Pride of Madeira
Echium candicans is native to the island of Madeira off the coast of Africa, which coincidentally has a climate very much similar to San Diego's. Not surprisingly, these shrubs thrive here. Bees love them.
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05, 2014
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05, 2014
Butterfly Iris
Nothing particularly special about this plant other than I never actually planted it. I think it came in with some plants that someone gave me and decided to stay. These days, I've got dozens growing in semi shady areas without any care. The purple, yellow and white flowers really look nice in contrast to the shady green around them.
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05, 2014
Varigated Chinese Lantern
This is an unusual variety of the Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi) with speckled yellow and green leaves. Native to southern Asia, I picked this one up as a 3 inch plant the local exotic plant nursery years ago. It's now well over 10 feet tall an produces lots of orange blooms without being watered or fertilized at all. (Interesting side note -- it's related to the tomatillo.)
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05, 2014
Jerusalem Sage
Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is neither a sage nor is it from Jerusalem. It's a sage-like plant native to the The north eastern portions of the Mediterranean from Italy east to Turkey. Grows great here in San Diego even with no water or care.
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05, 2014
Cleveland Sage
Cleveland Sage (salvia clevelandii) is a native sage that grows readily around here. This time of year its fragrant, woodsy flowers are generally covered with bees and hummingbirds. You can dry the blossoms and leaves, mix them with dried lavender and you've got a potpourri that'll beat anything you could get in the store.
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05, 2014
Oaks and Willows
An archway of oaks and willows to pass under on the path along the pond.
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05, 2014
If I Could Save Thyme in a Clay Pot
This is exactly what it would look like.
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05, 2014
Kiwi Flowers
The Vincent kiwi over the threshold from the upper yard to the orchard is in bloom. This is a male flower.
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05, 2014
Feijoa in bloom
Feijoa (aka pineapple guava or guavasteen) isn't really a guava at all. It blooms mid-spring and drops like 9 tons of fruit in early fall. This time of year I see whole flocks of mockingbirds and orioles feasting on the blossoms.
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05, 2014
Rhubarb
Not really a big fan of rhubarb, but it sure does look neat in the garden.