Texas Dawn

In the heat and drought of this summer in Texas, Cindy and I traveled to San Angelo for my eldest sons wedding. As you can see from the image below it was so hot and dry the prickly pear cacti were even shriveling from the lack of aqua.

Some of you have seen the images I photographed in the serene setting of Cristoval Vineyards and Winery.  But, when I was there I also visited the International Waterlily Collection on my way home, almost as an afterthought. Cindy asked me where I was going after we left the hotel, probably wondering what wild gardening goose chase are we on now! "Do you know we have 500 miles to drive?" In other words I got the look. "Well, honey I want to visit the world famous International Water Lily Collection" I replied matter of factually.

  I got the look again 

Well after we finally got there, we both enjoyed it immensely. (At least I think I/we did? Didn't you honey?)  Seriously it was a pleasant surprise.

I'm sure many of the Texas bloggers have given previous posts about this little gem of a public park so I won't go into a full blown description. Below is a link to a pdf file describing the exhibition.

History of the International Water Lily Collection, San Angelo, Texas. 

 This blog post title was derived from a video about the 'Texas Dawn' water lilly created at the San Angelo park which in April 2011 was selected as the official waterlily plant of Texas. Interesting video.

Since this visit was in early October the lily's were in  full bloom. I won't show all the photos but a few of the high points.

Tropical lily pads.

immutabulus

 Rhonda Kay

St.Louis Marmorata

Texas shell pink? I think

Blue Cloud

Awesome flowers! Some of the most beautiful I've ever seen.

Well, I'm getting the look, time to wander back home.

Chillin' GBBD

As I wander through the gardens (or is it wonder) to find a bloom for this January's Garden Bloggers Bloom Day post my mind starts wondering (or is it wandering?).  Earth to Greg. It must me wandering. Winter has returned to more normalcy this past couple of weeks here in the Flint Hills of Kansas. I think the only difference this year is the lack of the wet stuff, mainly snow. I have enjoyed a few days to work on my new garden room project this winter. However, with my advancing age my stamina suddenly deteriorates at a rapid rate when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. So I haven't progressed as much as needed. Maybe some of you can understand that. And as always this "time" of the month involves sharing with gardeners from around the world your garden blooms (or your spent blooms as I have). Go and visit Carol at May Dream Gardens to link up and view other peoples gardens. Thanks Carol.

Johnny' Jumpin. My only true bloom in the garden. These plants actually made the cover of the local paper, the front page no less. Why you say. The news was that many people were commenting throughout the community that plants were "budding" and growing because of all the warmer temperatures.

Where would winter interest be without a little yarrow for tomorrow. Weak huh? I told you I was wondering or wandering?

Or is your little blue's riddle due?

Or is golden more holding to your needs?

 Or is silver more your style?

Somethings eating those Echinacea seeds.

Foreground lightning on Viburnum 'Blue Muffin'

Background lighting on same plant.

Echinancea seed head with Artemesia foliage.

And Spring is closer than you think......

 

My Favorite Images from 2011

While reading my favorite gardening blogs these last few days I came upon Les's Tidewater Garden post on his favorite photos of the last year. At the time I thought what a great idea that would be. Today I read Pam at Diggings post on the same subject matter as well. Pam also added a commentary on why she blogs and how magical this fellowship of gardening bloggers has become. I definitely agree with her!
So Les, you challenged us to present our favorites so here goes:

Mellow Yellow. The bright colors of Rudbeckia 'Endless Summer' with Achillea 'Terra Cotta' and the wonderful texture of Stipa tenuissima really make the summer garden 'pop'.

Another summer garden photo from the corner hell strip. Stipa, Achillea 'Coronation Gold', Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster', Penstemon 'Red Rocks' and Agastache.

North Platte River near Pathfinder Reservoir in Wyoming.

Apache Plume blooms and inflorescence in the Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens in Colorado Springs.

Penstemon 'Red Rocks' in the corner hell strip. Unfortunately all my plans of this species succumbed to the drought conditions this summer.

Lonely Susan.

Neglected grave site with old fashioned lilac. Taken during memorial day weekend in Aline, Oklahoma.

Tropical Milkweed with Queen butterfly at the San Antonio Botanical gardens.

By a large margin my favorite butterfly photo.

Late summer migration in the garden. 

Taken at the Chaplin Nature Center in Cowley County Kansas this summer.

Taken at the San Antonio Zoo my granddaughter is on the right along with her friend in 108 degree temperatures.

My beautiful granddaughter at my eldest sons wedding this summer in San Angelo Texas.

Taken during the same weekend of the wedding at the International Water Lily garden in San Angelo.

Love the blues in the front hell strip near the street. 

Hopefull I didn't bore you or slow your computer down with the download.

Have a great 2012 with all your gardening and blogging adventures!

Greggo.