From Start to Finish

While the project isn't completely done, we do have some updates to record from the El Presidio gardens.

This project started in May and continued through the month of June. 

The rotted wood was replaced and re-stuccoed.

It was painted.

The wood removed.  No more tree litter on beams.

Some of the danger is gone.  The fear of wood falling onto one's head around the shed is no longer a threat:)

The pillars would be cut in half.

In early August, I would receive money for the pots to finish up the spaces.

And of course the doors will need to be replaced.....and the fun part? 

 The Imperial Blue pots.  The posts cut down in half open up the area to the canopy of the Oaks.  The rotten wood is gone and that expense will no longer be needing replacement.

 Plants placed into the pots are hardy annuals here in Tucson.  Phlox, Vinca, Salvia, and Dianthus were chosen for the 4 pots this summer.  Other choices include Pentas, Ice plants, Sweet Potato vine, Dahlia, Gerbera Daisy etc....

 I will be moving that Bamboo out and putting it with the other clumps.  The garden is constantly changing or being modified as work is done.  We do need to paint around here soon, but for now it is what it is.  I'd like to wish you all a great Labor Day weekend.  I'll be back commenting again either Sunday night or Monday.  I'm on more epic adventures this weekend with some friends and will be out of town. Hope you all relax and have a wonderful 3 day.

New Additions to the Garden

My Favorite Hero-Storm

This morning I sit drinking my coffee preparing for another day outside.  I listen to Bear McCreary's music from BSG and think about the ways of the world.  I am surrounded by my furry friends with laundry and dishes getting cleaned.  The birds are emptying the bird feeder at a dizzying speed and life is good.

Last night we had another major storm which was incredible.  The rain came down so hard and the lightening and thunder were incredible.  I left the door open and listened to the storm. I turned off all appliances and TV and just sat in the dark watching the real show happening outside.  It was a half hour without commercials and incredible.  Someone once asked me, "If you could have any power in the world, what would it be?"  The power to control the weather....the wind, rain, snow, lightening....and glide on the wind's back.  As a child growing up, I always imagined that I could control the weather and fly when a wind gust came my way. Sometimes I think about leaving teaching to become a weatherman on TV.

Lantana...a weed here in Tucson

Okay...enough of pretend and back to reality:)  This past week, I've been investigating the possibility of becoming a docent at our local gardens here.  There is a class that begins in September and ends in November.  I really want to do it and it's at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.  I checked into the Master Gardener Program and was absolutely disgusted.....the only people that can really do a program like that are the retired ones.  The program runs during the day and week only.  I am absolutely bummed that I won't be able to do this until later on in life.  So I'll do what I can for now and learn as much as I can....but there is always so much to learn and I think I'll die still trying new plants and combinations.  When I start making my own "tea" for the plants, I know I'll have crossed over to that kind of gardener:)

False Heather...another great plant in Tucson

In the garden this week.  I have to string up and wire the bouganvillea that was pulled off the buildings by the storm.  I also have to look into silicon for my bamboo....it is growing at an incredible rate and I need to keep it off the walking path. I guess you use the silicon to attach to the building where then you can string and attach the bamboo to it lifting it up.   The Buddha's Belly is beautiful but people should be able to walk by it and not thru it:)  Yesterday I trimmed and restaked several jacaranda trees and cleaned off the patio.  The good news is that the castor plants may make it.  I put concrete blocks against them to keep them up and they seem to be doing alright.  So I didn't lose anyone over this past week, and that's a good thing.

Blue Daze Evolvulus...New for me but the leaves are grey/green which equals good here.

I have also planted several new trailing and bushier plants around the property in those wells that I created several weeks ago.  I'll take pics when I have my camera with me the next time.   The pics are listed in this blog.  I have given up on two plants forever....verbena and algerian ivy....I kill them every single time.  However, I don't kill most plants so that's good:) It all comes down to soil and location here in the desert...and sometimes the cold nights.  That's the update to the place....I'll have more as I slowly reclaim the neglected garden spaces of El Presidio one patch at a time:) Until next time, Happy Gardening!!

Dwarf Cup Flower...also new for me

Salvia or Autumn Sage...great plant for Tucson!