Begonia, Purple Shamrock, Friendship Plant

Typically, I use the three tiered bed between my driveway and the neighbors as my annual bed - almost always some flavor of Begonia (Begonia semperflorens).  Tried Impatiens once, but they tend to get droopy unless they receive a fair bit of water.  The Begonias have proven to be less thirsty - and still put on a good show.  Last year I tried the green-leafed variety, but they didn't perform as well as previous red-leafed flavors.  So I'm back with the darker leaves and trying pink blossoms (instead of red).

I'm lining the front of the second tier with Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea'); will have to get some more to finish the job.  The top tier also has a row of Purple Shamrock from previous years, but since their winter slumber, their only appearance thus far has been a small leaf here and there - but I have faith for their return.

On the top tier, in addition to the flower spike from the Soap Aloe (Aloe maculata) that continues its vertical stretching, I also have a few blooms on the Friendship Plant (Billbergia nutans).  These will be its first blossoms for me.