One of the things about having a huge bluebonnet display is dealing with the plants when they go to seed-or in some situations before they go to seed. I have decided that it is probably not a good idea to let them grow in the dry creek in front of the entry way. I enlisted David's help to remove these plants before they went to seed. The road runner is much happier to have the space back to himself.
The mirrored boxes on the wall are nearly 10years old. I saw the idea in a Sunset magazine and thought they would be just perfect for this wall. In the spring the cardinal usually spends a lot of time looking at his reflection in the mirror and pecking away at the intruder.
Continuing down the dry creek it feels good to be able to see the structure once again. I think I will be more selective next year in how many bluebonnets get to grow in here. It is always interesting to see what is growing underneath. A few feather grasses, mullein and one Texas sage seedling. Keepers for now.
The granite parking area is looking pretty bad but it will be a few more days before I can remove these plants. I went out yesterday to snip off some of the seed heads but most are not quite ready for cutting and pulling. It was fun to have the wonderful display but now I'm ready for a cleaner look.
Just a few blues remain in the entry courtyard. I am taking stock of what was growing underneath. This year there was an incredible seeding of blackfoot daisies in the gravel. Who gets to go and who gets to stay? More pulling to be done today.
One of the things about having a huge bluebonnet display is dealing with the plants when they go to seed-or in some situations before they go to seed. I have decided that it is probably not a good idea to let them grow in the dry creek in front of the entry way. I enlisted David's help to remove these plants before they went to seed. The road runner is much happier to have the space back to himself. 
The mirrored boxes on the wall are nearly 10years old. I saw the idea in a Sunset magazine and thought they would be just perfect for this wall. In the spring the cardinal usually spends a lot of time looking at his reflection in the mirror and pecking away at the intruder.
Continuing down the dry creek it feels good to be able to see the structure once again. I think I will be more selective next year in how many bluebonnets get to grow in here. It is always interesting to see what is growing underneath. A few feather grasses, mullein and one Texas sage seedling. Keepers for now.
The granite parking area is looking pretty bad but it will be a few more days before I can remove these plants. I went out yesterday to snip off some of the seed heads but most are not quite ready for cutting and pulling. It was fun to have the wonderful display but now I'm ready for a cleaner look.
Just a few blues remain in the entry courtyard. I am taking stock of what was growing underneath. This year there was an incredible seeding of blackfoot daisies in the gravel. Who gets to go and who gets to stay? More pulling to be done today.
Change is good. I think the big cleanup will give you a fresh palette to work with. Oooo! Blackfoot Daisies! What a nice bonus.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment at Hill Country Mysteries. I'm tickled to have found you from it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a FABULOUS Texas garden! It looks so right for our spare climate. I'm going to scroll back through your posts and look for the bluebonnet views.
Really like the box mirrors and the opening effect it has on the wall. How difficult are they to keep clean? May have to consider using mirrors in my yard.
ReplyDeleteMorning Glories- You are right. I feel so much better now everything is cleaned up. I spent the afternoon getting all those oak leaves out of the lower area and then cutting down those oak root sprouts. No bluebonnets in the dry creek next year.
ReplyDeleteKathleen- Thank you Kathleen. All the rocks came from the area. I was busy scrounging around and making a big pile when they were building. They came in pretty handy.
RBell- No problem except when the cardinal has been pecking. No signs of the mirrors deteriorating either.
I'm so with you! I made a small dent last weekend in my garden and it's so refreshing to have it cleaned up again. Spring is great, but time to move on. I, too, am going to get more selective about seeding next year. Love your idea for the mirror boxes and that is so sweet about the cardinal!
ReplyDeleteI just love looking at photos of your garden. To me, it's the quintessential Texas garden. I also caught up on your other posts. I'm seeing the same butterfly (Red Admirals) in my garden up here in north Louisiana. In fact, now that I think about it, I've seen a few more butterflies than last year at this time. It's funny how the cold winter has had so many different affects.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember seeing your mirrors when I've visited, and when I looked at the first picture I was thinking, Now where are those windows located? They look great and go nicely with the grid of your front door.
ReplyDeleteJean- Thank you. yes things really are different this year. I never know what to expect next.
ReplyDeletePam- The mirrors are often hidden by the vitex in the summer. Yes, they do echo the door but best of all thee are 4 square windows above the doorway. A perfect match. My intention originally was to put them inside the garden, but there seemed nothing to reflect there. Outside was the best spot.
Your garden is AWESOME! I love the path that go to your door- so striking and love the way that you did it so organically. You're so lucky to live in Texas!
ReplyDeleteI have never viewed the dry creek in front of your entry before. It is beautiful and I love the mirrors.
ReplyDeleteI love the road runner and his dry creek! Actually, I love all of your garden, but that's what's hitting me today!
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