Looking back at old posts of this garden, I realize I have been working here since 2016, about nine years. But lots of work needed to prepare the site before any plants were added just two years ago. This is the first autumn the plants have reach a good mature size.
Frank and I arrived a day before the tour began and stayed three days after. We wanted days to explore Memphis without any itinerary. From my window seat this is downtown Memphis and the mighty Mississippi River.
I am so pleased to see six or so Monarch caterpillars on this Milkweed I planted years ago. First time to witness the larva on one of my plants. Direct action. But apparently to some native plant enthusiasts, this is the wrong Milkweed to grow here on central coastal California. These littles ones could have utilized the Showy Milkweed planted twenty feet away, but didn’t, they chose this one, Asclepias tuberosa.
Visited on Sunday June 8, 2025
What’s blooming in my gardens in August? The asters are starting to go. Along with the already blooming Astromeria and Agapanthus. This trio is divine. The Astromeria has been blooming nonstop since April, maybe March. The Agapanthus since July.
 |
| My Garden at 375 |
This Consolida self-sown itself in my garden on Guerrero in February. Copiously so I know it was one I planted last year. Which according to my seed records it would be Consolida ajacis 'Earl Grey'. I have sown a few different Consolida over the last three years. One is white but this one doesn't match the photos I see when I search the internet. It's a single and the leaves are more palm-like than fern-like, dark green with a heavy waxy surface.
I planted this one a couple years ago. Love this rich ruby coloring. It doesn’t seem to get the rust like the larger florist gladiolus.
I planted this clump of Agapanthus from Digging Dog Nursery in December 2022. This is the first time to bloom and the first time I have been able to assess the color.
Over the last few years I have been growing more of my plants from seeds. Although it takes at least 24 months from sowing until a one-gallon plant, I find it worthwhile. But with a plant that tends to be biennial you can lower that to nine months. Sow in the fall and flowers in July.
 |
| This Disco across from our hotel at 9am. |
 |
Annesdale Mansion |
We toured at least 12 gardens on Saturday June 7th, the second day at the Memphis Fling. Memphis is a small second city kind of city in the middle of the United States. The natural beauty for this landscape dominated by the mighty Mississippi River seen by the large areas of green space, Ox Bow lakes and large trees. Although the city has many problems, it has some enthusiastic people who love this place and take their duty seriously.
East Memphis neighborhoods and parks including the botanical gardens, Sexton/Thornton and Dixon Gallery.
To see the Second Day of Memphis Fling
 |
| Mimosas at the Memphis Botanic Garden |
Here are most of the products given to us on this tour. A group of 75 garden bloggers and social media personas. So far I have been reading the Weeds of the Pacific Northwest from Timber Press and will include a book review soon. I have the CobraHead hand tool in my tool bag but have yet to have the opportunity to work with it. More on that one too.
