‘Valentine’ rose

St. Valentine’s Day has passed, but the rose that bears his name is just getting started. The blooms lack fragrance; on the other hand, the bush has few thorns. The red roses pop amid the greenery. I acquired this antique rose from the Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham, Texas.

Tradescantia occidentalis

This native spiderwort (an unpleasant name for a pretty plant) blooms in the shade of the back garden. Atop tall stems (about 18 inches), its three delicate, violet petals open to expose yellow anthers. After its early spring bloom, it disappears for the summer, foliage and all, and comes back in the winter.

Here’s a photo of a ‘Blue Elf’ aloe that’s growing in a blue pot on the back patio. Its tubular flower stalks look like asparagus spears before they open, and its orange blossoms resemble those of summer-blooming cigar plant. The aloe really does have a bluish color.

‘Blue Elf’ aloe

On March 7, after another day of rain, I took the following pictures. The ‘Amethyst Flame’ irises are in full bloom, as are the grape hyacinths.

‘Amethyst Flame’ iris

Irises unfurling. The sun shining through their petals makes them look papery.

Grape hyacinths

This is an old, turquoise, ceramic chip-and-dip set given to me by my mother. I drilled holes in the bottom for drainage and planted it with succulents and a small yucca. It makes me smile.

Succulent planter made from a chip-and-dip bowl