Inconspicuous

Who knew that early spring was bloom time for aucuba? Not me. This is the first time, I've noticed the tiny buds and maroon flowers. If I'm lucky and there is a male plant in my bed, this fall I'll have clusters of fat red berries.  I've seen the berries on aucuba in the nursery, and set against the green foliage, they grab your eye.



It's incredible to me how many new things I've discovered about my yard since I started studying it for my blog. It's a metaphor for life. There are things that we think we're familiar with, people we know well, activities we do every day, and yet when we make a point of observing and reflecting, there are always new nuances to enjoy.

Don't Discount the Aucuba

Aucuba at 10:07 a.m. on February 4, 2011

Since Tuesday, my aucuba have looked like this. Goners waiting to turn to green slime. I didn't cover them because last year, my garden guru Bob Webster said that aucuba foliage doesn't need protection and that it would recover if I refrained from touching it. During the three-day freeze in 2010, the aucuba never drooped so I applied Bob's advice this year, but maybe I should have factored in the wind chill.

Aucuba at 12:10 p.m. on February 4, 2011

Ye of little faith. By 12:10 pm the freeze broke and all five plants perked up as if nothing had happened. Never doubt the guru.

I can't say the same for the firespike in the lower right of the other picture. It was a cutting from MomMom that I've been nurturing since June. I mulched it so now I'm waiting to see what spring brings.

H-O-T

It's hot. Almost every day, the temperature is near 100 degrees. And it has been dry for almost two months. Every plant in the yard is showing stress.

The loquat is loosing leaves in the heat.


The coleus is faded.


The aucuba is sunburned.


The roses blooms dehydrate almost as soon as they open.


Potted plants like this mexican mint marigold are suffering the most since their caretaker doesn't want to venture into the heat to water.


The bouganvillas are barely hanging on.


Even the moss rose, who looks comparatively good, is shriveling a little.