Plant people

 Happy June, I hope the month has started off well for you!  

I had a fun weekend, although it was quite warm.  Something that has been in the works - Ivan's friend David, @slow__boat on instagram had a LARGE Furcraea macdougallii fall into his lap.  Do I want it?  Yes, but in a 25 gallon pot and over 6' tall, this is waaaaay too heavy for me to manipulate in to the ground.  No problem, they'd bring it over in David's van, dig the hole and plant it!  Oh, and by the way -would I want 2?  *This became the theme of the day.  Uhhh I'm not sure where they will go but sure.  Since I have a small one already, 3 is always the magic number.  

I thought why not invite Gerhard and his friend Kyle @aloesacto on instagram as well? I had visited both their outstanding gardens, and Kyle hadn't been here yet. They were down for it!  Gerhard emailed a couple days prior,  would I be interested in an Aloe moonglow? He had one leaning too far on to the sidewalk.  Yes, please! *photo from Gerhard.

Then later, another email - maybe I would like 2 moonglow?  Ha ha ha, well I obviously can't say no to that!  This Aloe has been on my "must have" list, what a perfect gift.  

I felt terrible the two guys were working in the heat, and told them the could do this on a cooler day, but no they waited for the area to be shaded and got to work. I had cleared part of the bed, but it really wasn't adequate space.  Ivan moving plants around to make room. *It had to be in the mid 90's at this point.

David & Ivan moving Aloe Hercules closer to the fence, it will eventually be taller than the Furcraea even if it is barely pipsqueak now.

One waiting in the wings, slightly banged up but should recover like a champ!  

It was a hoot listening to 5 different opinions on where the second Furcraea should be placed.  

I'll have to share more photos when I get the beds arranged.  Although it was quite hot, I had a wonderful day - I was too busy enjoying listening to everyone talk about plants, that my phone didn't touch my hand.  *Sophia snapped a few photos for me. 

There was a moment where we cooled off in the kitchen for something to drink and snack where I was overhwhelmed with how great it all was.  To be surrounded by far more knowledgeable plant people than myself -with ZERO ego,  it was beyond wonderful!  I felt so lucky-If there are other obsessed, offthechart enthusiastic plant people in Livermore I haven't found them.  After a BBQ meal and strawberry shortcake, David and Ivan did jump in to the pool - small payment for a big job!

 Speaking of wonderful, isn't this Plectranthus zulu wonder just that?

It's happily growing tall enough (by the shade house) to show off it's wonderful purpley undercarriage and stems.

This agave caught my eye yesterday afternoon, the two leaves weren't separated yet. 

I'm glad I caught it, they did come apart not long after. 

One of my Dorycnium hirsutum (supposedly) has a purple bloom? I got to thinking about this after Kris Late to the Garden Party posted about this plant recently.  It must have been mislabeled, I'm not finding that they ever bloom this color.  But it seems to trail in the same fashion.  Hmm.

The week has settled in to 80's, so I should be able to spend plenty of time outdoors.  All the best for a good week!