Ornamental Kale "Glamour Red" Brassica oleracea at the Dallas Arboretum

Enjoyed the beautiful display of Ornamental Kale at the Dallas Arboretum.  The variety of violet hues was visible at a distance. Each variety had distinct textural characteristics.  The mix within the overall composition was quite breathtaking.
"Glamour Red" Brassica oleracea at the Dallas Arboretum.

Succulents at the San Diego Botanic Garden

Over the summer I spent time in San Diego.  I traveled around the area visiting a variety of different gardens. I started at Balboa Park, followed by Presidio Park and the San Diego Zoo.  This year I drove up to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. I could not get over the magnificent Aeonium Zwartkop. They were used through out the garden, found in topiaries to containers. I love the deep reds turning to purple, it creates such visual weight that could be used as a focal point within most gardens, assuming you have the right climate. You can read this forum to see what others around the world had to say about growing Aeonium Zwartkop. Succulents are often found in containers, but I was in awe when I came across the the green roof on a simple shed within the garden.  Just an example of the simple pleasures found in a garden. 

Purple Queen, Purple Heart, or Wandering Jew ~ Whatever you call it...it is Fantastic.

My garden is located in Plano, Texas where summer temperature can reach well above 100°. This May our temperature dropped to below freezing and I had to hurry around my garden covering all my newly planted annuals.  So when I did absolutely nothing with my Setcreasea pallida 'Purple Heart' and it fared well, I had to acknowledge it as one of my work horses of the colored garden. It requires little care, is drought tolerant, and can handle the torrential downpours we often get in spring. Here along my East fence the Purple Heart grows in with the English Ivy. I love the color combination. Purple Heart is slowly creeping its way into my heart.

Chihuly Nights ~ Gone but not Forgotten.

                                                                                          
Gone but not forgotten,
Although we are far apart,
You will always be with me,
For I have placed you in my heart. 

      
Good Bye Chihuly (Dallas Arboretum)  

     My photos must sustain me. J.

Gardens Gone Wild

A few months ago I traveled to New Orleans. As I walked the historic garden district I could not help but notice nature taking over the city.  Iron fences being swallowed up by wood that looked more like lava as it flowed around the barbs.  Tree roots popped sidewalks up into the air.  Even the cemetery slab were no longer level.  Sigh.

Chase returns from England.

He is only a teenager and acts just like one, but he gave me his memory stick from the camera he broke on his journey.  He did not even mention what was on the memory stick, but I later looked over his collection of images, and was genuinely pleased with his photos.  I did find photos of celebratory images of Spain's victory of the World's Cup taken in the streets of London, but throughout the filmstrip he has many gardens, architecture, and art.  They gave me a view of his inner eye.  He seems to be developing the ability to find beauty in the world around him.

Can't forget the garden here at home.

Dallas has a fantastic arboretum and botanical garden. Just recently we visited the Peter Rabbit's Flower Village. Our daughter scampered through the houses of Peter Rabbit™, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle™, Mrs. Tittlemouse™ and Jemima Puddleduck™.

The Dallas Arboretum website had a scavenger hunt work sheet that we printed, before we headed out. She enjoyed looking for the many items on the list. I have attach a link to the scavenger hunt work sheet.
We ate lunch at the DeGolyer Mansion Cafe, on the 66 acres of beautiful grounds. The iced tea was cool and quenched our thirst. My daughter enjoyed her fruit salad. Lunch was served with a basket of assorted breads and sculpted rose butter pats. We had a wonderful time.