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Is it just me, or is everyone surprised beyond pieces that the garden resurrects each year? It’s so exciting to see there are actually plants growing out there.

I planted several Tetrapanx papyrifer this past fall that came from Ron Wagner before he moved to Thailand–with just his suitcase. Can you imagine? Ron had a fabulous garden, and I got so many great things from him; but sometimes I forget to appreciate what I’ve got, and I pine for the plants that got away.

Fan Planter with Phormium
Fan Planter with Phormium, the one that got away.

 

I’m sometimes tempted to go back check out his garden now that there are new owners, but I’m afraid I’ll discover that piece of Paradise gone.

Tetrapanax papyrifer
Tetrapanax papyrifer from Ron Wagner’s garden

 

I’m thrilled I got this Dragon Urn. I just wish I could settle on where I want it to park. It’s in the Hot Garden near the patio right now, and I can see it from my kitchen work station–which makes me so very happy. Dragon Pot is quite difficult to move, though I’ve done it a couple time. I push it gently over on its side and can then roll it about–though not freely, or entirely in a straight line. (Imagine how Lucy would do it–something like that.) And then, of course, I can’t set it back upright on my own. Oh, pish. I’ll worry about that later.

Dragon Urn - one heavy pot
Dragon Urn – one heavy pot

 

I always imagine that I’m keeping year-round-interest in mind, but come dead of winter, that poor garden looks bereft. This is the point at which I wonder how I managed to blow the previous year’s plant budget. (Using the term “budget” is a considerable overreach, but I figure I’m in good company.)

Bereft Garden. In my defense, the rocks tell me something is there.
Bereft Garden. In my defense, the rocks tell me something is there.

 

There are a few good bones that don’t let me down for year-round interest. They all look better with a little seasonal companionship.

Yucca whipplei - happy to stab me year round
Yucca whipplei – happy to stab me year round

 

Here are a few shots of Hot Bed, the south-facing garden closest to the house, with plant friends springing forth. I did my best not to weed and stick with the picture-taking task at hand. I kind of like that little cute guy nestling up to the Yucca whipplei–for now. But I guarantee you, an injury is coming up.

Here’s a shot of my test at hand-digging sod to widen the bed by a foot. I’m a very good idea person, but once I figure out something will indeed work, I water-ouzel off to something else.

Indeed, I can hand-dig the sod. Next...
Indeed, I can hand-dig the sod. Next…

 

The Cinclus mexicanus aka American Dipper and Water Ouzel, flits around hither and yon, similar to my project style. 

Water Ouzel Photo by GregTheBusker
Water Ouzel Photo by GregTheBusker

 

Technically, some of these groundcovers are evergreen, but most don’t look that hot until spring rolls around in earnest.

Sempervivum, such a perfect plant.
Sempervivum, such a perfect plant.

 

This Maihuenia poeppigii has tolerated multiple moves. I like it, even though I can never remember the name. To think it up, I have to go through the same gyrations as when trying to recall some actor’s name–you the woman who was in the movie with the guy who later did the thing at the villa with the blue door and Kevin Bacon. You got it, right?

Maiihuenia poeppigii - a resillient little performer.
Maiihuenia poeppigii – a resillient little performer.

 

Opuntias are such interesting critters. Some I didn’t realize had hitched a ride from the Alameda garden. I got most of the smaller, hairier guys at a blogger plant exchange–and didn’t record the names. They’re good, though, right?

I was wondering if my Tradescantia would over-winter, and it’s coming back. Of course, it was a pretty mild winter. Still, I’m glad to see it.

Tradescantia pallida - coming back after a mild winter.
Tradescantia pallida – coming back after a mild winter.

 

I so thought I didn’t have anything to say today. Apparently, that was not the case, and since I am loathe to wear out my welcome, I’ll leave you with this: Hesperaloe, my bf heartthrob. I’ve got several throughout the garden, and I’m willing to bet, there are many more to follow.

Hesperaloe parviflora -- you need this plant, several of them.
Hesperaloe parviflora — you need this plant, in fact, several of them.

 

Cheers