Though we are a week away from the Fall Equinox, it does seem as if the first days of fall are upon us. Cooler mornings and then pleasant days. Our gardens too are in transition, as most of the spring annuals are done. And the fall/winter seasonal color plants are in at our local nurseries (cyclamen, primroses, pansies and violas etc). And for those of us with Salvias in our gardens, this is their time to shine.
To honor the last of summer, here are some garden photos taken last week.
This Begonia variety was brought to our nursery by Kathy Eckols, without a variety name. Anyone know which one it is?
Begonias are the show right now and here's one in full bloom.
Celosia may be common but they're great for instant color.
Mandevilla Apricot. This color isn't common so I'm glad I grabbed one while I had the chance.
This unusual Centaurea (C. ragusina) has beautiful silvery foliage.
Aloe rooikappie. The colorful tubular flowers are a hit with hummers.
Though this shot is in too much shade, I wanted to show the huge leaves and interesting color on my Vitis coignetiae.
One last lily, my L. Flavia. Huge, very pink and deliciously fragrant.
One thing interesting about the bromeliad Neoregelia is that many will 'color up' in more sun. That's the case with this variety.
Monardella Marion Sampson. The 'mighty mite' of coyote mints, this guy's flowers are almost as big as the plant itself.
Here's my Lantana, now rooted down through its pot and happy as a clam.
This mixed succulent bowl features a bronze Kalanchoe.
This is a new art piece. Though it looks like glass, it's actually molded plastic. Very cool!
Duranta repens Gold Mound. After a hard prune, this golden duranta has filled out again quickly.
Neoregelia Green Apple x Vulcan. Many of the bromeliads are crosses, as is the case with this colorful Neo.
Rhipsalis variety. Neither a regular flowering plant nor a succulent. One website explains "Rhipsalis is a genus of numerous species, many of which are commonly known as mistletoe cactus or coral cactus. These plants are epiphytic or lithophytic* , jungle cacti, primarily native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America. Jungle cacti typically grow in a pocket of moss or debris in the crook of a tree branch or a rock."
Porcelain Berry vine is an apt description for this vine. Its berries start out white, then become green, blue and finally a deep purple, often with speckling.
Speaking of bromeliads, this Vriesea fenestralis has produced its first bloom spike. The flowers have yet to appear but will do so in time.
