March 02, 2023
Yesterday the Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana) burst into full bloom, remodeling itself from naked twigs to fluffy white flowers seemingly in a single day. And early! Final yr, in keeping with this weblog publish, the Mexican plum bloomed 2 weeks later than normal, in late March. This yr it bloomed on March 1st!
A lot of my backyard remains to be in shades of tan from the Arctic freeze that bullied its means by way of Austin again in December. So it’s particularly candy to have the plum to get pleasure from proper now.
Climate forecasters are saying a robust thunderstorm may blow on this night. I hope the blossoms can maintain on.
Trying longways throughout the again backyard, one other small native tree, Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana), is displaying off white bark and tender new leaves. The persimmon narrowly escaped being crushed by falling tree limbs in the course of the latest ice storm, so I’m particularly grateful for its sleek form and the glow of its pale trunks towards the darkish cedar fence. These beaked yuccas (Yucca rostrata) aren’t too shabby both!
The ‘Fantastic’ pomegranate (Punica granatum) on the opposite facet of the backyard can also be placing out new leaves, which glow an autumnal gold and orange. Hey, I assumed this was spring!
No signal of spring but on the weeping redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Traveller’), nevertheless it received’t be lengthy. In the meantime I’m appreciating its sculptural type.
‘Tangerine Magnificence’ crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), a local cultivar, is beginning to flower.
So is the native spiderwort (Tradescantia occidentalis).
Blue wall with blue yuccas and blue pool
Taking the facet path uphill, you now have a view to the entrance backyard, due to a brand new metal-mesh gate. Just a little further air move is sweet too.
Right here’s the gate from the opposite facet, wanting into the again backyard. Nothing fancy, nevertheless it’s sturdy, and I really like the inviting view it presents, even because it retains out rabbits and armadillos. The metal body and mesh will finally develop a coating of rust.
A prickly pear coronary heart wreath (metallic) is the final touch.
Gopher plant (Euphorbia rigida) is electrically flowering in sunny areas alongside paths. Most of it at this level is self-seeded, and I indulgently sidestep it, completely happy to have each foliage and flowers.
After the winter we’ve had right here in Austin, spring is very welcome. I do know wherever you’re, you’re feeling that means too.
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Digging Deeper
Make plans to attend the Budding Out Plant Sale & Pageant on March 18 on the John Fairey Backyard in Hempstead, TX. Uncommon and distinctive vegetation shall be supplied, in addition to artwork, ceramics, jewellery, meals, drink, music, and different leisure for the entire household. Members have early entry and get in free. Non-member admission is $5. Youngsters 12 and beneath are free.
Expertise the Surreal Backyard at Zilker Botanical Backyard, a fascinating neon-art show all through the gardens, with food and drinks, music and dancing, surreal performers, and interactive artwork sculptures. Surreal costumes inspired! 25% of occasion proceeds profit the Zilker Botanical Backyard Conservancy. Runs April 6 (VIP Night time), April 7-8, and April 13-15, from 6:30 pm to 11 pm.
Come find out about backyard design from the specialists at Backyard Spark! I manage in-person talks by inspiring designers, panorama architects, and authors a couple of occasions a yr in Austin. These are limited-attendance occasions that promote out rapidly, so be part of the Backyard Spark e-mail checklist to be notified prematurely. Merely click on this hyperlink and ask to be added. Yow will discover this yr’s speaker lineup right here.
All materials © 2023 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized replica prohibited.
