Fence, Interrupted

 After getting a couple bids on the fence, ahem -I decided to give a go at repairing it.  $7k isn't in the cards right now.  And while I'm at it, why not paint it black. This is a Frankenstein fence job, out of my jurisdiction.  But I think with my repairs,  it will make it through a few more winters for a couple hundred bucks. Before:After.  *Different direction, sorry. This 3' side is 77' long, the other taller (6') portion of the fence separating the front from the back is probably 30' guesstimate. I didn't leave too many plants along the fence line, but it's crazy how much better they look with a black backdrop.

The area connected to the the gate (to the backyard) is ready for some love. No idea what I'll do with the stock tanks. 

The fixing & painting took one full day, and 2 afternoons.  I was sore when I was done- mostly my forearm from painting, but also my legs from squatting 10,000 times. So I switched to something fun this afternoon. Filling up the rusty pillar!  My ideas were very loose, Bromeliads maybe some Epiphyllum, Tillandsia.  I'll see how it gets through the winter and adjust things in the spring.  

I threw some coco bark chips in the bottom for good drainage, and they're super light. Sphagnum moss & charcoal on top. 

I have a tall Bromeliad on order to go in the center, my cake topper.  I added the mesh for Tillandsia, but it was fussy getting them attached.  I would like to hot glue the rest, it's so much easier.  Also, I feel like I'm manhandling them with the wire.  

Waiting their turn.

A work in progress - the moss liner will be covered up as things grow.  I'll poke a couple holes in to make spaces for more plants.  

I'll share a few fun shots I took while I was weeding.  A nice spot in the shade along the back (by the slope) path.  Sedum Autumn Joy.

This was labeled as Aloe Africana, but that bud looks reaaaally yellow.  I was expecting the bloom to start out orange and turn yellow as they opened? Not to mention flowering now instead of winter/early Spring, hahaha. Anyone out there have Africana? It can stay, no matter the name.  *Raoulia creeping on the rock at the base.  

Whoa, Protea repens 'Don's Pink' still in the pot (from UC Santa Cruz Arboretum).  

Banksia speciosa.  That's the cutest little cone ever.  Moving this to partial shade has improved the vigor of this particular banksia.

This aster planted itself and I let it ride. 

Hopefully it's boldness will encourage the evergreen Huckleberry to finally produce some fruit!

And Furcraea foetida var. is looking so much better, I thought it was a goner.  Definitely need to get it into a bigger pot a.s.a.p.

Next up, I'll start covering the process of renovation the front side garden.  Is fall a safe time to plant where you are?  

***Edited to add.  I was just outside and noticed a couple other aloes blooming, or getting ready to.

close-up. Will the real Aloe africana please stand up!

Last, but not least -Aloe fleurentiniorum- I'll admit the Callistemon is pulling focus.