Bought an Arroyo Lupine today. New experiment.

Happy Valentines Day, 2015

According to Wikipedia:

Lupinus succulentus is a species of lupine known by the common names hollowleaf annual lupine, arroyo lupine, and succulent lupine.
It is native to California, where it is common throughout much of the state, and adjacent sections of Arizona and Baja California. Lupinus succulentus is known from many types of habitat and it can colonize disturbed areas.

Galvezia Speciosa firecracker - Trying to plant this. Don't know what type of soil. It doesn't like hard frosts so I hope we dont get any of those.

http://www.moosacreeknursery.com/Native_Plants/250/Galvezia-speciosa-Firecracker

invasion of grape leaf skeletonizers

Just noticed major damage and lots of pretty little caterpillars. Lots and lots of gregarious caterpillars. mmmmmmm look at them here here is a place to learn about them. Now to get rid of them

Today we put up our new owlbox. picture later

Hot Lips Sage

The Salvia by the palm tree died this winter from the cold and frost. We have now replaced it with This salvia which has cold hardiness to 10 degrees F.

Now Showing
Week of May 19, 2006
Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'
bicolor baby sage

red bird of paradise

Red Bird of Paradise, Pride of Barbados
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.
Synonym: Poinciana bijuga, Poinciana pulcherrima
Family: Fabaceae
Red Bird of Paradise, Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 12-16,18-23
USDA: 8b-10

Frost Tolerance: Leaves hardy to 30°F (-8°C), regrows when frozen to the ground, root hardy to 15°F (-10°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Central America, northwestern South America, West Indies

Growth Habits: Evergreen bush fast growing to 6 to 15 feet tall and wide (1.8-4.5 m); bipinnate leaves, 8 to 14 inches long (20-35 cm), 3 to 9 pairs of pinnae, each with 7 to 15 pairs of leaflets

Watering Needs: Infrequent deep watering

Propagation:

This bush is generally known in Phoenix as Mexican Bird of Paradise, name that really belongs to C. mexicana. The Red Bird of Paradise is a relatively frost sensitive Caesalpinia, and it is generally better to trim it close to ground in winter. This keeps it more compact without seeming to delay it in spring. Seeds are toxic.
'Phoenix' is a yellow form.
Red Bird of Paradise, Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), leaf and fruit, U.S.D.A. Drawing, courtesy Hunt Institute

Cultural Practices:
Plant in spring 6 feet apart. Trim anytime for compactness. The canes tend to freeze in all but the warmest areas, and even if they don't, the new growth in April is somewhat ungainly. For this reason many gardeners cut the bush to the ground at the end of November, and it will grow back green and compact in mid spring.

Blooming Habits:

Fruiting Habits:

Propagation:
The seeds grow fairly easily, but they should be sanded lightly for better result. Sanded seeds absorb water better and grow faster. If you look around the bushes, you might find some young seedlings, they are recognizable even young because of their bipinnate leaves (i.e. there is a main leaf stem, on which you have secondary leaf stems, on which you have the leaflets) most other generally similar seedlings like paloverde or mesquite are simply pinnate (the leaflets are connected directly to the main stem).

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Fabaceae/Caesalpinia_pulcherrima.html

Ceanothus "Blue Sapphire"

In the front by the palm tree.

Monrovia

Graceful arching form makes a perfect specimen or espalier. Abundant, dark sapphire blue flowers cloak the plant in spring. Shiny, emerald green foliage turns almost black in winter. Well suited to foundation planting or groundcover. Evergreen.

Moderate growth 2-4 ft tall 4-6 ft wide

Minimum temperatures of 20-30 degrees

water regularly when top 3 inches of soil is dry

Full to partial sun

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.

www.monrovia.com

Ceanothus "Frosty Blue"

Planted up on the hill where the nut tree floundered.

Walter Anderson Nursery
8-12' evergreen shrub for banks. Rounded shrub/small tree.
Bright blue spring flowers. Well drained soil
Drought tolerant
Full sun
Hardy to 15 degrees

www.suncrestnurseries.com

http://www.suncrestnurseries.com/calnatives/ceanothus.html