Thursday, October 16, 2014

October blooms

Enjoying the friendlier weather with a look at what's blooming in my garden this week! I'm a day late, but it's fun to join the others at Garden Blogger's Bloom Day at www.maydreamsgardens.com..

I only planted these fall asters (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) this spring but they are abuzz with happy bees this month, full of brightly purple blooms.


In an apparently classic Texas garden move, I have a couple of Mexican mint marigold near my asters, and another providing contrast with this variegated agave. I'm fine with borrowing what works!


Blue plumbago in a pot- a proud survivor of both the summer heat and hungry hens!

Ripening berries on my yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) lending fall color. 


This one is not in bloom, but will be off and on as long as it doesn't freeze: Pigeonberry (Rivina humilis) is a part shade loving native perennial that produces red flowers that are apparently quite a treat for birds. It was part of a shade-friendly native seed bomb pack I threw out last fall and it was a fun surprise to find that at least one seed has grown into a sturdy happy plant without any attention from me. Now I'll need to make sure I don't weed it in the spring!

I hope everyone's enjoying fall!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Hawks!

Are gorgeous and I cheer every time I see them except today. One scooped up my bantam Ruby and luckily dropped her, but from 20 feet up! You know, I'm all about the circle of life, but want my chickens to stay out it!

Ruby seemingly unharmed (no wounds visible) giving me the stink eye from inside the coop!