Author: bcjj

This photo was taken in Lyon, France after a rain which made the bark on the trunk of this plane tree, Platanus acerifolia, really glisten.  Related to sycamore they can grow large and tall providing wonderful shade along roads and in parks.  Seen occasionally in San Diego and it is on the list of San Diego City Parks planting guide.

The flowers of the cactus, Echinopsis oxygona, open all at once and only last a day or two. But the explosion is spectacular especially as more and more plants mature within one area. You can also trigger a bloom by watering after a dry period.

This year I planted 24 brassica related plants (broccoli, romanesco, cauliflower, cabbage). No thanks to the local rabbit(s), only 3 plants survived including this cheesy cauliflower.

I notice I am planting more flowers than vegetables, especially in the summer. Flowers seem to survive pests better, handle the heat and use less water. Plus, they are more expensive to buy so I save money on bouquets.

Dutch Iris (Iris hollandica). I forgot that I planted a few of these bulbs last year.  What a great reminder.

The leaves give it the name fishbone cactus or zig-zag cactus but it is the flower that is the prize. It is not really a cactus but a type of epiphyllum. Disocactus (Epiphyllum) anguliger is native to the forests of Mexico and the flowers only come on mature plants, typically in early summer.  This plant was started as a single cut frond given to me by R. Gale three years ago.  This is its first ever flower and it has arrived in winter. It will only last 1 day.