Fall Puts On Some Lipstick

Hi Peg,

It seems strange to speak of fall when it will still be around 90 degrees here in Tampa for a few more weeks. But the gardens know it is coming.

The backyard sages are almost leafless now and I'll prune them to the ground next week. The pentas are bit bedraggled but since the bees are still working them over, I'll leave them until I can get some pansies, dianthus and snapdragons in the beds.

The bromeliads that Don Waterhawk planted for us around the Norfolk Pine in the front yard are about to bloom. No asters and red maple leaves for we Floridians! We're bringing out the lipstick!

...While I Touch The Sky

The Mexican Sage -- which did exceptionally well this year -- is peeking over the fence and spying on the neighbors!

Purple Haze...

Hi Peg,

The elderberry bush provides berries for the mockingbirds and endless amusement for the cats watching from the window.

Eye Spy...

This little guy followed me all across the garden. Just keeping an eye out, I suppose...

And this is AFTER the weeding out!

Hi Peg,

The garden is growing like crazy because, as the Power Station song states, "Some Like It Hot". The ones that didn't are long gone. Alas, fine dianthus, I knew ye well! (But do not despair for they hath surely seeded themselves and will return in the fall.)

Bromeliads abound and thanks to our friend, Don Waterhawk, I now have quite a selection. I can harvest a pup or two for you if you want to try a few indoors.

(I hate a quiet garden)

I hate a quiet garden

Where things are all just so,

Where nothing gets too out of bounds,

Or messes with the flow.

I like my garden lively:

Bees lining up to the bar,

Brugmansia overflowing,

Botanical repertoire.

It gets a bit untidy,

With vines rambling to and fro.

But it’s better than wild blossoms

With nowhere else to go.