The heat is doing crazy things in my garden, and I don't think it's just this year's heat (although it's been hot, really hot). Last summer was a scorcher and our winter didn't bring temperatures below 20F (although we did have a snow and ice event). As you may remember, back in April my Nolina microcarpa bloomed (sadly no seeds have developed).
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And in May I was thrilled by the first blooms on my Echinocereus triglochidiatus v. gonacanthus hybrid.
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But it doesn't end there. Look at all the fruit developing on the Poncirus trifoliata! Word is these are more of a decorative fruit, edible but not tasty.
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I thought the fruit on my Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) had all aborted – but whadda ya know, I found 6 tiny little guys hiding among the leaves.
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I've read mixed reports on these, taste-wise, but I can honestly say I really liked it (I've only eaten one so far). It was a little tart, so I think I'll let the others ripen a bit more.
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Also getting in on the game, the Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) have multiple buds on each plant! I've had a grand total of 5 flowers ever in the history of these plants so it's a very exciting development. Maybe, just maybe, there will be fruit on these soon too?
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The experimental Leucadendron (left in the ground over winter, that's it at the bottom of the photo below) L. 'Silvan Red' is growing like mad, as is the Abutilon megapotamicum 'Red'. The Abutilon lost it's leaves over the winter but there was no real die-back. The darn thing has been blooming like this for almost two months now, can it keep it up all summer?
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With all the talk of our warming planet it's easy to think the warm temperatures we've been experiencing here in Portland may be the new norm, but I doubt it. We'll experience another cold winter and cool wet spring and those plants that have been strutting their stuff, loving the heat, will be cut down. I'm looking at you Acacia dealbata...
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Another plant experiencing explosive growth, Symphytum × uplandicum 'Axminster Gold'. This was just a tiny 4" pot last year. Truth be told I've cut it back since this photo was taken. I want the big rosette of colorful foliage, although I (and the bees) enjoyed the flowers.
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Aloe blooms on the way! Aloe dorotheae...
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And Aloe striatula.
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All three of my Callistemon ‘Woodlander's Hardy Red’ are extra vibrant this year, and there are massive amounts of flowers.
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Oh and I can't forget the Agaves, here you can see a pair of A. ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'. Last summer's heat, combined with all the watering I did to keep the garden looking good for an August tour, well the Agaves loved it. Here's hoping things stay happy as real summer kicks in...
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All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
And in May I was thrilled by the first blooms on my Echinocereus triglochidiatus v. gonacanthus hybrid.
But it doesn't end there. Look at all the fruit developing on the Poncirus trifoliata! Word is these are more of a decorative fruit, edible but not tasty.
I thought the fruit on my Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) had all aborted – but whadda ya know, I found 6 tiny little guys hiding among the leaves.
I've read mixed reports on these, taste-wise, but I can honestly say I really liked it (I've only eaten one so far). It was a little tart, so I think I'll let the others ripen a bit more.
Also getting in on the game, the Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) have multiple buds on each plant! I've had a grand total of 5 flowers ever in the history of these plants so it's a very exciting development. Maybe, just maybe, there will be fruit on these soon too?
The experimental Leucadendron (left in the ground over winter, that's it at the bottom of the photo below) L. 'Silvan Red' is growing like mad, as is the Abutilon megapotamicum 'Red'. The Abutilon lost it's leaves over the winter but there was no real die-back. The darn thing has been blooming like this for almost two months now, can it keep it up all summer?
With all the talk of our warming planet it's easy to think the warm temperatures we've been experiencing here in Portland may be the new norm, but I doubt it. We'll experience another cold winter and cool wet spring and those plants that have been strutting their stuff, loving the heat, will be cut down. I'm looking at you Acacia dealbata...
Another plant experiencing explosive growth, Symphytum × uplandicum 'Axminster Gold'. This was just a tiny 4" pot last year. Truth be told I've cut it back since this photo was taken. I want the big rosette of colorful foliage, although I (and the bees) enjoyed the flowers.
Aloe blooms on the way! Aloe dorotheae...
And Aloe striatula.
All three of my Callistemon ‘Woodlander's Hardy Red’ are extra vibrant this year, and there are massive amounts of flowers.
Oh and I can't forget the Agaves, here you can see a pair of A. ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'. Last summer's heat, combined with all the watering I did to keep the garden looking good for an August tour, well the Agaves loved it. Here's hoping things stay happy as real summer kicks in...
All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.