by March 02, 2023
Yesterday the Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana) in full bloom, transforming itself from bare twigs to fluffy white flowers seemingly overnight. And hurry! Last year, according to this blog post, Mexican plums bloomed 2 weeks later than usual, in late March. This year it blooms on March 1st!
Much of my garden is still a shade of tan from the arctic freeze that bullied its way through Austin in December. So there are plums to enjoy right now especially sweet.
Weather forecasters say a strong thunderstorm is possible this evening. Hope the flowers can hold.
Looking long ways across the back garden, another small native tree, the Texas persimmon (Diospyros texanaShowing white bark and tender new leaves. The persimmon survived the tree’s limb snapping and crushing during a recent ice storm, so I’m especially grateful for its beautiful shape and the brightness of its pale trunk against the dark cedar fence. Those with beaked yuccas (Yucca rostrata) is not too shabby!
‘Wonderful’ Pomegranate (Pink garnet) New leaves are also emerging on the other side of the garden, glowing an autumnal gold and orange. Hey, I thought it was spring!
There is no sign of spring yet in the weeping red buds (Canadian circles was texensis ‘Traveler’), but it won’t be long. Meanwhile I’m admiring its sculptural form.
‘Tangerine Beauty’ Crossvine (Bignonia capriolata), a native variety, has begun to flower.
So are native spiders (Western Tradescantia)
Blue wall with blue yuccas and blue pool
Up the side path, you can now see the front garden, thanks to a new metal-mesh gate. A little extra airflow is also nice.
From the other side of the gate, I looked at the back garden. Nothing fancy, but it’s sturdy, and I love the inviting view it offers, even keeping out rabbits and armadillos. The steel frame and mesh will eventually develop a coating of rust.
A prickly pear heart wreath (metal) is the finishing touch.
gopher plant (Euphorbia rigida) blooms electrically in sunny spots along paths. Most of it is self-seeded at this point, and I happily prune it, happy to have both leaves and flowers.
After the winter we’ve had here in Austin, spring is especially welcome. I know wherever you are, you feel the same way.
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dig deep
Plan to join Budding Plant Sale and Festival March 18 at John Fairy Gardens in Hempstead, TX. There will be rare and unique plants, as well as art, ceramics, jewelry, food, drink, music and other entertainment for the whole family. Members have early access and get free. Non-member admission is $5. Children under 12 are free.
Experience a surreal garden at the Zilkar Botanical Garden, with an enchanting neon-art display throughout the park, food and drink, music and dance, surreal performers and interactive art sculptures. Surreal costumes are encouraged! 25% of event proceeds benefit the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy. April 6 (VIP Night), April 7-8 and April 13-15 runs from 6:30pm to 11pm.
Learn about garden design from the experts here Garden Spark! I host private talks with inspiring designers, landscape architects, and writers several times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance. Just click on this link and ask to be added. You can find this year’s speaker lineup here.
All material © 2023 by Pam Penick for Excavation. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
