The dry creek areas and the large expanse of decomposed granite were looking in pretty good shape. There is a drip line which runs along side the garage and the front wall. Nothing else gets watered unless I go out with a hose.
A number of plants have made their home here. Mexican feather grass, yaupon holly, mullein and a Texas sage. They seems to be holding on even in the absence of water.
All the agaves are standing bolt upright in order to protect their large leaf surfaces.
The lantana at the top end is stunted. All in all the area looks pretty good and is holding its own.
In the spring David removed the large Vitex that had been growing in the corner of the garage. Still unsure what to plant there I dug out a seedling vitex as a replacement. It seems to have taken off and I may just end up leaving it there. I will have other garden expenses this fall. I rather like the vitex, despite the fact that it is a weed. I find the smell attractive.I am disappointed that the area on the other side of the dry gravel has taken a serious hit. I had large stands of Copper Canyon daisy. All seems to be lost and I shall miss the mass of yellow flowering this fall.
It only took me half an hour to clean up the few weeds and take out old mulleins. Then I gave the agaves a drink of water.
It's got to be hard losing things to drought. We don't get much rain here in the summer-but our heat isn't nearly as extreme as yours.
ReplyDeleteI don't like to water, but I'm glad you gave the Agaves a drink. They look---so thirsty.
Have a great weekend!
What a shame you seem to have lost your Copper Canyon Daisies. Having had lots of experience with long periods of drought and heat combined, I know how difficult it is to lose beauties like that. The feather grass looks terrific though, and the Agaves are doing their best to hang in there. I think your front garden is looking pretty darn good in spite of the conditions. This is something I'd love to do our the front of our house ... with some different plant choices to suit our area though.
ReplyDeleteLooks good considering the brutal weather we are having... You have done a wonderful job with the hardscaping.
ReplyDeleteI had copper canyon daisy's when I live in San Antonio. I went by the old house there a month ago and they were gone. Nice selection however.
ReplyDeleteI really like that the stone, in its various sizes and colors, seems to add so much to the garden.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Rose, on being chosen one of Horticulture's Best Gardening Blogs of 2011. Of course, that's no secret to your regular readers. I check RockRose a least twice a week, so I'm very grateful for your good work. Best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely job you've done landscaping for Texas summers. I need to rethink some of my gardening - it's tough, but not tough enough, apparently.
ReplyDeleteI do love your dry creek bed wandering through the garden. It looks lovely with the plantings around it.
ReplyDeleteWow....gorgeous pictures, I think everything looks wonderful, of course I can say that not having to experience the drought first hand.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering why you went to all that trouble to remove the vitex and now you're letting another replace it? Weed or adapted? Mine is blooming again here in Denton. I'm ambivalent about mine.
ReplyDeleteSue-I think today is the hottest day of all and still another week of 100+ to come. The plants need a break fro all this!
ReplyDeleteBernie- Rocks and gravel make a big difference and we have plenty of those to work with. I hope the agaves make it.
Rambling wren-Thank you, I have to admit I love doing the hardscape. The planting I find more difficult.
Greggo- I'll just have to replace the daisy. There is nothing prettier in the fall.
Tom- Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoy visiting my corner of the hill country.
Sage butterfly- Couldn't do it without rocks. I have plenty of places out there with no rocks and they look pretty forlorn.
Cynthia- This summer is making us all think twice about what to grow.
Jayne- Thanks Jane. We have such a different lot that it really was the only option for the front.
Danger Garden- I can tell you it makes it very difficult thinking of garden such as yours and others we saw in the NW. It is fun though to see what others can grow. You never know when you might end up in a climate like that, although I'm afraid it is getting too late for us!
Gretchen- I am not known for my pruning skills and the tree just got too big. I should have been cutting it back every year. That is what is recommended. Also it didn't seem prudent to put in a new plant when I was going to be gone most of the summer.
I can envision a cool morning just before the sun rises and you sitting out there enjoying the sounds of the dawn with a nice cup of hot tea. Your garden is absolutely enchanting. I just love that Mexican feather grass. That's my next venture in my garden. I love it!
ReplyDeleteNice post.
David :-)
David- You are so sweet. That's exactly what I do do. Neither of us can start the day without a cup of tea. I like the MFG too but I like the ruby crystal grass even better. It stays green under the driest conditions and has those feathery pink blooms. You should try it.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean now about the agave- it is upright! I agree, I like the smell of the Vitex as well and I really like that plant- such a pretty purple and so much color. I know to you your garden doesn't look as you would like but to me, it is beautiful. Sorry about the Copper Canyon's- they are so pretty in mass. And I love love love the fragrance.
ReplyDeleteYour front garden looks fabulous.
ReplyDelete