GBBD - July Edition

The ten inches of rain we received over the 4th of July weekend has rejuvenated much of the landscape – and our mosquito population. So, it was at risk to life and limb (and completely soaked in insect repellant) that I ventured outside early this morning in search of blooms.

Thyrallis Galphimia glauca was blooming in my garden on January 27th - and it's still blooming on July 17th. What's not to love! This morning when I took this picture, I didn't even notice saucer full of standing water - to the left of the chiminea - no wonder I'm fighting mosquitoes!

Dwarf Royal Poinciana or Mexican Bird of Paradise, Caesalpinia pulcherrina, is filling the Shade Garden with color. The few hummingbirds who have hung around are thankful for the food source. And our climbing rose, Blaze, has decided to make an encore appearance.
The Angel Wing Begonias, Begonia coccinea, don't seem to mind the heat. Although unphotographed, the Wax Begonias, Begonia semperflorens, are also blooming in their pots.
Although it's not a flower - the bloom of Purple Fountain Grass, Penniselum sataceum 'Rubrum' is as stunning as any blossom.
It was a bit early in the day for Firebush, Hamelia patens, or Cypress Vine, Ipomoea quamoclit, to open - so imagine a noon-time explosion of red.

In the cutting beds, the Zinnias and Cosmos are in dire need of dead-heading. But it looks like there's a nice big vase-full to bring inside!
and I love Zinnias, up close and personnal. Look at that detail!
The Cosmos gives me something pretty to look at when I turn the compost - I need to remember that so maybe I will turn the compost more than once or twice a year. . . .
Blue Porterweed and Mediterranean Fan Palms make a nice combination.

Another blue favorite is Padre Island or Betony Mistflower, Eupatorium azureum. It color is almost iridescent!
I learned something new about Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa, yesterday. They bloom on new growth - so when your's gets leggy and drab, do yourself a favor and cut it back.
Also blooming for month after month is Pato de Chiva. And there are always butterflies flitting around here.
This is the best this Bougainvillea has looked all summer long. My goal is for it to climb up this sickly Mesquite Tree and hang on a large dead branch. It's pretty from afar - but check out it's close-up below. Wow!

Frangipani has just enough blossoms that we get to enjoy the wonderful fragrance each time we walk by. This plant has outgrown its place and completely overwhelms this small entrance porch - this weekend I'll get it back under control! Anyone need a frangipani start?

Dwarf Crown of Thorn, Euphorbia milii 'Mini Bell'
Wild Olive or Anacahuita, Cordia boisierri, is gracing us with another flush of blooms. I wish I could take a good picture of white flowers.

I can't believe this pot of impatience still alive! It's growing in the shade of an Angel's Trumpet.


To check out what's blooming in other places, go see Carol at May Dreams Gardens.