Time for pants

 We're getting some rain today, which is good - the ground is as dry as can be.  I started some early winter prep, the outdoor dining table is full of an assortment of aloes, agaves, etc. I can't (and don't need)to fit everything in the greenhouse for Jan/Feb - this alcove and couch area are a hot spot in my garden.  Dr. Feelgood can attest, a favorite nap area. Cat microclimate.  The back with its southern exposure is decidedly warmer than the front.

 Aloe pictifolia, this one has really grown on me.  Can be a little frost sensitive, so will keep in a pot.  

So I packed up the white couch cushions & stacked them in the garage.  Set up that white table next to the house. A metal rack arrived this morning to elevate the pots from the table... so I didn't get them all switched over in anticipation of that. Wood dining table will be covered and umbrella put away. More to do...

I went out this morning to get some rainy garden shots. From the shade house.

At some point, I'll move the Medinilla multiflora in the shade house and put some sort of frost fabric up.  The label says minimum temp is 68, oops I better do it soon.  Or bring it inside?  Hmmm.

In the slope near the shade house, the furry Silver Leucadendron and Eucalyptus pleurocarpa are brightening up the scene.  I can't wait for that Eucalyptus to be large enough to feel all right about chopping branches for inside display. 

center bed.  I treated a good amount of the aloes that are setting to bloom with a liquid drench of fungicide.  Last year I had a few ferox buds that got hit by some sort of fungus, which was a big ol' bummer. 

So satisfying when an Aloe Hercules leaf peels or falls off.

Winter grower, boophone haemanthoides (I think, could it be disticha?) I think the fatter wavier leaves indicates haemanthoides BUT online photos leave me confused. 

Cussonia spicata, should be fine exposed to the elements. 

rain drops

More leaves to tweeze.  

The arcto branches are lovely with rain -a collection of cork branches are being stored underneath ;).

And in happenings around town.. a renovation watch is happening over on Almond Ave. not too far from me. This is a cool street with just a few homes, each house unique.  I noticed they were removing almost all the plants from the front yard.  The yard extends on both sides further than I've captured, corner lot.

from Google earth, this is what it used to look like. I wonder if that little barrier privacy fence will be replaced?  

I had to wonder if they were putting in lawn, but when I went by a few days later... I got a sneak peak of plants.

I'll keep my eye on it and report back. 

Tomorrow I'm going to Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery.  They are having a Parking Lot Plant sale  25% off aloes, agaves & sansevierias  their very last order from San Marcos Growers.  Such sad news, I really can't believe they won't exist anymore.    I can't pass up the chance to check it out.