San Diego Autumn

An Australian genus of 300+ species well suited to dry conditions and poor soils like here in San Diego.  Local nurseries are selling more and more varieties so try one out. They come in many sizes and flower colors to fit any space in your garden. In Australia they are a favorite of honeyeater birds so I presume that our hummingbirds will go crazy for these.  Photo credit; C. Bell (Geelong, Australia)

One of the first blooms of spring especially from an established plant.  Although popular in North American and European gardens the Camellia originates from Asia.

image provided by S. Castellitto

The hot summer days are starting to stress hydrangeas that get near full sun but they are still a wonderful eye full.  If you desire fewer, but larger, blooms the secret is to remove all but one or two buds from each stem in the springtime.  The available energy for blooms will be concentrated on these fewer outgrowths.