It’s nearly spring, so ready…set…grow!
We’re parachuting into spring here in Austin. This is white potato vine (Solanum jasminoides), a dainty little climber for shade or part shade. I had two of these until last summer. The survivor is perking up for a spring show.
Chinese fringeflower (Loropetalum chinense) marks the landing zone with blazing, fuchsia flowers.
Although its leaves look green now, they darken in summer to a rusty burgundy—so pretty.
Speaking of burgundy, my ‘Burgundy Ice’ dyckia has survived this mild winter outdoors (so far!), paired with a contrasting silver ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea), which hasn’t even died back. Did I mention it has been a mild winter?
Fresh green leaves on the stalwart ‘Winter Gem’ boxwoods, which flank the entry to my stock-tank pond patio. That’s grassy Texas sedge (Carex texensis) in the foreground.
In the background, a trio of squid agaves (Agave bracteosa) wave hello in short sections of culvert pipe. These writhing, non-pointy agaves are happy in dappled or afternoon shade, and they are fully cold hardy for our region. But their arms are fragile, so if you have a dog, pot them up out of harm’s way.
On the other side of the garden, a new Yucca recurvifolia ‘Margaritaville’ gets star treatment in a tall culvert pipe planter.
And an ‘Ascot Rainbow’ euphorbia, gifted to me by Eric at East Austin Succulents, stands out against a purple pot. (Thanks, Eric!)
Are the birds singing of spring in your garden yet? If not, it surely won’t be long!
All material © 2006-2012 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Hi Pam, I loved the little garden tour of what’s happening in your garden. I especially enjoyed the little planter with the bird and assorted glass and stones. Just lovely! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed the virtual tour, Lucy. Thanks for popping by, and good luck with your ongoing front garden makeover. —Pam
Love the culvert pipe planters! I might need to steal that idea. Quite clever!
I took the idea from someone else, so steal away, AR! —Pam
Your garden looks so nice and green, great tour. This winter has been amazingly mild compared to the last two. It will be very cold here tonight and then we start to warm up so this might be the last of it.
Yes, perhaps so. We’re expecting a light freeze in Austin too. I don’t think it will affect too much since I just did a big cut-back of my perennials anyway. —Pam
It’s all looking green and luscious but do watch out for tonight and that Lorapetalum is my kind of pink.
Yes, tonight may nip a few buds alright. —Pam
Lovely. Hope it’s just as lovely tomorrow.
Me too, Diana! The forecast is getting colder by the hour. —Pam
Hello, I’m gardening quite a bit further north than you and everything is still under snow here, so it’s really nice to see some fresh green – if only on the computer! Thanks for sharing your garden. I especially love the Ascot Rainbow euphorbia. It may not be hardy for me, but I may just have to try it anyway after seeing your lovely photo.
It may not be summer-hardy for me, Spurge. Our heat tends to melt the prettier euphorbias. But I’m hopeful! —Pam
At first glance I thought the Solanum was an orchid. Even though is snowing as I write this, red maples are flowering, daffodils are blooming, candytuft has started and the camellias are going crazy.
Ah, early spring in the South: blooming one minute, snowing the next. —Pam
It’s hard to believe, but it’s true! My father and sister both called this weekend and I mentioned that I’d been out working in the garden…they both thought I was joking (it’s below zero and snowing in Nebraska). I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it! LOVE the Lorapetalum…especially when it has that dark burgundy foliage…so beautiful!
Of course right after I wrote this post we got sleet, which has since turned to cold rain. Still, I think it’ll be an early spring. Sounds like it will be for you in Portland too. —Pam
Agave lust, native love…I can relate! Esp with both affections for the mighty live oak… I guess I’ll have to start another business to grow the natives we are in greatest need of, to share the love.
You’re a busy man, Quercus. Native-plant nursery owner? Yep, I can see that working for you too. —Pam