Angelonia

 Angelonia is native to Mexico and the West Indies, which accounts for its satisfactory growth in Houston with proper care, although our summers have become quite brutal, which makes the plants suffer and require a good deal of water.  Otherwise, they will just wither away.

 The Angelonia plant blooms in a variety of colors, from purple to white and various shades in between.  Angelonia can be propigated from tip cuttings, by division of the root mass, or by seed. For a head start, sow seed indoors at 70-75 F,  6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Of course, the patented cultivar 'Angelmist' may not be commercially propagated without a propagation license from the patent holder.  (Not shown in any of these photos.)

 Some gardeners liken their blooms to those of the snap dragon, and there is a resemblance.

 These are so pretty they look like they could be part of a natural bridal bouquet.

A new variety of these plants is called Angelmist.  If you like the looks of these, check with your local grower for these and the new Angelmist.

Pretty Periwinkles

 Periwinkles are also known by the name of Vinca or Vinca Vine.  They have been around for hundreds of years and are best known as a ground cover because of their hardiness and ability to grow in many different soils and in both shade and sun.  They are generally drought tolerant.  They make a good bedding plant.

 In some places, periwinkles have become invasive and have taken over woodland area, causing their banishment.

 White and deep rose colors add variety to the landscape.

I especially like this color of Periwinkle, the pale pink. 

Moon Over the Bayou

Tonight, a view of the moon was fairly clear with some buttermilk clouds that dispersed into bigger clouds.  The day was filled with intermittent rain showers, some heavy at times.  We welcome the rain because our gardens have been so adversely affected by last year's drought.  This rainy season has brought life back to our grasses and trees.

Yet, the rain has filled up the bayous and low-lying areas with water perfect for breeding grounds for mosquitoes.  We are plagued with mosquitoes constantly biting us.  They are even in our homes!  One cannot open the door that they do not fly inside ready to feast on our blood.  Some humans in our area have come down with West Nile Virus.  Even the geckos cannot keep up with the opulent feast of their favorite food.  It is the worst mosquito season I have ever experienced. 

Purple Sage Blooms Once More



This purple sage plant is a beauty. 

The Last of the Pansies



The weather has been consistently warm and the pansies are beginning to show the stress of the warm weather.  Soon it will be time to plant something else.

The combination of lavender and yellow pansies has always been a favorite of mine.

Dusty Miller Looking Good

This Dusty Miller plant is looking healthy.

Rain Brings New Shoots

New shoots on Sago palm.

At last, Houston's drought seems to be over and the plants are again thriving; however, the days are getting warm and summer will arrive sooner than expected, again this year.