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Friday, April 1, 2011

CLEAN UPS AND CACTUS

I really worked hard yesterday and the work was not much fun. In the Spanish oak garden I had to do a major job on the Ficus repens which covers the concrete retaining wall. For the second year in a row it was severely hit by the freeze. Dead stems and crispy leaves covered but protected the underlying new growth. I started with my pruning shears and ended with the weedy whipper. That resulted in everything, including me, covered in debris. Next it was the rake then the blower, followed by the hose to clean everything off and give the plants a much needed drink of water. Wouldn't it be nice to sit down int he shade with a book. Nope-too much to do!

Overwintered in the greenhouse these cactus and agave plants are back outside for the summer. I also decided to move the road runner out here. I'm glad I managed to save the aloe, Aloe saponaria, because all the ones in the ground, except one, died in the freeze. As I was cleaning up the leaves a red stripe ribbon snake slithered out from underneath the rock and quickly retreated. He'd better watch out for that road runner!

Even more potted agaves, cactus and succulents reside on the fireplace where they receive only morning sun. Many cactus would prefer a spot underneath a tree where they get some shade.



And there are more round the front. What did I say about not having so many pots this year. And it is the Austin Cactus and Succulent Society show and sale tomorrow and I'll be there.

10 comments:

  1. No "before" photo of the Spanish oak garden? "Before" shots aren't glamorous, but I love seeing them.

    It's impossible to reduce the number of potted plants you have, unless you just stop caring. My garage was given over to large pots this winter for lack of a better storage area. Hope to remedy that this year.

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  2. As usual everything is stunning. Love the fireplace setting. I have been passing out the flyers for the cactus and succulent show- sad I am not going to be able to go, I bet lots of new fun things but to leave here on a Saturday or Sunday....just no way. Have fun!!!! Can't wait to see your photos from there or what you got!
    K

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  3. What a cool chair in your Spanish oak garden! I like how it folds out. Mind if I ask where you got it or if it is a particular brand? I'd like one of those. It looks relaxing.

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  4. Alan- sorry Alan, I wasn't even thinking about a photo, just how bad it was looking and I had visitors the next day. It seems I lost lots of plants this winter but still those pots multiply. I will give any plant a chance at life.
    Kacky- I can understand that you will be busy at the nursery. Still haven't made it out there. I am just going to feast my eyes and not do too much buying bt I will get another claret cup if the opportunity arrises. I love the way the blooms give a weeks worth of color. Much sturdier flowers than the lace cactus.
    Abbey- Actually, the chair is very heavy and impossible to move around. We got it from simplyteak.com which had a place out on Lake Travis. Don't know if they are still around.

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  5. It looks wonderful -- your hard work was well worth it. I can picture myself sitting in that chair under the oak :-)

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  6. I am new to your blog and your garden and blog are wonderful. Definitely worth all of your hard work.

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  7. Jayne- I'm sure your'e just like me and don't have much time to sit down.
    Matt- Thank you Matt. Nice to meet you.

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  8. What a gorgoeus room where your fireplace is. Love the chairs, and the whole ambiance! Is it an outdoor room, or patio??? Just gorgeous!

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  9. The inside of your house is fantastic! Love the cowboy metal thing on the wall. Your succulents look great. Having them in pots makes them easier to put inside. I love your potted cactus and other succulents. What did you get at the sale?

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  10. Julie and Candy-Yes it is an outdoor patio. I was so controlled. I just bought a claret cup and and three little succulents.

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