Three Tiers Additions

My xeric Three Tiers Garden continues to take shape.  The most recent addition is six
Sempervivum 'Krebs' added to the middle tier in front of the Soap Aloe (Aloe maculata) & Calamar Squid Agaves (Agave bracteosa 'Calamar').

The maroon highlights on it's leaves add a small splash of color to the bed.  As shafts of sunlight penetrate, the coloration is really spotlighted.

It should slowly spread out from the main central plant to form a mat (several pups can be seen coming out already - true of most of the specimens).

I'm still on the hunt for additional 'Cherry Coke' Dyckias and perhaps a couple more low-growing filler specimens - and will eventually move some plants around in the top tier this fall.  But so far, I'm pleased with how it is developing.

 

New Succulent Hanging Basket

My mother-in-law gifted me with a large wire-frame hanging basket which I filled with some succulents.  My past non-succulent hanging baskets have suffered, so I'm trying these drought-loving specimens.

The central plant is Aloe brevifolia.  I had this Aloe species before, but a plugged drainage hole led me to drowning it.  I'm looking forward to trying it again.

Surrounding it is Sedum spurium 'Tricolor'.  I really like its variegated foliage combined with pink highlights.  It should cascade over the edges as it grows.

Planted in the Ground:

• Soft-leafed yucca (Yucca recurvifolia): Added to the rear of the top level of the Three Tiers Garden behind the Cast Iron Plants (Aspidistra elatior).
• Soap Aloe (Aloe maculata): Finally transplanted from the backyard garden to the middle level of the Three Tiers Garden; smaller sprouts added at the base of a Red Oak in the front garden.
• Sempervivum species: Added to the bottom level of the Three Tiers Garden, one between each of the Agave 'Blue Glow'.

Tulip Time

For the last couple of weeks, it's been Tulip Time.  I only have about a dozen bulbs of the Lady Tulips (Tulipa clusiana), but they are all putting on a nice show.

There was no cultivar name for those I planted last year, but their bright colors makes me confident that they are 'Chrysantha'.  I really like the vibrant yellow and darker red of the blooms, plus the blue-green foliage is really nice (pictures do not accurately portray their true color).  Add that to the fact that they have increased in number since last year and re-bloomed just as vigorously, and I'm thinking its a keeper.

This year's planting were of the the 'Cynthia' cultivar (Tulipa clusiana 'Cynthia').  Though nice, they lack the nice foliar color and the blooms tend more towards a pastel shade.  They also tend to grow a little taller, and this causes them to be a little floppier.

A good contrast between the yellow shades can be seen in the pictures below.  Cynthia is on the left, Chrysantha on the right.

With our March temperatures averaging about ten degrees above normal, the tulips blooms are fading in the heat.  But I have certainly enjoyed their flash of color over the last weeks.

Planted in the Ground:

• Sempervivum sp.: Two unidentified varieties went into my succulent bed; if anyone knows the specific species or cultivar names, please let me know.

 

Planted in Pots:

• Solenostemon sp.: Yet another unidentified cultivar; placed into the same pot as my croton - thought it would add some matching color below the upper foliage.