This is a wonderful presentation from R. Gale’s garden that is both deep and complex in color and texture. And the “messy-ness” only adds to the allure. Above is Brugmansia (trumpet flower, “Pink Angel”?) forming an umbrella over a bowl of mixed succulents. Look close and see what I else you can identify.
Apologies for the dirty dish but these amazing little peppers were in my lunch salad in Avignon, France. The taste was wonderful; sweet with a very mild pepperiness. I have not seen them in San Diego but I want to grow them permanently in my garden.
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.