Bud or Bloom?
I was recently having a discussion with myself, if I actually enjoyed the anticipation of plants blooming more than the actual bloom? I have plenty of plants that don't bloom at all -or they are dying when they do, and I LOVE THEM. Spikes, foliage and fuzziness being the focal point of plants is underrated. Not a bloom, but a cool spider web in the sun.
Still, gorgeousness. And the plant itself tilts it's head toward the sun - making it cool year round.
Middle-ish of open? Personal favorite.
I can't be the only one who prefers the pre-show of Leucospermum?
And currently shooting mostly above the plant.
Beschorneria septentrionalis
Leucadendron discolor 'Pom Pom' -I don't have a before or after, it's just pretty.
And then there is Banksia blechnifolia, February 5, 2026.
February 22, 2026
March 10, 2026
And here you can see the big old man cone from last year, plus the cool leaf shape. I'd argue a winner at all stages!
I could go all day, but I'll stop here. I've been in deep cleaning mode of the patio area, and that includes decisions on a hundred little potted things that have been wintering on our dining table. Can they go in the ground, or do they need more time to root? I'm getting there, and will do a clean-up post soon. I've moved the couches and many of the bigger pots for a fresh take.
How is your weather? We are above average, and will be hitting the 90's for a stretch. Watering pots this early is unusual.
That banksia is a cycad lookalike! And please post photos when that beschorneria bloom opens. High 80s/low 90s today.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I'm a fool for that Bankia. Will do, the beschorneria is a twice daily checked on plant at this point! Same same weather wise.
DeleteWe had ice rain yesterday! At this point I'd welcome anything green! These are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJenn, you are a champion in my books. I thoroughly enjoy seeing your snow and forest friends, it's a totally different world!
DeletePlants shine at different stages. I agree with you that Leucospermum 'Brandi''s bud is spectacular just before it's fully open. The Banksia though is in a category of goodness all by itself: excellent in any stage, all the time. And aren't you the lucky one who don't have to pick a favorite: you have them all!
ReplyDeleteChavli
True, I still feel like a lot of the South African & Australian plants are so new to me and exciting. Very lucky!
DeleteAs long as you're enjoying it, that's all that really matters. Yeah, we've got 90s, too. Way too early for this weather.
ReplyDeleteIt feels like summer!
DeleteI often think that I prefer flowers in the bud stage when they are full but not yet open.
ReplyDeleteThen we definitely agree!
DeleteRain cold rain wind rain rain wind cold... that's our weather. I am over it! Thanks for sharing the Leucospermum 'Brandi' pics, what a looker. And then there's Banksia blechnifolia, wowsa. Fingers crossed I can keep my plant purchased at the Ruth Bancroft Garden (in January) alive.
ReplyDeleteI hope it's ending, it looks like you're nicer next week. Yes, Banksia blechnifolia in Portland!
DeleteBanksia! 👍
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteI always enjoy your amazing collection of succulents and the Aloe speciosa's buds are definitely spectacular! Our weather has been a rollercoaster ride here in the northeast, with 29.1 inches of snow, then freezing temperatures, then three days in the upper 60’s to 70 degrees, and now back into the 40’s! There is finally some hope though, with bulbs emerging and Hellebores showing their blooms.
ReplyDeleteSo up & down, I'm glad spring is bursting through!
DeleteHi Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your photos. I know I tell you this all the time, but I love your garden.
The snow has stopped here, but we still have HIGH winds. We received 15 inches of snow.
This will help our water tables, we have been in a drought the past few years.
Good to be out of drought, I worry our levels are low. Winds are the worst!
DeleteI'm with you, I find the anticipation even more exciting than the actual flowers, especially for plants like aloes that make us wait so long.
ReplyDeleteTrue, and most of the Aloes hang out for a while. This heat is crazy, it's like June temps.
DeletePasso molto tempo sulle tue immagini! Le aloe sono come dovrebbero essere, con quei boccioli incredibili che qui non vedrò mai. Della Beschorneria sto aspettando il fiore da due anni, è la yuccoides o qualcosa di simile. Spero di vedere il bocciolo come nella tua questa estate!
ReplyDeleteUn caro saluto.
DeleteGrazie, Gabriel! Lì gli aloe non fioriscono? Alla Beschernoria ci sono voluti diversi anni; ormai avevo quasi perso le speranze. Il tuo giardino ha un aspetto fantastico e sta prendendo vita. Ti auguro ogni bene! :)
Was für wunderschöne, mir meist unbekannte Pflanzen. Ich bin ganz begeistert von der Vielfalt. Hier in unserer kalten Gegend, nachts haben wir noch immer Frost, kann ich all diese Schönheiten nicht pflanzenl
ReplyDeleteHerzliche Grüße Anette
Wir erleben gerade eine sehr frühe Hitzewelle – fast schon Temperaturen wie im Juni. Wird es bei euch bald wärmer? Ich genieße es sehr, zu sehen, was es Neues in deinem Garten gibt. Frohes Frühjahr!
DeleteThe Aloe speciosa buds are positively reptilian! The Banksia blechnifolia is mesmerizing.
ReplyDelete