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.

 

Flower Power: GBBD June 2012

Sponsored by May Dream Gardens

Established Plants

 Chinese Indigo (Indigofera kirilowii)

 Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus)

 Texas Betony (Stachys coccinea)

 Aztec Arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis)

 Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala)

 West Texas Mist Flower (Conoclinium greggii)

 Pink Rain Lily (Zephyranthes rosea)

 Texas Bindweed (Convolvulus equitans)

Potted Plants

 Aloe brevifolia

 Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata)

 Aloe 'Franco'

 Red Yucca's (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Indoor Plants

 Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Flower Wannabes

 American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Couple More Succulent Pots

Due to an online coupon for East Austin Succulents (thanks for the head's up, Robin), I was able to combine my recent purchases from Oracle Gorge and create two new succulent pots.

The smaller (but taller) container consist of Aloe plicatilis (back), Snowflake Aloe (Aloe rauhii) (front left) & 'White Beauty' Aloe (front right).

While planting, I was a bit grumpy to discover that the Snowflake Aloe was simply an unrooted cutting placed in a small pot.  Went ahead and replanted into pot and will have to hope it develops some roots.

The second larger pot holds eight different species - though in typical East Austin Succulent fashion, most were not identified (grumble).  The large plant in the center is Aloe vanbalenii surrounded by  a pale green Sedum.

On the right side (front to back), the pot contains an unidentified succulent, Aloe 'Black Beauty' & Senecio 'Himalaya'.

The left side, from front to back, consists of Sedum rubrotinctum (I believe), another unidentified succulent & a species of Aeonium.

And the color is...

...Pink!

After a two year wait, the Pink Crinum (variety unknown) proves that it is indeed pink.  And it joins several other of my plants that are producing various shade of pink in their scattered blooms.

The Chinese Indigo (Indigofera kirilowii) is producing a second, lesser round of its cascading flowers.

As the temperatures increase, the Pink Oxalis (Oxalis crassipes 'Rosea') is producing less of its small bright blooms but their bright spots of color are still appreciated.

The pale pink of the Purple Oxalis (Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionaceae 'Atropurpurea') still pop up occasionally.

The intense pink of the Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala) will continue to be scattered across the plant throughout the summer.

Surprisingly, Pink Rain Lily (Zephyranthes rosea) produce their pink blooms even though my garden has received no rain of late.

And the Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) blooms that started in the greenhouse this winter have continued going strong.

Shady Happenings: May 28 - June 3

The San Antonio Rose Amaryllis (Hippeastrum 'San Antonio Rose') has been producing a few two-flowered stalks, but has yet to produce any foliage.  Even after a mild, wet winter, it appears the plant hasn't recovered from last year's brutal drought.

The Aloe brevifolia in my recently created succulent hanging basket already had a short bloom stalk when planted.  But its has grown significantly and is producing pale reddish-yellow blooms.

About a week ago, I planted a seed package of Early Call Mix of Morning Glory at the base of a tall metal pyramid trellis and the sprouts are coming on strong.  This is my first try with Morning Glories and it will be interesting to see how these do.

The recently planted Aloe 'Franco' must be happy in its new home as it quickly produced a multi-stemmed flower stalk.

And my Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus) really enjoyed life in the winter greenhouse, where several flower buds developed and have been popping out ever since.  It has such intensely-colored but short-lived blooms.

Finally found at least one Dyckia 'Cherry Coke' & planted it in the middle tier of the Three Tiers Garden.  Still looking for four more to continue along the rock border.

Also found in the Three Tiers Garden, the Pachyveria 'Exotica' is blooming and pupping.

In the back gardens, my Pink Crinum is sending up its first ever flower (planted two years ago).  Now I'll finally see if it really is pink!

Discovered growing in the dirt path near my shed, Texas Bindweed (Convolvulus equitans) is producing nickle-sized blooms.

At the recent Oracle Gorge cactus and succulent sale, I picked up four Aloes.  The largest purchase was this Aloe vanbalenii - I liked it's lime green leaves with the hint of red along the edges.

The Aloe 'Black Beauty' was on my incredibly lengthy Gotta Get list.  Its dark green and deep reddish hues are very eye catching.

A spontaneous purchase, the rosy wash over the leaves of the Snowflake Aloe (Aloe rauhii) are what led to me claiming this little plant.

As usual at Oracle Gorge sales, if you make a purchase, a small free plant is thrown in.  I picked up this Aloe 'White Beauty' but have not been able to find any online references to such a variety - so not sure of the label's accuracy.