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.
I don't have an experienced eye for your type of zone and garden, but when I look at your photos, you seem to mix/arrange the various plants so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anvil, mostly happy accidents :)
DeleteEnjoy the rain. We're supposed to get some, too.
ReplyDeleteThe rain was actually quite nice, because it was just one day! hahaha, I'm happy for a partially sunny sky today before the next storm hits.
DeleteI heard about the rain. I'm guessing that a lot of your plants like it dry though? I would love to see the Bancroft garden. I just read a book about it and how it was such an influence.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of a kind, if you're ever near enough to visit. We didn't get as much as first predicted - and yeah rain is good as long as it's not prolonged & soggy.
DeleteI got that note on the sale from the RBG and was so sad I couldn't be there. Good to know you'll be helping them out. Where is your (gorgeous) Arctostaphylos? I don't remember seeing it.
ReplyDeleteThat is to the left of the driveway (facing the house) I don't think we walked that side or through the fence over there? The pool equipment is housed on that side of the house, and garbage cans - so I definitely wouldn't have lead you that way.
DeleteYour south alcove looks like a plant nursery! Your garden looks healthy and happy at present and I'm sure it appreciated the rain. The rain has only just started here - at one point the projection was almost 4 inches between now and Monday but now it looks like maybe 3 inches. That's still a lot for us and it appears as though there could be another storm coming through later next week. Great for us, if hazardous for the burn scarred areas.
ReplyDeleteMy Medinilla myriantha (which looks to be a synonym for M. multiflora), also in a pot, stays outside in a cozy corner on my shady south-end patio all year. We don't get as cold as you do during the winter months but we definitely drop well below 68F; however, my plant also doesn't blooms a lot ;).
3" is crazy for your area! Hopefully no mud slides. Yeah, that temp has got to be off -it's looking way too nice for our nightly low temps in the 50's.
DeleteI love your garden. I enjoy learning what you do to prepare for the winter season. It is so different from what I do here in Wisconsin, but yet the same in a way.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the sale. And keep us updated on the landscaping down the road.
Carla
Thank you Carla, will do!
DeleteThe much-anticipated rain here in LA has been a light drizzle all day, not sure when the inches will start appearing. Your mallee eucalypt sounds wonderful, I may have to look around for one. I have a spot for a another grevillea (for the hummers) or a gorgeous eucalypt (for me). Your Cussonia spicata is so bushy! Mine is still a lanky Dr. Zeuss specimen after many years. Looks like the neighbors are going big on Mexican Fence Post cactus?
ReplyDeleteI think there are better euc's for blooms - but that Pleuracarpa foliage color really stands out. I can't tell if those are Mex fence or San Pedro- I'll get closer next time. You are back in your LA winter house, how fun. I can't wait to see everything!
DeleteSuch stunning view seen from the shade house in photo 4, WOW.
ReplyDeleteIn your rather warm climate, I'm surprised you have so many tender plants that you have to protect; not unlike the 'winter migration' at the 'Danger Garden'. That's a lot of work and what an extensive collection; one doesn't realize it till the pots are all gathered together.
The furry Silver Leucadendron and Eucalyptus pleurocarpa are absolute stunners! I couldn't pick a favorite between them and I can't wait for them to bulk up.
Chavli
Thank you Chavli :). Well, I probably go a little too far fussing around with protection. I love seeing Loree's transition, especially when they get to come out in spring! Oh, I so want those to bulk up, fingers crossed.
DeleteAm I the only one who isn't getting it? What is the pants connection? It will be interesting to see what is up with their new planting.
ReplyDeleteGood catch! I started with the headline and meant to include that I had to put on pants (instead of shorts) since it was cooling down. When I finished the post, forgot to tie it in. "blush"
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