[ad_1]
November 08, 2024
The derecho in Houston final Might snapped in half a tall tree that shaded my sister’s tiny Heights yard. Miraculously, whereas it triggered some harm, the damaged tree didn’t take out the home, swimming pool, or patio seating on the way in which down. And now there’s a bonus silver — or ought to I say crimson? — lining. The backyard has responded exuberantly to the dramatic improve in gentle with an explosion of fiery flowers and plush development.
I visited final weekend and was captivated by a beautiful Rangoon creeper vine (Combretum indicum) in full bloom. I’d by no means even observed the vine earlier than, which swags a picket pergola above a fireplace pit patio. It was solely ever inexperienced, so far as I can bear in mind. However now it’s lush and full and dripping with clusters of aromatic purple and pink flowers.
What a showboat!
The flowers begin out white after which blush pink and eventually purple. You possibly can have all three colours without delay.
I’d all the time thought Rangoon creeper, a tropical Asian vine, would develop tremendous in Houston’s 9b hardiness zone however wouldn’t survive in Austin’s 9a. However I’m studying that it does develop in Central Texas and even survived Snowpocalypse for some Austin gardeners.
Does anybody studying this in Austin have private expertise with it? I’m coveting.
Alongside the pool, firecracker fern (Russelia equisetiformis) sparkles with ember-like flowers — an attractive distinction with the blue pool. A silvery blue agave — I’m undecided what form — in a tall Corten pot echoes the blue water and makes a focus throughout the pool.
The tree misplaced to the derecho stood behind the bumped out part of fence behind the agave. Now, unhampered by its shade, elephant ears on either side have exploded with development. My sister says they didn’t even plant them — they only appeared. Y’all, Houston gardening is a complete totally different world from Austin gardening, due to considerably extra rain (50 inches a 12 months versus 36 inches) that’s extra evenly doled out, plus a milder winter.
That’s to not say gardeners in Houston don’t have their climate challenges. They certain do: floods, hurricanes, warmth waves, the occasional deep freeze, and even drought. Climate extremes are a reality of life for all of us in all places now. However in my sister’s backyard I used to be reminded that even amid devastating loss, life and nature and wonder discover a method. Preserve your eyes and coronary heart open, associates.
I welcome your feedback. Please scroll to the top of this submit to depart one. If you happen to’re studying in an electronic mail, click on right here to go to Digging and discover the remark field on the finish of every submit. And hey, did somebody ahead this electronic mail to you, and also you need to subscribe? Click on right here to get Digging delivered on to your inbox!
__________________________
Digging Deeper
Come study gardening and design at Backyard Spark! I arrange in-person talks by inspiring designers, panorama architects, authors, and gardeners a number of occasions a 12 months in Austin. These are limited-attendance occasions that promote out rapidly, so be part of the Backyard Spark electronic mail checklist to be notified prematurely; merely click on this hyperlink and ask to be added. Learn all in regards to the Season 8 lineup right here!
All materials © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized copy prohibited.
[ad_2]
