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Bud or Bloom?

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 I was recently having a discussion with myself, if I actually enjoyed the anticipation of plants blooming more than the actual bloom?  I have plenty of plants that don't bloom at all -or they are dying when they do, and I LOVE THEM. Spikes, foliage and fuzziness being the focal point of plants is underrated. Not a bloom, but a cool spider web in the sun.  Some are obvious. She's good for one thing!   I like Aloe speciosa's early bud racemes better before they open.  Still, gorgeousness. And the plant itself tilts it's head toward the sun - making it cool year round.  Leucospermum 'Brandi'  Middle-ish of open? Personal favorite. I can't be the only one who prefers the pre-show of Leucospermum?  Aloe rupestris, bud at it's very beginning stage. And currently shooting mostly above the plant. Beschorneria septentrionalis I'll admit, this is getting MORE exciting. Leucadendron discolor 'Pom Pom' -I don't have a before or after, it's just ...
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Spring forward!

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I don't know about you, but I felt that hour being snagged away.  Sunday was a perfect 80°, flip flops on -sweat in the sun- day and I didn't want to come inside.  I don't see any predictions of rain in the near future, we are dry dry. I was headed round the back yard, I almost missed that the tall Pilocereus pachycladus was blooming.  Kind of an odd short lived bloom, my favorite thing is the crazy hair-do.    And to the front "back" corner, Grevillea synapheae has exploded. I almost walked on by this plant from UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, but I'm happy to have it.  It's a funny contorted little thing.   I went from thinking I don't have much to work on... to OH I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO DO! First up, the "FARM AREA" The absolute messiest area that I can never seem to keep tidy.  And truth be told, it's not going to get much better this summer.  One raised bed is to be a cutting garden, the other for tomatoes.  I can't give up the summ...
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Things to come...

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 I realize now I was quite mopey about the weather report last week.  Somehow, I survived 😂.   Going forward, we look free of any frosts.  Lows in the 50's, I've got a 2nd batch of tomato seeds going.  First seeds weren't viable (old). Lots of clean-up still, with another round of weed pulling.  I'm so thrilled about the warmer weather & sunshine, I'm NOT complaining.  Listening to music and practically dancing while I do chores out there.   A little closer.  Closest.  I'm replacing the covers on the lounger.  I'm surprised the cat isn't asleep on it in this picture - he definitely gets the most use of the outdoor bed.  The top shade cover easily ripped off, the fabric was so weather worn.  I wanted to replace the beige with orange - but went with a neutral Sunbrella fabric, play mushroom. Err, brown.  It's brown.  I decided I can play with color while choosing pillows.   In other news, the we...
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February Doldrums

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 I was on a joy "high" with the sunny warm weather at the start of the month.  That has come to a screeching halt with colder rainy weather.  I know I don't have a leg to stand on here, mostly we have great weather and we don't get snow or ice on the valley floor.  We will be getting a dusting of snow in the hills around our town.  Photo from my upstairs bedroom, wet wet.  The ground will be saturated with at least 2" of rain by Thursday and we're getting down to 31°. I'm bound to lose a plant or two.  You can't really tell in the photo, but my sofa bed needs recovering and new cushions.  Hence, why I didn't cover it like I usually do for winter. The new cushions are safely tucked in the dry garage for now. Material is here for the new topper.     Zoomed and a little to the right.  Far right -almost the corner- you can see one of the little houses I built to protect Agave chazaroi from the current conditions.  I'll wrap wi...
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