South African Succulents

post from Cactus Blog on 16 May 2012 05:37:33 PM. © Cactus Blog

Yvonne and Herman post succulent photos, including some transplanted into South Africa Cactus, at Life in a village named Stanford. Nice selection.

However, I’m not sure I would click this link to the spider photo on their blog.

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http://www.cactusjungle.com/blog/2012/05/16/south-african-succulents/

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In Praise Of Flowers

post from Snappy's Gardens Blog on 16 May 2012 04:37:39 PM. © Snappy's Gardens Blog

The garden seems to have sprung into life.Plants are growing away madly and late spring flowers are appearing daily.The Hostas are looking sumptuous in many shades of green,blue,and cream.There are eleven pots on the concrete path around the Black Bamboos,Asiatic Lily's,and Roses.They die back every winter but always bring a smile when they reappear.Slug damage has been minimal this year.The frequent rain and warm sunshine have made them grow vigorously.
Cats Thistle in the wildflower area around the pond has regrown,almost doubling in size.The Thistle heads look like mini cross stitches.
The two railway Ferns in the wildflower area have begun to uncurl their fronds.I love the lightness of their foliage and how light the underside is.They are surrounded by wildflowers which keeps the moisture in the untouched soil and keeps them happy.
The Winter flowering Violas look exquisite in the hanging baskets.I have red,white,and blue Petunias on order.I may have to make more baskets.I still have six brackets to fix onto the fences concrete posts.The garden will be like the hanging gardens of Babylon.
Another plant nearly blooming is this Aquilegia.I have the Dragonfly mix which is peach and white, and these purple flowers.They are an heirloom plant grown in many older gardens, where they are also called Columbines (like winged Doves).These flowers have many aphids on them so they must be sweet tasting too.
The Alium Everest has started to break its tunic cover and the white flower buds are visible.The flower heads look like exploding fireworks.The seed heads are fantastic too.I have noticed little Aliums growing in the sunken border.Volunteer plants from the fabulous seed heads.
This is the other Aliums, called Gladiator.The flower heads are so architectural like purple lolly pops on top of long green stems.I want more Aliums from the Autumn flower show.
Nearly flowering is the California Lilac or Ceanothus.This shrub is beloved by House Sparrows and Blue Tits who hop through the branches.It has already been pruned back but it is vigorous growing,It is totally covered in these pale blue flower buds.The scent will drive the pollinators wild in the summer wafting warm honey scent for miles.This plant has variegated leaves.
The Queen Of The Night Tulip look lovely when you take a photo inside the flower cup.The sun was shining through the bottom of the petals illuminating the stamen.
The Armeria by the back door has these pretty pink flowers growing above the green grass.I love how they stand out with the contrast of the colours.
The Queen Of The Night Tulips look black from a distance.They are beautifully shaped and coloured.One of my favourite Tulips.
When we went to the cinema I realised that the view through the gate was quite pretty and took a photo when we came back.Leading the eye into the garden with a lots of plants billowing in the wind.Gates make pretty frames for gardens.
These pink flowers are blooming in the wildflower area.They are attracting lots of Bees and Hoverflys.They are like the Armeria in the contrast of colours.
We are nearly half way through May.The flowers continue to delight me,and make the daily walk around the garden and greenhouse more invigorating.

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http://snappycrocsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/05/in-praise-of-flowers.html

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Gardening Article: Balcony Gardening

post from North Coast Gardening Blog on 16 May 2012 11:37:21 AM. © North Coast Gardening Blog

Have you ever come across an idea and thought, "Where has this been all my life?" Having lived in various apartments for over ten years, my gardening has always been limited to a few sad rosemary and basil plants by the kitchen sink. When a friend[...]

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http://northcoastgarden.blogspot.com/2012/05/gardening-article-balcony-gardening.
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Photos: Engaging Nature Design Garden at Southern
California Spring Garden Show

post from A Gardener's Notebook on 16 May 2012 10:28:12 AM. © A Gardener's Notebook

Click for larger images Garden designed and created by: Sarah?s GardensSarah?s Garden 714.916.3106 Garden Pros Landscape & Construction 714.387.4753714-397-4753 or 714-387-4753 See the complete set of photos from the Southern California Spring Garden Show. Photos: Engaging Nature Design Garden at Southern California Spring Garden Show is a post from: A Gardener's Notebook Subscribe [...]

Photos: Engaging Nature Design Garden at Southern California Spring Garden Show is a post from: A Gardener's Notebook

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Pinch Me! Helping Your Plants Branch Out.

post from About.com Gardening on 16 May 2012 05:00:15 AM. © About.com Gardening

Is it that time already? I feel like I just got my plants in the ground and yet they're begging to be pinched back and deadheaded. Perennials really are little attention seekers, aren't they? And after all these years, you would think basil plants would have learned to branch out on their own. Every year we have to train them. Oh well, I garden because I love it and primping plants is a large part of gardening. After all, they'd be perfectly happy to bloom once and go to seed. We're the ones who expect them to perform week after week. So grab your pruners and get out there. It's time to pinch, prune and deadhead.

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Bud

It’s been a busy spring here at the Cactus Jungle so I know I’ve been light in the blogging department lately. Mostly just pictures and stuff, easy stuff to blog. I’m not being lazy – really! However, we know we’ve hit a real low when I post this blurry photo of a flower bud.

Gymnocalycium stenopleurum v. friedrichii

As I was taking the picture someone came and bought the plant right out from under me, so I wasn’t able to get a clearer shot, and I won’t be able to get a picture of the bloom when it opens. If you click the link above you can see one open too.

And just so you know, as if you didn’t already, the genus name means naked bud. You can see very clearly in this less than perfect photo that there are no hairs or spines around that bud at all. Gymno’s!

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http://www.cactusjungle.com/blog/2012/05/16/bud-2/

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