THE LAST FLOWERS OF SUMMER

Candlestick Tree Seedpod

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Purple Datura Seedpod

Angelique Clematis Seeds

Sunflower Seeds

Red Yucca Seedpod

Swan Milkweed Seedpod

Mexican Sunflower Seeds

Mallow Seedpod

Antelope Horns Milkweed Seedpod

Poppy Seedpod

Dill Seeds

After a blistering summer that extended well into September, we are now facing the threat of an early frost--that dreaded time for gardeners.  First the hummingbirds left, then the Monarch butterflies, and now my pretty flowers are about to succumb to “Jack Frost.”  Well, that means it’s time to harvest seeds or pull out the catalogs and begin planning for next year.  Seeds and seedpods are amazing structures.  They demonstrate an astonishing ability to perpetuate the species.  Moreover, they have an incredible beauty all their own.  The flowers may be going away, but they’ve left a marvelous reminder--their seeds.

Sedums: Love the One You're With

Emerging Sedum Rosettes

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 Sedum Rosettes Expanding

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Ask me to name my favorite plant, and I may not always give you the same answer.  Actually the season has a great influence on my choice.  It’s a little like the Stephen Stills song “Love the One You’re With.”  In early spring, one of the very first signs of life is the dainty sedum rosette that pokes its way through the chilly soil.   At that season there are very few signs of life, and suddenly there it is—my old friend coming around for another visit—the sedum.  The sedum rosette slowly extends into a rather nondescript stalk and leaves.  All summer it stares down the sun, needing very little water.  Then when the calendar turns to autumn, the sedum begins to develop a flower bud.  It grows and grows and finally flourishes a flashy smile.  Its sweet nectar is beguiling to all sorts of pollinators, and when other flowers are fading, the sedum is fresh and showy.  So what's my favorite plant in autumn?  "Love the One You're With."  Sedum is always a loyal friend and worth a place of honor in your xeric garden.   

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SWEET ANTICIPATION

Plumeria Flower Stalk Emerging

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Growing

Up to Nine Inches

Remember that ballad from Carly Simon -- “Anticipation?”  That’s exactly the feeling generated by my beautiful Plumeria.  A Hawaiian native, the Plumeria really, really doesn’t like winter.  They much prefer sunny life on the beach with cool breezes gently ruffling their leaves.  Nevertheless the Plumeria is a good sport if given a little TLC.  Mine was a “pass-along” cutting from three years ago.  It looked like a giant brown asparagus.  I carefully followed instructions for rooting this lifeless-looking specimen, and just when I had almost given up all hope, it began to show signs of life.  During the summer it sends out beautiful  large leaves that always drop in the winter, even with protection in the house.  Every spring the process begins anew.  Plumeria love the heat and even the morning sun, and they produce delicately perfumed blossoms which are used to make the leis in Hawaii.  The flower stalk is a teaser, however.  Remember Carly’s “keeping me waiting.”  The Plumeria keeps you waiting and grows ever so slowly until finally it begins to explode with beautiful, fragrant flowers.  No wonder this beautiful flower represents the Hawaiian symbol of “aloha” and affection.   Oh sweet anticipation!

First Bloom

Worth the Wait