March 17, 2024
When I decided to experiment with a Shantung ‘Fire Dragon’ maple last April — purchased at Metro Maples during a scouting expedition to the Dallas/Fort Worth area garden — I had no idea it would do this: bloom starry, tart-yellow flowers.
My little 5 gallon tree, planted last spring, braved the hellish summer of 2023. It didn’t show any outstanding fall color after that ordeal, but maybe this year…
In the meantime, I am enchanted by a fine spring show.
By the way, I just saw a Shantung Maple for sale at Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery in Cedar Park this weekend.
I also soak up the beauty of the house spider, which displays purple and magenta flowers every morning until noon, before closing in the afternoon.
Three colors appeared in this nice patch.
Bees love them too.
Speaking of which, thirsty bees stopped by for a drink from my deck bird bath. I didn’t notice them doing this last year, not even in the summer.
But this spring, I have some thirsty neighbors!
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Digging Deeper
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.
May 11: Save the date for Austin Home’s Great Outdoors Tour on 5/11.
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 will begin in the fall of 2024. Stay tuned for more information!
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