2Q42UTwjN1IoQNR7ffoar9vUCngLfNmdghJal_4xBciiFAaoi1WXY1h62tX1gzAkXJHRlPyZigzLbEwOBpx1Pbj8KfpmG_DGWj26qVa0MGdhisJYkEI4z2fuhUQwhrwDM532UfUvqJ3lw5YdzA_sGf-8MxlW1LM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower areas showing the cliffs were put together using pieces of tile interspersed with mirrors</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS3KGgoZDrF8Zt_wO--qKLarqmZErQ-xpFtHyp0SqaY7edPTn_So9INqZDWq3dvn-z_NQO0gX3uCTYCqhkPsusoQmahhCVSgK5SrO8uupDcDdUCeSCVqsmVYMjq2nCylU4OWIQjBa8SvuscwUsRczvidEOM-AXF0s4tMUb7pell-4SLJmcSxfh0-0QYoiM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2941" data-original-width="3264" height="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS3KGgoZDrF8Zt_wO--qKLarqmZErQ-xpFtHyp0SqaY7edPTn_So9INqZDWq3dvn-z_NQO0gX3uCTYCqhkPsusoQmahhCVSgK5SrO8uupDcDdUCeSCVqsmVYMjq2nCylU4OWIQjBa8SvuscwUsRczvidEOM-AXF0s4tMUb7pell-4SLJmcSxfh0-0QYoiM=w640-h577" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were large areas covered in irregular tiles bearing facts relevant to the history of San Pedro</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiL8Ihlj5A3e4932pF90WUL2pvRiwjNU_KfLyynGPGZFpaaW_jnfwgaQNZcHydaUpRtu5vhI0VocuhhM9bSy_PMbiXLQvZaABnOkncfaXVuvTHew6bS7_udtUMTF1UT46tocYwaukUmXCo68oEDFJwbkAQhR-odNJrzEgleb58jlwzuy_Fs-Ou5mZVlLU2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2941" data-original-width="3264" height="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiL8Ihlj5A3e4932pF90WUL2pvRiwjNU_KfLyynGPGZFpaaW_jnfwgaQNZcHydaUpRtu5vhI0VocuhhM9bSy_PMbiXLQvZaABnOkncfaXVuvTHew6bS7_udtUMTF1UT46tocYwaukUmXCo68oEDFJwbkAQhR-odNJrzEgleb58jlwzuy_Fs-Ou5mZVlLU2=w640-h577" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were also lots of tiles bearing names of people and their opinions on a wide variety of subjects. One series offered definitions of what makes a person a "real" San Pedran.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The garden project manager hopes to extend the succulent garden. I hope my contribution helps her and volunteers assisting her with their project. And I still have more than enough <i>Aeonium</i> rosettes to satisfy any one of my neighbors that may want them.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><div><p><br /></p></div></div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-87993138774729341322024-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:002024-01-29T06:30:00.155-08:00In a Vase on Monday: Creeping closer to spring<p>We've had a stretch of warm weather going on since Friday (low-mid 70sF/22-24C). It's expected to continue into Tuesday before an atmospheric river moves in on Wednesday. Four <i>Hippeastrum</i> flowers were slowly unfolding yesterday but none were quite vase-ready so I turned to the <i>Aeonium arboreum</i> flowers that pop up everywhere in my garden at this time of year. I have mixed feelings about them. I love yellow but these flowers are almost florescent in color and they're shaped like dunce caps. As they're succulents and hold a lot of water in their stems, they're also very heavy so any arrangement featuring them needs to be well-balanced to ensure that it doesn't topple over.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh03bhChOskSFoX8B0-carWDS3yV9XMew-NhHZz33_fcQ18tBRIb7SHxq2pJZyCfggNG_pieaeZ4eSZ_BHeigqUwC7-1SUxXxgls2Q4gWI38g2EAsHB4CyrLY6v_qmjIBik_0ohWk4ZybJmwzsaZsC1whvaS8yLq8YAJb36S_LXJ_LKQ57a2fNFleTSkF_y" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1000" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh03bhChOskSFoX8B0-carWDS3yV9XMew-NhHZz33_fcQ18tBRIb7SHxq2pJZyCfggNG_pieaeZ4eSZ_BHeigqUwC7-1SUxXxgls2Q4gWI38g2EAsHB4CyrLY6v_qmjIBik_0ohWk4ZybJmwzsaZsC1whvaS8yLq8YAJb36S_LXJ_LKQ57a2fNFleTSkF_y=w640-h526" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used a green <i>Aeonium</i> rosette edged in bronze to accent the <i>Aeonium</i> flower stalks with the yellow-green florets</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihswf2_k9XJGzUD5eiYhTyoqigEoPmfENpe-N6gnxelyDJthMPHwIFGuJE6GPknEX38h2ekss1n7L_ixC1noO9q1yRvUHQhnhALkDUT64L-0W8H-zN8ftyUQaZ9me2rtg8767e8Djdx3DdOCaCGa-G1pQ87ko_TplHk4bpzNE6TjNc4FxK_xKMUj0AK7GO" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1000" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihswf2_k9XJGzUD5eiYhTyoqigEoPmfENpe-N6gnxelyDJthMPHwIFGuJE6GPknEX38h2ekss1n7L_ixC1noO9q1yRvUHQhnhALkDUT64L-0W8H-zN8ftyUQaZ9me2rtg8767e8Djdx3DdOCaCGa-G1pQ87ko_TplHk4bpzNE6TjNc4FxK_xKMUj0AK7GO=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view, fluffed up with stems of <i>Acacia 'Cousin Itt'</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVzjlZjS-P8gToQTE3UXwS6F2M4XtjY0nZI10RQuTqHGmZeAPbO85zNva48agXvyaREM8JV1US1hheFPc2XXZG3vXbAxcZsvmDfgIIHQAZIhJMHLeWXglRIKgRlTIgWlgI48kMTZq-LoVkceiWgsSaWyCg4mdDjzldfbPh4mzeQCpBrFpM_1-L_HKLnMF8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1000" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVzjlZjS-P8gToQTE3UXwS6F2M4XtjY0nZI10RQuTqHGmZeAPbO85zNva48agXvyaREM8JV1US1hheFPc2XXZG3vXbAxcZsvmDfgIIHQAZIhJMHLeWXglRIKgRlTIgWlgI48kMTZq-LoVkceiWgsSaWyCg4mdDjzldfbPh4mzeQCpBrFpM_1-L_HKLnMF8=w640-h545" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzs8gccaU4XfshfD8YR9QU1uqYO4wxpj7K6nWRyU-wDtRSHJC0ogOXej42UI-gDupO8nR3tXR3LADtWKPnvkCYW_c19AYoZklGckX5AHY3FwL9COeV_m88yAolB4pqSA8Jrx14hXhtgdy4lrw8BI_-bbyNGTFUIwdpwZ9Mv7Vpc1I-LLclwd2fbsaPtlKD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="3264" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzs8gccaU4XfshfD8YR9QU1uqYO4wxpj7K6nWRyU-wDtRSHJC0ogOXej42UI-gDupO8nR3tXR3LADtWKPnvkCYW_c19AYoZklGckX5AHY3FwL9COeV_m88yAolB4pqSA8Jrx14hXhtgdy4lrw8BI_-bbyNGTFUIwdpwZ9Mv7Vpc1I-LLclwd2fbsaPtlKD=w640-h522" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt', Leucadendron salignum 'Chief', Narcissus 'Geranium', Aeonium arboreum</i> (foliage rosette), and <i>Aeonium arboreum</i> flowers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The blue <i>Anemones</i> are still coming up a few at a time in my cutting garden. When I realized that the tree-sized Ceanothus 'Cliff Schmidt' on my back slope was also producing its first flowers, I decided to to try another spin on a blue and white scheme for a second vase this week.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQsYBmbfAdNLeicEHIrwv8_3afxvoWHwWT4uF4XyI7IwBfc-JKGUIbMBIBwdemPBIYPi8igcnRQzrVWibGTetxpcTOepvGfOe4TohruTOt_QOXZcsagtihB38WRMEuu-uDqDJUWyqscpG_2s_W0L1zLRNnFMGNSDvzgYmx4lTBgVv9mu8Hr5OqRvQ0DQQn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQsYBmbfAdNLeicEHIrwv8_3afxvoWHwWT4uF4XyI7IwBfc-JKGUIbMBIBwdemPBIYPi8igcnRQzrVWibGTetxpcTOepvGfOe4TohruTOt_QOXZcsagtihB38WRMEuu-uDqDJUWyqscpG_2s_W0L1zLRNnFMGNSDvzgYmx4lTBgVv9mu8Hr5OqRvQ0DQQn=w563-h640" width="563" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm happier with this arrangement in person than in photos. The dark green color of the <i>Ceanothus</i> leaves detract from the flowers and obscure some.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihDKC_q1Kkqd1WVrBYNy7oHFadoVrUoVNG_2Yo1S9YFlzNPq-hg5KLSYnkFXQb-SYS8drCXdI1UfkgU-wH2Rr05wozVn1RATy9BuXu5c8xEaGhUGS8kYL3VJqD0HDchUBqQbrLNp4EyC3pe3K7iG9nXfLGr6PvwAQHOcWflRFEC4DHoYgfqyLwxf_0qc2G" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1000" height="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihDKC_q1Kkqd1WVrBYNy7oHFadoVrUoVNG_2Yo1S9YFlzNPq-hg5KLSYnkFXQb-SYS8drCXdI1UfkgU-wH2Rr05wozVn1RATy9BuXu5c8xEaGhUGS8kYL3VJqD0HDchUBqQbrLNp4EyC3pe3K7iG9nXfLGr6PvwAQHOcWflRFEC4DHoYgfqyLwxf_0qc2G=w640-h593" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjokCWGQhYSz0ybWmfzJ60wXWT3xC4q6UP7D2YU6rkxR1XD6IVkn0UXH4XCkg9FYn4FjWVEcw62W3mp1I7_55l5eWlgaTmzIeFra6Oq0dhjJNrQbhqULZMqEgd9edTGcp9btcIYDLMku4rMaHJlYLRPoEraNxyQ_bmoCvB1cQWqTQYt95OqcFVuZv3xcZny" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1000" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjokCWGQhYSz0ybWmfzJ60wXWT3xC4q6UP7D2YU6rkxR1XD6IVkn0UXH4XCkg9FYn4FjWVEcw62W3mp1I7_55l5eWlgaTmzIeFra6Oq0dhjJNrQbhqULZMqEgd9edTGcp9btcIYDLMku4rMaHJlYLRPoEraNxyQ_bmoCvB1cQWqTQYt95OqcFVuZv3xcZny=w640-h526" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimzr_CDV9bzoyK_OGH7uchOhtjuu-YEWyyMBYA_LiOzgtG5xEL8k-Oie7eUSIarhspcQU1jsD2UhS0p07uP6399eZS8KcImI2fz0YdbbOUAE4BFBJNunz6RNVegtzHG6bTtKwszAsj95arNWLO1OPJfxnyu_TZN22RXWqo569CKyz_CpOFMpdjJkdp1Hb6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2392" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimzr_CDV9bzoyK_OGH7uchOhtjuu-YEWyyMBYA_LiOzgtG5xEL8k-Oie7eUSIarhspcQU1jsD2UhS0p07uP6399eZS8KcImI2fz0YdbbOUAE4BFBJNunz6RNVegtzHG6bTtKwszAsj95arNWLO1OPJfxnyu_TZN22RXWqo569CKyz_CpOFMpdjJkdp1Hb6=w469-h640" width="469" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Anemone coronaria</i> (bulbs sold as <i>'Lord Lieutenant</i>'), <i>Ceanothus arboreus 'Cliff Schmidt'</i>, noID paperwhite <i>Narcissus, Osteospermum '4D Silver'</i> (maybe), <i>Prostanthera ovalifolia 'Variegata'</i>, and <i>Pyrethropsis hosmariense</i> (aka Moroccan daisy)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>An arrangement using a <i>Hippeastrum</i> is almost certainly on the menu for next week unless they drown in the flow of the coming atmospheric river. In the meantime, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a> for more IAVOM creations.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjixuAJshLWxAbOCe-YvQMlp2Qvi9yCqFejVEzsYRhtHCj8NNbczIREzPUaUnROSjsIS6sIMjtydxk7ca6XJZpgHCyWKKqP9A0s0EjbTE_2hDxKqBfSjNYSW48bZstVtq8Td-4q_9RJBOcVzV-eKs_Qnor0ex80OlOXaIcI3N690c_7JP8WAVkQdXDFA8FB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1705" data-original-width="3264" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjixuAJshLWxAbOCe-YvQMlp2Qvi9yCqFejVEzsYRhtHCj8NNbczIREzPUaUnROSjsIS6sIMjtydxk7ca6XJZpgHCyWKKqP9A0s0EjbTE_2hDxKqBfSjNYSW48bZstVtq8Td-4q_9RJBOcVzV-eKs_Qnor0ex80OlOXaIcI3N690c_7JP8WAVkQdXDFA8FB=w640-h334" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-10791940331584224922024-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:002024-01-26T06:30:00.133-08:00The bird feeder<p>I have three bird feeders outside my home office window. I left them empty during the summer and early fall months until temperatures fell. In January, the white-crowned sparrows arrived and activity at the feeders picked up. As the birds tend to fly away as soon as I go out the back door, I used a telephoto lens to capture photos from inside with mixed results.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTKqSnMqWGG1ePh1lI1eMf0AzdNDBuTChpf9nfVpywE8PWQ_aSvoYijQzqhh8yCeJFK7eCyo1YlR8HGZnK-0f1daxifLkNe_D28MjqAt34MTQvap2hj9SpoaDE0-mf85iExyY0EiTjk-t8R2nB_Tsr1PNfr0whJxsy49vVQS0IYTAeHVVQEVqKw9NDaBM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="726" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTKqSnMqWGG1ePh1lI1eMf0AzdNDBuTChpf9nfVpywE8PWQ_aSvoYijQzqhh8yCeJFK7eCyo1YlR8HGZnK-0f1daxifLkNe_D28MjqAt34MTQvap2hj9SpoaDE0-mf85iExyY0EiTjk-t8R2nB_Tsr1PNfr0whJxsy49vVQS0IYTAeHVVQEVqKw9NDaBM=w464-h640" width="464" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the best wide shot I could get that wasn't blurred by sun glare or fog</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The white-crowned sparrows (<i>Zonotrichia leucophrys</i>) live in parts of the western US year-round but they're not generally seen in my area until the winter months. Unlike many of the birds here, these sparrows know how to strike a pose.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAIFTNYQuKKxsooHvSyUbPRuEFrv0KncTupTibBQAwZ8-us3B6uhRV7IZ9h_2sya8Rk_C2gND9vB14klCTFgSv6v3rCxpRJqThW1Yxpn91KPIHypgUjGWQD7HbvKz1dfjLvZK4u1bh3pciC6vOMY1QDddMhUAJjCx7EoCNk9qbDiR673t83wIkepmL0SGc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="3264" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAIFTNYQuKKxsooHvSyUbPRuEFrv0KncTupTibBQAwZ8-us3B6uhRV7IZ9h_2sya8Rk_C2gND9vB14klCTFgSv6v3rCxpRJqThW1Yxpn91KPIHypgUjGWQD7HbvKz1dfjLvZK4u1bh3pciC6vOMY1QDddMhUAJjCx7EoCNk9qbDiR673t83wIkepmL0SGc=w640-h336" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">According to <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-crowned_Sparrow/overview" target="_blank">TheCornellLab</a> the oldest verified age of a white-crowned sparrow was at least 13 years and 4 months</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Apparently, they'll share their territories with some birds but are known to drive others away, including Dark-eyed Juncos. I noticed Juncos hopping about for awhile but they've been noticeably absent of late. However, it doesn't seem that the sparrows have any issues with finches.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_oQUQAST9GbqloWnEH7bWqQ39qA5FW6CYhew1mDgDqq0_Wc4VgyuRtPu4StV0Nzcp7_TaRLUi25Z8luHo_DADXctm6pEadtfDpF_CuRJlFMpY7qKdW4nkMf5nx3p1L34FP_QRkqHVZKy1iDjAQiwyNX6xwAxg4EUWxILhLJD-tPwjkqop2JY3jxKmktYX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_oQUQAST9GbqloWnEH7bWqQ39qA5FW6CYhew1mDgDqq0_Wc4VgyuRtPu4StV0Nzcp7_TaRLUi25Z8luHo_DADXctm6pEadtfDpF_CuRJlFMpY7qKdW4nkMf5nx3p1L34FP_QRkqHVZKy1iDjAQiwyNX6xwAxg4EUWxILhLJD-tPwjkqop2JY3jxKmktYX=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Based on casual observations, house finches (<i>Haemorphous mexicanus</i>) are the most common (or at least the most visible) of the small birds here</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdg7oj0ALKdetF5gnm8g7971p1qVo-CxDR_mGqUZzSnq4ktT72aYH3o2_omSNv9jGEoQZsE1zXde4aIuMO8V4vUdo2cINt5fR0EzGgtq837unr15A5PbS-f1exHgSPhCYXaCkFFNIymcqJAymJtIcmkPOtbYL7KNMblcFogV4yJGRUcZkWfvAezxIc3DKW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1000" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdg7oj0ALKdetF5gnm8g7971p1qVo-CxDR_mGqUZzSnq4ktT72aYH3o2_omSNv9jGEoQZsE1zXde4aIuMO8V4vUdo2cINt5fR0EzGgtq837unr15A5PbS-f1exHgSPhCYXaCkFFNIymcqJAymJtIcmkPOtbYL7KNMblcFogV4yJGRUcZkWfvAezxIc3DKW=w640-h547" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/overview" target="_blank">According to Cornell</a>, male house finches get their red color during the molting period from pigment in their food. The more pigment, the redder their plumage.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZgO3csnm0HwKKlLQE9IlRrqM65be0ZeGli0if65vEbnEuTlVAjBNFL9iY9AdrzhtiZQ82WMuJS4jboG8YTyhBEJlv5d2NVxOIKAcV99-ewKzT3deV5Peh3t8ZIF4QAsiNkRGRhXE-AfttEoMSz4nC1MDGyL_qmCaMQDzgUYQkHoHoPlllhWvgLpjaAQmJ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1000" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZgO3csnm0HwKKlLQE9IlRrqM65be0ZeGli0if65vEbnEuTlVAjBNFL9iY9AdrzhtiZQ82WMuJS4jboG8YTyhBEJlv5d2NVxOIKAcV99-ewKzT3deV5Peh3t8ZIF4QAsiNkRGRhXE-AfttEoMSz4nC1MDGyL_qmCaMQDzgUYQkHoHoPlllhWvgLpjaAQmJ=w640-h454" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female house finch sharing a feeder with a white-crowned sparrow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLK9G6jMB-Qr2nE2D7hfXyBlNvCSx3Hygrr_7TgJ-xLqy4ZiUia9DapS5pNzdPNg2QoqKlJnC0JE1LogSG3RkX0w1uv8T_-T5LY-8p4ocKa4sSbI5XPaB3HHoUT3Z_8mtx6cnkNli6KF19Dy4-Vj0opmAdM-NADNLsXnnM_56X9ZsF32uwl7cjuneKkAIg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLK9G6jMB-Qr2nE2D7hfXyBlNvCSx3Hygrr_7TgJ-xLqy4ZiUia9DapS5pNzdPNg2QoqKlJnC0JE1LogSG3RkX0w1uv8T_-T5LY-8p4ocKa4sSbI5XPaB3HHoUT3Z_8mtx6cnkNli6KF19Dy4-Vj0opmAdM-NADNLsXnnM_56X9ZsF32uwl7cjuneKkAIg=w456-h640" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the best shot I got of a lesser goldfinch (<i>Spinus psaltria</i>), which is also a very common year-round resident. Lesser goldfinch males in the far west have green backs, unlike those further east (<a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Goldfinch/overview" target="_blank">source: Cornell</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>About two years ago, I noticed another kind of finch hanging around. I know it by the common name of spice finch (<i>Lonchura punctulata</i>) but it's also known as nutmeg mannikin, ricebird, and scaly-breasted munia. Native to tropical areas of Asia, they spread in the US as escaped birds. They were first sighted in Cocoa Beach, Florida in 1964. They've more recently been added to Audubon's list of California State birds. In the US, they're reportedly most common in Florida and California (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaly-breasted_munia" target="_blank">source: Wikipedia</a>).</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs3yaQmgdMaPEMFN_ogMu0Htai8ra5_y_MlWeqLbA6_qUqYOa9-O5ZK7mSXR33hfrJTimQt8Cn0AFQV5MiGn_O2IYPUvcrw37fCFmrhovMCdQeH1lpxZb8ZYMDezJkBC8yaacG5uxVtq2l-XdFwfmgW--7pNLqaC2xd1-gsSJ-kBFnwaFWon7LSVpjZI-j" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1000" height="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs3yaQmgdMaPEMFN_ogMu0Htai8ra5_y_MlWeqLbA6_qUqYOa9-O5ZK7mSXR33hfrJTimQt8Cn0AFQV5MiGn_O2IYPUvcrw37fCFmrhovMCdQeH1lpxZb8ZYMDezJkBC8yaacG5uxVtq2l-XdFwfmgW--7pNLqaC2xd1-gsSJ-kBFnwaFWon7LSVpjZI-j=w640-h549" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male and female spice finches look similar, although the male's coloring is somewhat darker. Juveniles are paler in color, lack the dark head, and have buff-colored breasts.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Originally, spice finch sightings were one-off observations. This year I've seen these birds hanging out in noticeably larger groups but they also seem to get along fine with house finches, lesser goldfinches, and white-crowned sparrows.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifdpGGHg2TAkevSV0gHyIzRelpQZyzFae75RUi9AtHXfshwP0ECFIsVWxQyP9d1GpuYVkCgbcxjC8doYH05KBc184yscwxEA2gqdGVq0jbzDzlkJQ7oTsduLUKS3CXwo5MlX6vKGUxGbd_Gic3FzjOAnDCn5xydAWeXi2T_EWlWZqjJ7hGeXiLCXDNVXYF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifdpGGHg2TAkevSV0gHyIzRelpQZyzFae75RUi9AtHXfshwP0ECFIsVWxQyP9d1GpuYVkCgbcxjC8doYH05KBc184yscwxEA2gqdGVq0jbzDzlkJQ7oTsduLUKS3CXwo5MlX6vKGUxGbd_Gic3FzjOAnDCn5xydAWeXi2T_EWlWZqjJ7hGeXiLCXDNVXYF=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spice finches sharing space with a single lesser goldfinch. This feeder with an outer cage seems to be the favorite among the small birds.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKE-GfW02gFyPaNJOSEaMbD0UinGv2473ALWQcJyM4YMai-MhBLSKu8Dm8CDluHLXaZ9arSalf10wSnyE8X7l-Wq-E9ppW2FCqUYnMJ62hiIQ9ibEbozL7CNXyViiwFP1gG42mHLIc9_MTiEaUR0FaN2dEPBYJ771rmo8OjzScxH2wy4nITW3a4a5UhrqN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKE-GfW02gFyPaNJOSEaMbD0UinGv2473ALWQcJyM4YMai-MhBLSKu8Dm8CDluHLXaZ9arSalf10wSnyE8X7l-Wq-E9ppW2FCqUYnMJ62hiIQ9ibEbozL7CNXyViiwFP1gG42mHLIc9_MTiEaUR0FaN2dEPBYJ771rmo8OjzScxH2wy4nITW3a4a5UhrqN=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I noticed that the spice finches often share feeding perches, something I've never noticed among the other birds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUw-OBwkB8WGKBy2tuVnrgFZ1DB5eBfJipoM-peZRKkgWIYpfZExgQnfUQh1Dcxim1OzD3X4DbC6V9OK9WFp5fEQYrAE2jhQ7wVT_FuiTi1IKn3vE1c_AUiKGRLTT4IgFGptqxVnjjRpB8pyZV02knAyiFPlJ9mLM7fCKkIv_jwvFjqxq0bRgJi1zk5N4I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUw-OBwkB8WGKBy2tuVnrgFZ1DB5eBfJipoM-peZRKkgWIYpfZExgQnfUQh1Dcxim1OzD3X4DbC6V9OK9WFp5fEQYrAE2jhQ7wVT_FuiTi1IKn3vE1c_AUiKGRLTT4IgFGptqxVnjjRpB8pyZV02knAyiFPlJ9mLM7fCKkIv_jwvFjqxq0bRgJi1zk5N4I=w499-h640" width="499" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6gzU0E6n6oldr06UdDUZZ4uqGcmI8xHGuUqnaEpupL0vIFZLiMaAS-gb2f4m5Q--WLwrQVH3sOn8OiKx7qV-qNCzqoDxbDLUkT-LTG52wpYgHT0x4AYGMzJrHXh_KLZDKBllw_HdL5Agf3hf8ncpntcW2YGADmEf2GLwl5Fkv3-Jzk_JKgJu2hUDYfJ77" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1000" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6gzU0E6n6oldr06UdDUZZ4uqGcmI8xHGuUqnaEpupL0vIFZLiMaAS-gb2f4m5Q--WLwrQVH3sOn8OiKx7qV-qNCzqoDxbDLUkT-LTG52wpYgHT0x4AYGMzJrHXh_KLZDKBllw_HdL5Agf3hf8ncpntcW2YGADmEf2GLwl5Fkv3-Jzk_JKgJu2hUDYfJ77=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good view of a juvenile spice finch on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><div>The California scrub jays (<i>Aphelocoma californica</i>) send all the small birds packing when they visit but, thankfully, they don't stop by often.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEMKxUFdEHgKrjP0v_oFgJ71Qcse2951WoyENHCuiNroNhCLAjAu-VnpA1MTnZCQ3u1XAC5HFlmo6noQliFahRf5SakickS8D0ehjrCPG8J31mzpk9tyrCs8P07s75T9rgVSTrVEmjSzPk4iZVfQJa0sGfC-HrTcVtQLwu05Yo5LVMz84CRwfkzlgbHH3_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1000" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEMKxUFdEHgKrjP0v_oFgJ71Qcse2951WoyENHCuiNroNhCLAjAu-VnpA1MTnZCQ3u1XAC5HFlmo6noQliFahRf5SakickS8D0ehjrCPG8J31mzpk9tyrCs8P07s75T9rgVSTrVEmjSzPk4iZVfQJa0sGfC-HrTcVtQLwu05Yo5LVMz84CRwfkzlgbHH3_=w640-h614" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a great photo but a very interesting, if common, bird. Like it's relative the crow, it's very clever. Although its weight can close the seed portals of this "squirrel buster" feeder, it can balance its weight in such a way as to get some seed, even if he can't keep it up long.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div><div>At least the scrub jays don't break the feeders. The same can't be said of the squirrels.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9Wd_MWlBPnMSzNE0te5_ekaEiCA0hYBYN9T1P4q2JlVD0H_A2ZdwBw1YCNKPy-FG4fqKBDgm1757kS_kGnwNUmuWtxaCzabMiNBifm3jXbB9N0EHua-37pj6dw3jersi5Q23dvuAU1hwP_FBYRYBJThMIpVYuoNqRKwIgg7xpyl6pyZAzejlT2Od5J5h-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2151" data-original-width="3264" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9Wd_MWlBPnMSzNE0te5_ekaEiCA0hYBYN9T1P4q2JlVD0H_A2ZdwBw1YCNKPy-FG4fqKBDgm1757kS_kGnwNUmuWtxaCzabMiNBifm3jXbB9N0EHua-37pj6dw3jersi5Q23dvuAU1hwP_FBYRYBJThMIpVYuoNqRKwIgg7xpyl6pyZAzejlT2Od5J5h-=w640-h422" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left is the squirrel contemplating his leap onto the "squirrel buster" bird feeder. The weight he (or she) put on the cage surrounding the feeder immediately closed the seed portals as shown on the right. With practice, they learn to hang upside down from the top of the feeder to avoid closing the portals immediately but they've actually broken the springs in some of these feeders.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG8PD2s9Nf0F_jNCfW7QP5s1Va9u4Bvt5wMANkowAv2g3pdgfkw33nLgzuFwxKNd4dzvsiSSNDbFz98h3vg-rJKAh5ScW88dHE0NGc6n-w0KGQr8GZsctYJSLIWKzZk3rCZFwVequ-EPuLlZGwfoeUgyXxKPR3ETqYrfOv4GwfvgVY0gKnYh7Vq0QY1NCq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG8PD2s9Nf0F_jNCfW7QP5s1Va9u4Bvt5wMANkowAv2g3pdgfkw33nLgzuFwxKNd4dzvsiSSNDbFz98h3vg-rJKAh5ScW88dHE0NGc6n-w0KGQr8GZsctYJSLIWKzZk3rCZFwVequ-EPuLlZGwfoeUgyXxKPR3ETqYrfOv4GwfvgVY0gKnYh7Vq0QY1NCq=w621-h640" width="621" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The squirrels are currently leaving the bird feeders alone, having found another source of food elsewhere in our garden. The already paltry crop of oranges shrinks more every day.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, my cat Pipig and I had our sixth visit with the vet since November earlier this week. She continues to improve but still hasn't received an all-clear report; however, absent a new problem, we don't plan to see the vet again for another four months. She's eating well but her weight is still stuck at six pounds, fourteen ounces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjBMpO6tqOY6oYqeSq6Ny9qRJ1qt3x0qa02wjUgzheclXJ73imvjCY6YlyOfm2wlOsMfW-T8c5u4HFbesU8twA3svIk17jsANTD2_Dubo2rpuHK4rG5ICH9TKlGITuKEorrk8ghS885HOwH-XcmSSK5CFN_CqmCXDWLGuFbLgl1tLZRwMSDj2sk3mRUjzb" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="998" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjBMpO6tqOY6oYqeSq6Ny9qRJ1qt3x0qa02wjUgzheclXJ73imvjCY6YlyOfm2wlOsMfW-T8c5u4HFbesU8twA3svIk17jsANTD2_Dubo2rpuHK4rG5ICH9TKlGITuKEorrk8ghS885HOwH-XcmSSK5CFN_CqmCXDWLGuFbLgl1tLZRwMSDj2sk3mRUjzb=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><p></p><p>Have a nice weekend.</p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p></div>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-67493674138855376522024-01-24T06:30:00.000-08:002024-01-24T06:30:00.150-08:00More foliage highlights<p>Last week I assembled photos for a foliage post but I ended up appending those featuring succulents to a post primarily focused on my north side garden. As I've been house-bound due to rainy weather recently, I thought I'd go ahead and share the other foliage photos I collected. As it stands, the ground's too soggy to do much work in the garden right now.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcfwUPo1QzRQUBXb1OsNYOWIYEqFNJYrrAyEYPAGa8cKEh901s-u_uuIyoKfe_hIKC47HPOtC_RbtiJnrpuo1goAPKt5qWQ8wiZlcqv3seVGRlMwAdZUJgs_QBSDRnNUBZ2DaijszLhmilY5Jq7KwGSnDTA0T4YavHmIjoCVZkHc5icinL5vi_Kih7lSCz" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcfwUPo1QzRQUBXb1OsNYOWIYEqFNJYrrAyEYPAGa8cKEh901s-u_uuIyoKfe_hIKC47HPOtC_RbtiJnrpuo1goAPKt5qWQ8wiZlcqv3seVGRlMwAdZUJgs_QBSDRnNUBZ2DaijszLhmilY5Jq7KwGSnDTA0T4YavHmIjoCVZkHc5icinL5vi_Kih7lSCz=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I grow this <i>Ageratum corymbosum</i> for its purple and green foliage as much as for the lavender flowers that appear in early spring</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghnabKVQUhs8uxKNJ-3Xd4KVqm_3jsaEhm-s0TNeV2IWA-eAicLcPzgkkgIr-LSoE7UN144w9zJaAWtpJ7_VqYEpb2SLCIRniUpT5NxSbcklJJ3Vl7qY45JnZmEJ4jH1eb0KAFOteC6NZCQC8Ue5-RloGSAIoAGfoEmoCAgVP-EAo5mwqZYTiAy4Zz2pqj" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1000" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghnabKVQUhs8uxKNJ-3Xd4KVqm_3jsaEhm-s0TNeV2IWA-eAicLcPzgkkgIr-LSoE7UN144w9zJaAWtpJ7_VqYEpb2SLCIRniUpT5NxSbcklJJ3Vl7qY45JnZmEJ4jH1eb0KAFOteC6NZCQC8Ue5-RloGSAIoAGfoEmoCAgVP-EAo5mwqZYTiAy4Zz2pqj=w640-h580" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower leaves of <i>Begonia luxurians</i> didn't appreciated the windy and dry conditions we had in December and early January but the upper leaves still show why it's called the palm leaf begonia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe5JTQ38DFjYpv5QiU5E0mAlOJ0QI17sGJ4bg0R2ZwYy_UMO3UjqSOfPdF3PIbEMb_hen_wM2ethRV9aFoZ7cpG65w3wsmZoSJnmZEIcx9_XgjbraUCnRT2qHF6vdmUaIdiAZKpN64B-YLA7-xYkYr8J_WKlqoUxBPz_fKDZJB1uuRn8pdy6X_sPKHLk9B" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1000" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe5JTQ38DFjYpv5QiU5E0mAlOJ0QI17sGJ4bg0R2ZwYy_UMO3UjqSOfPdF3PIbEMb_hen_wM2ethRV9aFoZ7cpG65w3wsmZoSJnmZEIcx9_XgjbraUCnRT2qHF6vdmUaIdiAZKpN64B-YLA7-xYkYr8J_WKlqoUxBPz_fKDZJB1uuRn8pdy6X_sPKHLk9B=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beschorneria yuccoides 'Flamingo Glow'</i>, planted in March 2022, hasn't done much but I haven't given up on it. To be fair, the nearby <i>Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'</i> almost swallowed it up at one point.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3O1DaRBYE3FWaT1HjvVun1K0ydfPr6n9YQ9l2gFvyM_Fxcqr5MGhC1Tnt_ab7AkCdUDVO0JNkVlvzXiDuzeVxMgTxWglyQUtFUMyLXKiYd4UFWoaQ3UiKMurJvrC6BB8-2YoOA-GlfrD6VC49xKVGrMdIUM0dLxKjonxxZT1tuMbQLgWtyjv6Xe9o577O" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3O1DaRBYE3FWaT1HjvVun1K0ydfPr6n9YQ9l2gFvyM_Fxcqr5MGhC1Tnt_ab7AkCdUDVO0JNkVlvzXiDuzeVxMgTxWglyQUtFUMyLXKiYd4UFWoaQ3UiKMurJvrC6BB8-2YoOA-GlfrD6VC49xKVGrMdIUM0dLxKjonxxZT1tuMbQLgWtyjv6Xe9o577O=w640-h410" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only a couple of <i>Coprosmas</i> have done really well in my garden. <i>Coprosma 'Evening Glow'</i> is one of them, shown here playing nicely off <i>Phormium 'Maori Queen'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivuFIqefxgMRen8iU9lxqtUMV3KwJfv_U1xvmYJKEUlVYFhlt8-lx7ttn_Uk34kcjn4BeYHV9rx0JIUhBOxWw2c4x1ytRcP_sWIJq_E9NuLRbeLbIh-nixkjAOh4urbColfe2CkFQmCIdov7GbEbTT10pFsml9zMRckdMChHLU33HOUzvLahBqlf1A_1yv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3264" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivuFIqefxgMRen8iU9lxqtUMV3KwJfv_U1xvmYJKEUlVYFhlt8-lx7ttn_Uk34kcjn4BeYHV9rx0JIUhBOxWw2c4x1ytRcP_sWIJq_E9NuLRbeLbIh-nixkjAOh4urbColfe2CkFQmCIdov7GbEbTT10pFsml9zMRckdMChHLU33HOUzvLahBqlf1A_1yv=w640-h392" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coprosma repens 'Plum Hussey'</i> grows much taller than <i>'Evening Glow'</i>. My only complaint is that, as it gets taller, it develops bare legs (partially hidden in this case by <i>Aeoniums</i> at its base).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ1CvnxVPTaUAPRyBGyfnqcgvo3sT2B4xcEViyoE3poryblw04c63w516rnY9oxJJ7IJ1cvqJTw0Nro1mqIY0mIyCI33m0etr1VJVkPOMCub1MH7VtQ-YoDo4PgPR-o3DAUEi6nQvz-HW3dQldHAY1RnG6t7Ysf4Qc0vMkTa5u4HnaW-rVRYseDIS0MNWQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="3264" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ1CvnxVPTaUAPRyBGyfnqcgvo3sT2B4xcEViyoE3poryblw04c63w516rnY9oxJJ7IJ1cvqJTw0Nro1mqIY0mIyCI33m0etr1VJVkPOMCub1MH7VtQ-YoDo4PgPR-o3DAUEi6nQvz-HW3dQldHAY1RnG6t7Ysf4Qc0vMkTa5u4HnaW-rVRYseDIS0MNWQ=w640-h304" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Drimia maritima</i> didn't produce any blooms last year and I was afraid critters might have damaged the bulbs but the foliage of all 5 bulbs is up this year. There are signs of scratches and nibbling on the foliage, though. I'm tempted to relocate one or more bulbs to the upper level of the garden to see if they fare better there.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBUfzhchJN3AGXmvp-MM8s6nggDQXIXnCfX0khcRDD5MOkP8z5Ok3BcBcIuKTmgtjGXZA05V0yk0Q7sBDxTM0FnkTVqF7kXJVO-Vn-Mc5N6Mfw1IOs3Ziy_3Hzu__v07fRfhGFWLR2hflLUCFuZBXazJ8VePCEBTplLPnzhViBchf2SBzU4EpOEjXKX-gi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBUfzhchJN3AGXmvp-MM8s6nggDQXIXnCfX0khcRDD5MOkP8z5Ok3BcBcIuKTmgtjGXZA05V0yk0Q7sBDxTM0FnkTVqF7kXJVO-Vn-Mc5N6Mfw1IOs3Ziy_3Hzu__v07fRfhGFWLR2hflLUCFuZBXazJ8VePCEBTplLPnzhViBchf2SBzU4EpOEjXKX-gi=w424-h640" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a <i>Ginkgo</i> tree across the street in a neighbor's front yard. My <i>Ginkgo's</i> leaves turned crispy brown and fell in late summer but I'm hopeful that, as my tree matures, it'll shed pools of yellow leaves like this too.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI7jwxrvmlU55d4t4uhGx8U6gi2iQ5zgz2auUuMUlTwmnLP717RaYbEZxWkRizlkriB84HmGogm_jVsGBDSPYe6mXkEYLLJSTDjNux50PZTo4Or6rh3twXb00Z3UroD1Vmo9VarhMSopd1uY93zadHQWKCfDk-jBeL8EevjiOlPqK9rmSa_1W1uEsV5mVX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1000" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI7jwxrvmlU55d4t4uhGx8U6gi2iQ5zgz2auUuMUlTwmnLP717RaYbEZxWkRizlkriB84HmGogm_jVsGBDSPYe6mXkEYLLJSTDjNux50PZTo4Or6rh3twXb00Z3UroD1Vmo9VarhMSopd1uY93zadHQWKCfDk-jBeL8EevjiOlPqK9rmSa_1W1uEsV5mVX=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut <i>Melianthus major</i> to the ground every fall but it reliably springs back, bearing its lovely serrated leaves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxk5Qm6FC00q0o8aqVqLwFjn937oO-M9nd6EhdFEyRHoTccLTo1B4pJsfmRVjXqEgiMb9TQIaJNjy5P5PQnkXDobzqcKjAmMBZkneO1kGHsO8uRrTFnwhJFRz3vjI7cNjSKTC76WiPjjtaaotPIJlJnPxYOC2ybhCnK2uspIcGLqkvUhRnaBghbwrVGzqk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="3264" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxk5Qm6FC00q0o8aqVqLwFjn937oO-M9nd6EhdFEyRHoTccLTo1B4pJsfmRVjXqEgiMb9TQIaJNjy5P5PQnkXDobzqcKjAmMBZkneO1kGHsO8uRrTFnwhJFRz3vjI7cNjSKTC76WiPjjtaaotPIJlJnPxYOC2ybhCnK2uspIcGLqkvUhRnaBghbwrVGzqk=w640-h304" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Given how dry it's been overall this winter, I'm amazed by how much moss we have. These photos of the back slope were taken before the 2 recent rainstorms. There's more in the upper level of the garden and between paving stones too. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL0mV8yl-3xXOCpk90z-KMwaC4Hdz9hhRZ3tkM8Nt0uQ-GKjqt5odZr825XSaoq4RhVKisWbe73A4sPZOnPbatRSu9M-MjeDo7JG-uq8SSxJnp7KWHrlKPsPEY4H-j-LAp0EJuHEDQJERFm7bK7_-IKEf-WNR_HFSzKV4TQ0bzmiBjKsQKcxhvSlJ-NglM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1000" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL0mV8yl-3xXOCpk90z-KMwaC4Hdz9hhRZ3tkM8Nt0uQ-GKjqt5odZr825XSaoq4RhVKisWbe73A4sPZOnPbatRSu9M-MjeDo7JG-uq8SSxJnp7KWHrlKPsPEY4H-j-LAp0EJuHEDQJERFm7bK7_-IKEf-WNR_HFSzKV4TQ0bzmiBjKsQKcxhvSlJ-NglM=w640-h627" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the bromeliad <i>Nidularium wittrockia leopardinum</i>, one of my favorites even though its leaf edges are vicious</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKk7hz4IlJtV4w-P-AGsnUOhllECpwfNlYu_nhvznTYEuH8z6IEEQQjKU1pAVaM2C-CaSEQeY8tHlfVJvTPZub_6Y4lSZdXLZsRZ82Qx5RvjtaI93MwmY2NaRiJMlqQ1-G72Ee7WJ97jCjBjoGKDoKXWcxlUwCIFlStizucx-EWrMhLIcPVSlMExQX1Knv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="3264" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKk7hz4IlJtV4w-P-AGsnUOhllECpwfNlYu_nhvznTYEuH8z6IEEQQjKU1pAVaM2C-CaSEQeY8tHlfVJvTPZub_6Y4lSZdXLZsRZ82Qx5RvjtaI93MwmY2NaRiJMlqQ1-G72Ee7WJ97jCjBjoGKDoKXWcxlUwCIFlStizucx-EWrMhLIcPVSlMExQX1Knv=w640-h304" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite <i>Peperomias, P. angulata 'Funky Frog'</i> (Who comes up with these names?)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4lSZx-oelyJgwLocd0xz_sXlgBkSbfRwUKRFBWSBmRdq-JkGL1oI51XL9HNA2OvqZz2HAvj1U8gzwvxmiM5y4fv5GSxypFzlGHvu5iwTo99n8LgWAaQ-wpUKpb_DeAVyTsMP98snEKyhOigpU7dWBHsW4jayZG9t6eSp0Zn3R_uME_H_Q5C9bxeXGDQTN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1000" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4lSZx-oelyJgwLocd0xz_sXlgBkSbfRwUKRFBWSBmRdq-JkGL1oI51XL9HNA2OvqZz2HAvj1U8gzwvxmiM5y4fv5GSxypFzlGHvu5iwTo99n8LgWAaQ-wpUKpb_DeAVyTsMP98snEKyhOigpU7dWBHsW4jayZG9t6eSp0Zn3R_uME_H_Q5C9bxeXGDQTN=w640-h541" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I picked up this small coleus (<i>Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Flamethrower Chili Pepper'</i>) in early fall in the interest of seeing how it'd do in this bed. I only bought one plant as I thought cooler temperatures might quickly kill it off but it's made a great little groundcover, nicely complementing <i>Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSxlmqqCASe1j9n2tLjqGpURHZYEH0o___CZYLzOxOIIztD9OpTjN5Mz6fscfRXx52DidHvBsr4gxUFtnzCR6exgChRBdYvoC9zklGuvx8nM-miAJMhuM6ylipxIeg4hBMTB5aObBlpE2r1cuUE_Ed_imQpCHVjWYNaS-DnpOVxyOCWkP6dkN6N2JHSpTW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="996" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSxlmqqCASe1j9n2tLjqGpURHZYEH0o___CZYLzOxOIIztD9OpTjN5Mz6fscfRXx52DidHvBsr4gxUFtnzCR6exgChRBdYvoC9zklGuvx8nM-miAJMhuM6ylipxIeg4hBMTB5aObBlpE2r1cuUE_Ed_imQpCHVjWYNaS-DnpOVxyOCWkP6dkN6N2JHSpTW=w637-h640" width="637" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This coleus (<i>Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Limewire'</i>) is out of control but unbothered by the colder weather. Protection from wind and sun seems to be the key in keeping coleus alive over the winter months here. I cut it back after taking this shot to reveal more of <i>Fuchsia 'Voodoo'</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjppVh6a3pmdPljPW0aHcpi2rqP-LJFS9MgfyKtNbWY0JSFa5Xefi-Ck_h4hXIjtgrtPmrBbgiWO3YLxVkZ8JG7wWvoBJF_RrxPAGZfy4_Z0v32fHTbSpqom4BMhRO2Akdl6zjjV_4Ye7UWx2_0pQb5514SZi7QA8sOE_sg7Re6gEn9qMaKTQVhNXrZRlM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1000" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjppVh6a3pmdPljPW0aHcpi2rqP-LJFS9MgfyKtNbWY0JSFa5Xefi-Ck_h4hXIjtgrtPmrBbgiWO3YLxVkZ8JG7wWvoBJF_RrxPAGZfy4_Z0v32fHTbSpqom4BMhRO2Akdl6zjjV_4Ye7UWx2_0pQb5514SZi7QA8sOE_sg7Re6gEn9qMaKTQVhNXrZRlM=w640-h530" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someday <i>Protea 'Pink Ice'</i> will produce flowers but, even without them, the shrub makes a statement</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM6egqNmX8Q6XL1Vk9nvYXKE2afU71FanxAx8kLuiiljQc6qAiMnttgJAd42vF5iaSPqyx2gFAJOQsbhojOnWLWxPjsYYAajzNFog0inlVIkyIYv7HklBmuUdfLZxxjmbQqkjlDDOuFw9zWKPDr4E4cgLmEYoQuOdlmc9nFgBLRjTPnYrH_EYU5wIBbdGD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1000" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM6egqNmX8Q6XL1Vk9nvYXKE2afU71FanxAx8kLuiiljQc6qAiMnttgJAd42vF5iaSPqyx2gFAJOQsbhojOnWLWxPjsYYAajzNFog0inlVIkyIYv7HklBmuUdfLZxxjmbQqkjlDDOuFw9zWKPDr4E4cgLmEYoQuOdlmc9nFgBLRjTPnYrH_EYU5wIBbdGD=w640-h432" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think <i>Santolina virens 'Lemon Fizz'</i> should be called "Lime Fizz". My <i>Santolinas</i> have gotten scruffy in the past after a couple of years but I followed published guidance and gave these a haircut in the fall with great results.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigWVMzyswjYf0X0wOe1uFSFyP9ePk3ohf93SrLa-GARlnv2xMbjhFy6_0_iOPcwsSFoLasqLAH2PhY9YF7jf_KTBCj8nOx2EgYkayTM77obKdYVlnbTsgpLjIZkijNzHrtCHKWUnfHU8bu-rZGrF2-xfa3H9xEy-X0UPTUTXVc_FYeHH3L6jnMXsXqT51a" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="1000" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigWVMzyswjYf0X0wOe1uFSFyP9ePk3ohf93SrLa-GARlnv2xMbjhFy6_0_iOPcwsSFoLasqLAH2PhY9YF7jf_KTBCj8nOx2EgYkayTM77obKdYVlnbTsgpLjIZkijNzHrtCHKWUnfHU8bu-rZGrF2-xfa3H9xEy-X0UPTUTXVc_FYeHH3L6jnMXsXqT51a=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This <i>Trachelospermum</i> is one of many that came with the garden. I'd assumed it was <i>T. jasminoides</i> but a reader commented that the red color displayed by these suggest it's <i>T. asiaticum</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Prior to last Saturday, our rain total for the water year-to-date (calculated from October 1st) was 3.01 inches. With the two storms that passed through Saturday and Monday it reached 5.38 inches. That's not great by comparison to last year's numbers but maybe there's at least a chance of getting something like "normal" rainfall here this year. "Normal" rainfall would mean getting at least another nine inches by early April and the current pace of our rainstorms makes that goal somewhat questionable.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574540292918761182.post-6190453421705248002024-01-22T06:30:00.000-08:002024-01-22T06:30:00.135-08:00In a Vase on Monday: Petite Posies<p>It rained lightly but steadily on Saturday and, as the forecast called for even heavier rain on Sunday and Monday, I clipped flowers in the late afternoon to arrange on Sunday. As it turned out, Sunday was mostly sunny, which goes to show that even the shortest-term weather projections can be wildly inaccurate. </p><p>My <i>Hemerocallis</i>, including the one I brought inside last week, still aren't blooming so I made do with what I could find to fill two small vases.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjeJGNvSvUP5Uo-wtkdiq3joUgUzP3vU-0Mh5L_c3ox0hDAubLfoSd5GkbgUADVqr3OUfx1-6zqWSeqSptl3HABqZCl3y7RUmVmGmOiQ03s7kqg7YXKUnaoWxZFTAAnuI3lXxYmu-lttNU9aZEyp9SFYcknrQGDKZWIzc5Znu_3YXZ5p08VWjQU-vspAYd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjeJGNvSvUP5Uo-wtkdiq3joUgUzP3vU-0Mh5L_c3ox0hDAubLfoSd5GkbgUADVqr3OUfx1-6zqWSeqSptl3HABqZCl3y7RUmVmGmOiQ03s7kqg7YXKUnaoWxZFTAAnuI3lXxYmu-lttNU9aZEyp9SFYcknrQGDKZWIzc5Znu_3YXZ5p08VWjQU-vspAYd=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've had a few <i>Anemone coronaria</i> blooms, all blue thus far. The stems grow longer as the flowers age but these 2 were still relatively short.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijFM4jEG3465e5k7Ojs_mpYl2dM98ZLHpXVsL70MujfwauOUfzjTxAeZnpeTOsHldMwv8SQCFMyw2S-Xhn1jOdcgJ64uNAQpvXNFDNMXBYTuCD-oq-ObNBnmrNhIYu04cLjG0NKfn-LznE4-fkmAOPlou6rEZcsB1AspN__szeBnZkcFnblqlXY2SbeLe7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1000" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijFM4jEG3465e5k7Ojs_mpYl2dM98ZLHpXVsL70MujfwauOUfzjTxAeZnpeTOsHldMwv8SQCFMyw2S-Xhn1jOdcgJ64uNAQpvXNFDNMXBYTuCD-oq-ObNBnmrNhIYu04cLjG0NKfn-LznE4-fkmAOPlou6rEZcsB1AspN__szeBnZkcFnblqlXY2SbeLe7=w640-h497" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view: I also used some very short stems of blue <i>Pericallis</i>, which is largely hidden behind Acacia foliage in this view but somewhat clearer in the earlier front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiu6CqAQIkrX1QyBQgG2sz3zZQVteVkg4-dPykVXfdtNGf82F5kD8gx7XAHlcW1qDtYZSLnTAkcK9dXG_jOJLM7eVi8HDJ50Tv2xEBQ0JVhnT2H7KdIruAzWhaIpyWVCYdA8Za1oChkjshEb72fe_7MduHwwb_sLoTB8WCZw6RHSzqVSOt91OwG23OcQYlO" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1000" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiu6CqAQIkrX1QyBQgG2sz3zZQVteVkg4-dPykVXfdtNGf82F5kD8gx7XAHlcW1qDtYZSLnTAkcK9dXG_jOJLM7eVi8HDJ50Tv2xEBQ0JVhnT2H7KdIruAzWhaIpyWVCYdA8Za1oChkjshEb72fe_7MduHwwb_sLoTB8WCZw6RHSzqVSOt91OwG23OcQYlO=w640-h470" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDGJAA5Dytgj8elsXItGCcOQVaXVl2lpD4VwI0dDUyElfPMx1B7-EG2Mq3p9LPkNp51k0QDaGYgA7FXInQAbM4Ig7Hc3I7cAdFy1fFT3jOBK8LZ79NE-1R1z6QCrOk-vYNTvzn0ZRSm6kI_MROGNgEheuOvc1v_Dt28n218JJAd7j2a7nFgayEe2JEjYk3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2571" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDGJAA5Dytgj8elsXItGCcOQVaXVl2lpD4VwI0dDUyElfPMx1B7-EG2Mq3p9LPkNp51k0QDaGYgA7FXInQAbM4Ig7Hc3I7cAdFy1fFT3jOBK8LZ79NE-1R1z6QCrOk-vYNTvzn0ZRSm6kI_MROGNgEheuOvc1v_Dt28n218JJAd7j2a7nFgayEe2JEjYk3=w504-h640" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt', Antirrhinum majus, Delphinium grandiflorum 'Diamonds Blue', Anemone coronaria 'Lord Lieutenant', Pericallis x hybrida, Nemesia 'Plus White'</i>, and <i>Prostanthera ovalifolia 'Variegata'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Saturday's rain brought down over a dozen <i>Camellia</i> blooms and, with heavier rain in the forecast, I felt compelled to cut a couple of stems for an arrangement to sit on our kitchen island, where we could enjoy them, if briefly.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkt2we8Mi8i6Rn_SCCKK5Vjt9lviyKiMShpf02OrGz4Vm6WK6zGO99UBPtQ_D4diOMX_MYyqb6fyCCX1ehWkYqPcyZkqFegAHNHS8Oz1ApfJm0xTDhdjFOXnCD5dC4lMQKFa3WV8RwPsfHHC-okq0nONB3W8L_4PL2tn2icK9vQ11Q8cYU6yQ4tMvA260L" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="710" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkt2we8Mi8i6Rn_SCCKK5Vjt9lviyKiMShpf02OrGz4Vm6WK6zGO99UBPtQ_D4diOMX_MYyqb6fyCCX1ehWkYqPcyZkqFegAHNHS8Oz1ApfJm0xTDhdjFOXnCD5dC4lMQKFa3WV8RwPsfHHC-okq0nONB3W8L_4PL2tn2icK9vQ11Q8cYU6yQ4tMvA260L=w453-h640" width="453" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Camellia</i> flowers are beautiful, no matter how long they last</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Ah_6BrIpZVh0tsm01TYm8J1qWvav5XNZ4pqAuBXCEkCJtcpe1LH_7VT5iP9-RaPhazuSYWbm_EeBGI5zwwZtI7M3OL-LsQXslsS1XXwqGhMuiHbwjlCB1AkTPajNPvxa439R1hVL8CD2IeUDGi5vRXsvf_yYNiPmHE9z1hOkveqqvpwR5nwzOuyvh2TT" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_Ah_6BrIpZVh0tsm01TYm8J1qWvav5XNZ4pqAuBXCEkCJtcpe1LH_7VT5iP9-RaPhazuSYWbm_EeBGI5zwwZtI7M3OL-LsQXslsS1XXwqGhMuiHbwjlCB1AkTPajNPvxa439R1hVL8CD2IeUDGi5vRXsvf_yYNiPmHE9z1hOkveqqvpwR5nwzOuyvh2TT=w632-h640" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV7ve7cee43gCUucYNlSP-3_H1wRcf_jRaSnK3Xk-9zZ1HAg86lbajOpXW7y-i5lsr0roez7mhe0_L4Po9bbo73P8DCx-3s1kwBc2eO35IEWGvBqsg1k3cFMLDGu7I7ilE_5SlMdchjJiIhtyXlVsVIDXGzXNMOasax-4oTzwLU-nrnS2nFa4CHBZQEYyX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1000" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV7ve7cee43gCUucYNlSP-3_H1wRcf_jRaSnK3Xk-9zZ1HAg86lbajOpXW7y-i5lsr0roez7mhe0_L4Po9bbo73P8DCx-3s1kwBc2eO35IEWGvBqsg1k3cFMLDGu7I7ilE_5SlMdchjJiIhtyXlVsVIDXGzXNMOasax-4oTzwLU-nrnS2nFa4CHBZQEYyX=w640-h526" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihR6kJfZOTk37rlT1obNhvScMHXKu-gn9Y3-mHn_hikXpo8VAyfF6cfmpp2IUNGr-YMy-ogeKqNFFrL0GTkars5wwrbM8e_one8hUQ0Imcug6E5DDTQt895drzWMnSM2uHRnX-Tz4LFJe8dT4MS_BFBo8BijiJkk4_fTjGqumLwibGTGBzqC5BKXB04P_l" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3118" data-original-width="3264" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihR6kJfZOTk37rlT1obNhvScMHXKu-gn9Y3-mHn_hikXpo8VAyfF6cfmpp2IUNGr-YMy-ogeKqNFFrL0GTkars5wwrbM8e_one8hUQ0Imcug6E5DDTQt895drzWMnSM2uHRnX-Tz4LFJe8dT4MS_BFBo8BijiJkk4_fTjGqumLwibGTGBzqC5BKXB04P_l=w640-h612" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from the upper left: <i>Alstroemeria 'Inca Lucky', Boronia crenulata 'Shark Bay', Camellia williamsii 'Taylor's Perfection'</i>, and <i>Pentas lanceolata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><br />I removed the spent <i>Grevilleas</i> in last week's vase and gave it a simple refresh to fill the spot that was held by the two week old arrangement featuring <i>Aeonium 'Zwartkop'</i> and <i>Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder'</i>.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR1aCUZ6xlEMukfOyLeNPnzYrIUrUXHyfJRWfX0z-E7edLZvrlC83GQdoIOnxLrfBIqc7m0BOT-ZyNgL-ifuXQeaxjlxNUVHC0GRnFWYFhrEmY1XvS8LCdW2P0njZNxzLrWYRAMTVVL0sKbABZaIx_R0Dkjoko3Q40tDp88Fise9wt4oCRiBxbjRZxfFkR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1497" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR1aCUZ6xlEMukfOyLeNPnzYrIUrUXHyfJRWfX0z-E7edLZvrlC83GQdoIOnxLrfBIqc7m0BOT-ZyNgL-ifuXQeaxjlxNUVHC0GRnFWYFhrEmY1XvS8LCdW2P0njZNxzLrWYRAMTVVL0sKbABZaIx_R0Dkjoko3Q40tDp88Fise9wt4oCRiBxbjRZxfFkR=w640-h294" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tweaked vase is on the left and the original version is on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></p><p>Monday is still projected to be very wet - as I prepared this post Sunday afternoon, the local forecast gave us a one hundred percent chance of rain. We got nearly an inch of rain on Saturday and I'm hoping for at least another half inch on Monday. Since Sunday was dry, I took the time to move the rainwater I captured in plastic trugs to my largest collection tank, which means all three tanks are full once again. That's a good way to start off the week.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgohD7xeSdP7J9WHapKsSd0gGt8ufaK0C0NbTbbC86V_I54YSRbkMH-U6yG3rZ97fUVhndmEohxVkUqo67c5VvanKZ87gN_Ta5ggKnkUJ97hnorZa9IKt9RWDhQQLlWVYXQygZXagGRDIBe5lEccB2MU61cmlzLnMVVPUBreL0DRmLMsUji7tc5hN4ZdDaM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1602" data-original-width="3264" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgohD7xeSdP7J9WHapKsSd0gGt8ufaK0C0NbTbbC86V_I54YSRbkMH-U6yG3rZ97fUVhndmEohxVkUqo67c5VvanKZ87gN_Ta5ggKnkUJ97hnorZa9IKt9RWDhQQLlWVYXQygZXagGRDIBe5lEccB2MU61cmlzLnMVVPUBreL0DRmLMsUji7tc5hN4ZdDaM=w640-h314" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>For more IAVOM creations, <a href="https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">visit our host, Cathy at Rambling in the Garden</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span><i>All material © 2012-202</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i>4</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><i> by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party</i></span></span></p>Kris Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.com26