March 10, 2024
What makes me happiest in my garden right now? Let me show you!
My favorite plant this week is the ‘Tangerine Beauty’ crossvine. Look at those frilly, open-throated, mango-colored flowers singing spring for all they’re worth.
One vine had crept along the coyote fence in the back garden.
It clings to shaggy cedar fence posts with no problem. On a smoother fence, attach wires or trellis to the tree to give yourself something to climb.
In the spring, it erupts into a molten display that delights the bees…
…and I.
Good from every angle!
Along the shadier side fence, another crucifer ‘Tangerine Beauty’ bursts with a handful of flowers. But here, a young Mexican plum steals the show.
Its fragrant white flowers cluster along satin-barked branches.
As the leaves emerge, the flowers turn pink.
Looking up, I see them framed by the canopy of a falling live oak. Autumn and spring come at once, if you garden under live oaks.
Another look at those popcorn-like flower clusters, with the Texas gem just leafing out, Yucca rostrataand a cross vine in the background
Out front, an ice storm-crippled Texas mountain laurel puts on a bold show of purple, sweet-scented flowers. Freeze-dried bamboo surrounds it. It will eventually turn green.
More purple in the back garden – a bunch of self-seeded spiderwort in all its luscious, lovely luxuriance.
I love how it comes in different shades: magenta, periwinkle and purple. It’s like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.
‘Traveller’ weeping red bud bloomed yesterday. This little tree hasn’t grown much since I planted it 6 or so years ago, but it sure puts on a nice show every spring.
And now back to the Mexican plum for a final salute to its spring display.
As all these flowers wilt over the next week or two, the next round of spring will be ready for the taking. I plan to enjoy every little moment.
I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave it. If you read email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward you this email and you want to subscribe? Click here to have Digging delivered straight to your inbox!
__________________________
Digging Deeper
March 16: To attend the third annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival 3/16 at John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Rare and distinctive plants from the garden nursery and selected plant vendors will be for sale. Additional offerings include art, ceramics, jewelry, food, music and presentations. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children 12 and under free. Working hours: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; members receive early admission at 9am (membership available day of event).
30-31. March: Come see Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Show in the Zilker Botanical Garden on March 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Includes a plant display with specimen cacti and succulents, handmade pottery, a daily silent auction and hourly plant raffle, and expert advice. Admission is included with paid Zilker Garden admission, $5 to $8 for adults, $3 to $4 for children (under 2 free).
April 6: Come out to Austin’s Mayfield Park on 4/6 for Mayfield Park Gardening Symposium & Fundraiser, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This annual park benefit includes a raffle, plant sale and garden speakers.
May 4th: Explore “splendid backyards, perfect pools and pergolas, and outdoor rooms and gardens” at ATX outdoor trip 4. 5. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Landscape architects, designers and builders will be on hand to answer questions. Tickets are $33.85 for adults, $17.85 for children 10-17.
June 1-2: Take a two-day bar and garden tour in and around Austin at the annual Austin Pond and Garden Tour, held on February 1 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $25.
Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I host in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners 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; simply click this link and request to be added. Season 8 begins in the fall of 2024. Stay tuned for more information!
All material © 2024 Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.