Winter?

Our temps have been ridiculously mild for this time of year, 70° today.  Next week we are headed into  a little colder than usual February forecast, 50's & 35's high/low with some scattered rain.  I know we need it, we're way dry -but still yuck.  We're at 7.22" for our water year rain, I think I misspoke in an earlier post.  I've been busy plunking in plants that I "think" can deal with colder/wetter. Finally, we're filling in!

There are plenty of spots that I will fill in later, probably beginning of March.  In a few weeks, I'll feel better about giving small plants a proper start. 

Today, I'm standing back, and not fiddling with close-in glamour shots.

Lots of kids zoom or walk past when the middle school & high school lets out. 

This morning I'm getting a load of 3/8 top dressing rock, California Gold.  I want to get it spread around (like mulch) before we get rain.  It really helps hold everything together.  Plus, I'll mix it in the soil for sharp drainage when I plant small agaves & mammillaria next month. They can handle cold, but not wet feet.  

So why not do a walk-through before the top dressing is thrown around?! I'm super thankful there are a few bigger statement plants, as most things are dinky winky.  I can't wait for the Agave ovatifolia (in the middle on the right) to take up a nice big circle in that bed. Up the stairs, the right bed alongside the main path is not done.  The sun is just getting high enough to hit this area again.  I didn't want to fuss with things in a winter shade zone just yet. 

And walking past the pot into the middle meteor bed...Aloe lukeana marking the entry. I couldn't resist a few Cleistocactus strausii, silver torch cactus repeating.  They look so nice when backlit by the sun. 

And at the top of the long path by the fence. Tuesday morning I was reading Denise, A Growing Obsession's post about adding Phylica pubescens to her gorgeous garden.  Lo and behold when I was at Flowerland,  there was a beauty just waiting for me.  I had an "ah-ha" moment, wouldn't that be nice and feathery by the spikes? Thank you Denise 😀

Like soft, feathery yellow flowers. I've had to shade cover these for the first summer in the back, this is a bit more protected spot.  Phylica can be a hard to please, I hope she's happy. 

And headed to the back corner.  Mostly planted with proteas, grevilleas, leucadendron, hakea. 

A NO PHOSPHORUS zone!  I should get a sign. 

Closer to the back fence.  

I planted a couple Leucadendron argenteum, Silver Trees in this area.  *Could die.  They are a-ok so far, even if a little pink.  I probably added  too much sulfur dust to their planting area? Time will tell!

Full disclosure, areas are not done.  The tree fern area, honestly I'm not sure what to add here.  It's all day shade, evening sun spot. There is a Hakea francisiana (formerly coriacea) planted at the furthest edge there, that will eventually shield the ferns from harsh sun. 

Nowhere near done, and very awkward in front of the porch. Morning sun, all day shade.  Rando - Clivia caulescens, var. alstroemeria, hebe, saxifrage and ferns.  Make it make sense! 

Side note-- I've been sticking things in the meteor holes.  A game of "Who will survive?".

Quick Aloe glamour shot.  I didn't think much of the name Aloe 'Malibu Peach' but I really love this bloom!

Also, I wanted to share.  I ordered Osteospermum 'Voltage White' from Home Depot.  I couldn't find it anywhere, and it was not available to pick it up in store - had to be shipped.  Ok?  

 Look at the crazy greenhoused package! They unsnap on the sides. 

I'll save the greenhouses to reuse.  I have to say the plants arrived in perfect condition.

My fondness is for the soft yellow underside, when a breeze moves the flowers you get of a hint of the yellow knickers. 

The top dressing rock has just been dumped on my driveway, off to work.  Have a great weekend! Anyone going to a SuperBowl party?  I'm not into football, but I don't mind the snacks!