I could get used to this

Mildest summer ever, fantastic!  Aloe Hercules is getting serious about it's trunk. Dropping a couple big leaves per week.  So satisfying to peel them off as they dry out (or they just fall off).

It's thrilling to see the branching (2 heads) become more prominent.  Still one of my top 5 favorite plants.

While things are feeling quite messy, it's nice to put the blinders on and look at things that love summer heat.  Pachypodium geayi is strutting along.  

There are potted things everywhere, I'm due for several "getting serious things done"days.

Potted Erica verticilata is looking very sweet. 

Does anyone grow Berzelia albiflora?  I think I should be pruning off the old blooms - but can't make myself do it. 

I'm going to wait, maybe winter dormancy?  

In the good news category: Ivan got the cherry tree 6' stump & huge root ball out (behemoth!). And the 2 Oleanders as well.  Whew!  He made it seem easy. I'm so grateful. *That rootball is actually about 4' wide, doesn't look it in the zoomed out picture.

Dumbo, the Haemanthus is blooming. I'm partial to it's huge elephant ears leaves -more than the flower.

The stalk is pretty cool!  

I'm definitely hiding the messy, if you walked around my garden right now there would be a lot of raising of the eyebrows. Ha ha.  Drimia maritima.

So cute close-up. 

And a visit from Sophia & Ivan brought gifts from David Neumaier.  I opened the door for them, Ivan holding up a big tree Aloe (thraskii) and Sophia holding a much smaller, but similar shaped Tillandsia.  Also, a Dioon from David's garden.  *I'm not sure on ID, but will get it from David.  It will likely need more space. 😀

I'm off for a super flash visit to see my parents in Portland, will be staying with my friend Tina.  I'm flying Southwest, and not knowing where my seat will be is low-level annoying.  It's a solo trip so it really shouldn't matter.  Wish me luck!