Garden Views For Mum

I know that I have a habit of getting very close to flowers and bugs and other tiny things of great interest, but I am going to take a step back for those who want to get the big picture.

 First off, I have to say that I am thrilled with how established the Plumbago is in the front yard under the oak tree.  It is covered in intense blue flowers and is behaving just as I have always wanted it to. 

Secondly, I have finally started the arduous task of clearing the grass from the no man's land between our driveway and the next door neighbour's driveway.  First I planted a Desert Willow, and then a couple of weeks later, after the rains abated, I started to dig more grass out, and I have now also planted a Rock Rose that had seeded itself from the back, and a cactus.  Fingers crossed that they all survive, and that I continue to have the energy to dig, and that at some point it starts to look somewhat attractive.  Of course the good thing about a total wasteland, is that it is hard to make it look worse.

 Into the back yard, and a view to the left from the patio... my favourite view right now.  I am loving, loving, loving the bamboo, and bamboo muhli and rock/cactus area.

 Coming into the backyard from the side of the house gives you this view,

 And standing back under the Cedar Elm gives you this view... perhaps a good spot for a future guest cabin?

 Also this view.

 And finally, in the back right corner the garden looks like this.  All very green and lush right now after the rains.  And now...., just because I can't resist when I have a camera in my hands... you know, my hands just start shaking, and my fingers drift to the settings dial, and before I know it, I have turned it to macro, and then I just give in to the addiction... sorry, I can't help it.

 The Blue Sky plant has more flowers this year than ever before.  Very nice, although I do wish it would grow a little bigger.

 And the Texas Blue Bell is divine as usual.

 And the something-or-other has just taken off, so I am very pleased about that (by the patio)

 and I am still in love with the Russian Sage, although I am debating whether or not I should move it to the front.

 Loving this cactus, which I thought would always stay small, but I am getting the feeling it is going to get huge.

And a Ruellia bloom to end with because it looks soooo cool... don't you think?
So there you have it.  Something for everyone.

PEACHES!!!

I am proud to say that we all enjoyed Fresh Sliced Peaches yesterday evening!!!

 Look at this bowl!  Granted it is only one feast (yes, that's the whole crop), but it was a feast... everyone got a healthy bowl, and it is only the second year for our little peach tree!  So I am pretty darned thrilled! I hope this means years of peach heaven ahead...  Oh, and they were just as sweet and flavourful and delicious as you could want.  

The Rain Brought A Crop Of Mushrooms...

Hiding down below, in the shade of the Salvia are hundreds of tiny, silvery-grey mushrooms, looking pale and delicate and ghostly in the filtered light.

Of Note in the Garden

Well, BY GUM, would you look at THAT... I do believe that thar is a PEACH!  

 Look at that rosy glow!  Okay, it is a miniature peach, but a peach nonetheless.

 Our interloping sunflower now has several blooms,

 And the Rock Rose looks lovely after its early morning watering.

And I had to throw this one in, because the little baby ears that are coming out on the cactus are sooo sweet looking.
Just a wee sampling of what's going on down south over here.

Here Comes the Sun.... Flower

The little green bud opened to reveal its yellow glory.

I am not sure where the seed for this plant blew in from, but it seems very happy with its new home.

Of course, it chose the wrong side of the garden... the pink side.  (The other side is the red/orange/yellow side) But, oh well.  A little splash of yellow in there isn't the end of the world.

And speaking of pink, the Cone flower is looking kind of burnt and tired unfortunately, but I love the little curled stamen all over the cone that you can see if you enlarge the picture. 

And finally, the Russian Sage is fluffing up nicely.  I was a little afraid it was just going to be sad and pathetic and then die, but it seems to have perked up.

And of course the camera I am using now doesn't do really close up very well, but the tiny flowers are soooo sweet. They have these pretty little dark purple stripes on white down in the center of the flower.  Very nice.

Goodbye Butterfly Weed, Hello REALLY FAT Caterpillars

In my morning wanderings today, I discovered that Queen Caterpillars have decided to decimate the Butterfly Weed.

I don't have a very big plant, and pretty soon I imagine I will have even less, because enjoying it immensely are NOT one,

 NOT two,

but THREE, Queen caterpillars. A whole happy little family.  So much for the plant I guess.  I wonder if I'll get to see them turn into butterflies.  

Here is another view of the first one.  The three sets of red and black feelers are amazing, don't you think?

 Oh, and just by the by, am I the only one deafened by Cicadas this summer.  I thought they were loud in Greece, but man... there are a ton this summer right here.  I have been noticing many, many, many of their creepy, prehistoric, discarded shells too...

Unexpected Visitor

It's so nice when something invites itself into your garden that you are actually pleased to see growing there!  

 In the back corner I discovered a sun flower that looks like it is going to have several blooms.

Look how perfect these buds are!  I love the little white hairs along each protective leaf, and the way they overlap one another around the bud.

 The flowers will be fun to see, but I have to say, I am liking it at this stage of its growth VERY much.