It’s been very cold lately in the High Desert and we are spending time enjoying the company of one another.
A couple of weeks ago, we woke up to a freezing morning fog.
Morning Fog (view from the backyard).
A few days later I noticed the formation of thick clouds over the mountains, which rapidly turned into snow. It’s a breathtaking sight from my backyard.
Thick Clouds/Snowy Mountains.
I have enjoyed watching Hummingbirds feed from my kitchen window.
Hummingbird Feeding.
Finally, Snow began falling tonight. It’s been a year or two since the last Snowfall. This one comes as our end of year present from Mother Nature.
It’s that time of year with much of the city looking gloomy and temperatures beginning to plunge to freezing at night . Warmer days are far gone and the cold weather is settling in slowly, but surely.
During days like these, I find solace in my garden.
Gloomy Weather.
I haven’t done much around my gardens lately since Fall is one of the best seasons for my plants to flourish and thrive. Once in a while I take long walks through the garden where I go to unclog my mind.
For Mother’s day this year, I received a bouquet of Chrysanthemums from a good friend. I transferred the plant in a container and this is the second time it has blessed me with large mounds of gorgeous and impressive flowers; forever reminding me of my friend’s gentleness and kindness.
Chrysanthemums.
My wonderful friend also gave me a tiny Agave Ovatifolia Frosty Blue plant, which I planted in ground and has now tripled in size. As you can see, a pup is emerging next to the mother plant. Very soon this delicate plant will need protection for winter safety, even though it is said to be cold hardy. I love the formation of its leaves.
Agave Ovatifolia ‘Frosty Blue’.
Seven months later, my young and tender Grevillea Noellii is pulling through.
Young Grevillea Noellii.
The Asparagus Aethiopicus is doing much better in a Pot. Growing it in a container will prevent the roots from spreading in different directions.
Asparagus Aethiopicus.
I planted a Common Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale) early this year and trained it to grow on a home made trellis. This morning I found a couple vines swaying away from the trellis and starting to twine on the plastic hanger of my Pachyphytum Bracteosum (Moonstones) hanging planter.
Common Jasmine Vines (Pachyphytum Bracteosum in planter).
From my garden to yours, happy Fall Gardening (and don’t let the gloomy weather get to you).
These past few weeks in the High Desert have been quite hectic and like so many residents, I have been praying for more rain. In just a couple of days, Fall will be here.
I was pleasantly surprised in the garden when I found gorgeous delicate clusters of yellow flowers on one of my numerous Mexican Bird of Paradise evergreen shrubs. The plant is drought tolerant to a certain degree and can re-sprout after colder temperatures. I planted them last Summer from seed, in full sun, and they have been thriving ever since attracting hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
Mexican Bird of Paradise flower buds.Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers.
As I was deadheading my spent Roses, I spotted an Argiope Trifasciata (orb weaving spider) hanging head down in the center of its web above a miniature Rose bush. You can clearly see its web linear decoration, zig-zag band of silk structure also known as stabilimentum.
I wondered if it could be the same I captured last month by my garage door and released in the backyard.
The Summer vacation has come and gone. The kids are once again back to school and I’m finding it hard to believe that September will soon be here.
Mother Nature has been so wonderful lately that I didn’t get to do much in the garden.
After Wednesday’s light rain however, I had some clean up to do around the house. I spotted a young Argiope Trifasciata (also known as orb weaving spider) hanging head down on my garage door. Argiope Trifasciata is a species of spider found around the world where the habitat is favorable.
Argiope Trifasciata, a Banded Garden Orbweaver.Argiope Trifasciata, a Banded Garden Orbweaver.
The spider is known to make a highly symmetrical orb web and is found in late summer and early fall as temperatures start dropping. Though considered harmless, the Banded Garden Orbweaver might bite if it feels threatened.
Wishing you a great day. Take time to enjoy your weekend!
I awoke joyful with infinite gratitude in my heart for all the blessings in my life; both seen and unseen, as I celebrated the seven birthday of my first born, the peaceful force who keeps me grounded.
All Summer long he has been into Minecraft, a game about breaking and placing blocks as well as WorldCraft, an alternative to Minecraft. For his seventh birthday we surprised him with a delicious Minecraft Cake, home delivered by the talented Stephanie herself. He loved everything about it and we love that it made his day.
Minecraft Cake by Stephanie’s Sweet Creations.
Stephanie is the owner at Stephanie’s Sweet Creations. She specializes in creative and delicious Cupcakes, Cake Pops as well as Cakes like the ones below. Checkout her Facebook page for more creations.
If you reside in the High Desert of California or surrounding area, I highly recommend her services. She’s very talented and as she cheerfully says it herself, “I would love to make your celebration even more special with my unique confections!”
By JM Perez
