Flowers and More

Black-eyed Susan  Rudbeckia hirta
A Picture Within a Picture
This is called sheer luck! Not until I had the photo uploaded did I see the reflection in the raindrop.

                                                       Crinum 'Ellen Bosanquet' buds and blooms
This member of the amaryllis family produces multiple, long-lasting blooms from late summer through early fall. The blooms stand tall above the sword-shaped leaves. It doesn't seem to care where it grows — perennial border or tropical garden. The bulbs are large and pest resistant.

                                         Climbing Cactus, Hooker's Orchid Cactus Epiphyllum hookeri
This member of the cactus family, sometimes known as Night-Blooming Cereus, is spectacular if you are fortunate enough to catch it blooming. The bloom grows from the edge of a flat leaf-shaped stem and begins to fade quickly with daylight. Blooms mid-to-late fall, does not tolerate heavy frost, requires sun/part shade and light soil rich in organic material.

                                 Agave americana (Century Plant) or Agave parryi Engelm (Parry's agave)
Native to arid landscapes, this plant was growing in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in July. The Park identified it as A.americana; however, my research  suggests it is Parry's agave. This agave is often referred to as a Century Plant, but in warm climates it will generally bloom in 10 years. It is monocarpic — it dies after blooming, but it produces offsets or "pups" throughout its life.

Parsley Worm Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxene  

 Rainbow Hedge Hog Cactus
Echinocereus dasyacanthus

   I happily sacrificed two fennel plants so this little guy and his countless cousins could grow up to be beautiful swallowtail butterflies. These late caterpillars also like dill and parsley. I titled this photo Good to the Last Bite.

   This cactus is in a pot. It bloomed shortly after my husband brought it home, and though it is a short-lived bloom, it is fun to watch the bud develop from what could be described as a "growth" on the the barrel-shaped cactus.

   This common wildflower has been hybridized for the flower garden. Its many varieties are easily grown from seed and should be sown where it will get at least six hours of sun.

   This poppy grows profusely along roadsides in California.
It makes a wonderful bedding plant that provides an early spark of color and re-seeds easily in hot, dry areas.  

   On impulse, I bought an artichoke plant though I knew nothing about caring for it. Miraculously we harvested two artichokes which are actually the flower buds. Then, as summer turned up the heat, the remaining buds opened and flowered before I knew it.

   Sometimes known as bergamont or bee balm, this beautiful flower makes a great cut flower. It is a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. It has just one problem — it is extremely susceptible to mildew in our hot, humid summers. Good air circulation is important.  

   This easy-to-grow annual provides great color and is a good "filler" plant. It will bloom quickly and heavily throughout the summer and early fall, then dies with first frost. Once you have it going, you will have cosmos seeds forever.

   Narrower than most shrub roses, this beauty is great for cutting. The color is creamy white with just a hint of pink and the fragrance is sweet and clean. It seems to be hardy and not as susceptible to the diseases that are common to most roses.

   This perennial has deep green, thistle-like foliage, and it flowers reliably in mid-summer with brilliant blue globes. It is a great choice for a xeriscape garden.

   This plant might not be for everyone, but it can make a dramatic impact in the garden. Not only is it beautiful, but it is a useful addition to any drought tolerant landscape.

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