Gardenias and Jasmine

The entry way to my home in the spring is delicious. Gardenias and jasmine bloom in abundance. In the afternoon after a morning of sun, the fragrance is intense.

Peek-a-Boo Agapanthus

It's time for the agapanthus to bloom. I always feel like extraterrestrials have landed when they fill the landscape with their large singular orb.

Luncheon in the Garden

A lovely afternoon luncheon in the garden.

Pinks, Purples and Reds

Sweet...peas.

Plumeria Blooming in Dubai

Our trip included a stop in Dubai. The plumeria bloomed in abundance.

While nothing to do with gardens, I thought I would include the photo of the indoor downhill ski run which was at the local mall. Remember the temperatures when we were there were 100 degrees F. The summer can see these temps rise another 20 degrees. Beat the heat at the slopes!

Floral Images from England

A quick trip to England (London). As always, the gardens and container plantings were beautiful.

Chives

Well, you have to love chives. Delicious on a baked potato and pretty in the garden!

Artichoke Madness

Artichoke Plant
Largest artichoke on the plant
Many "chokes" growingThis spring is the first time I planted artichokes in my garden. For the first eight weeks, nothing much happened. The plants got ridiculously large...but not artichokes. Then one day, I saw a little golf ball sized fellow growing on this monsterously large plant. Wow! No wonder artichokes are so expensive.

Then, the weather got warmer and all of a sudden, the plant is prolific! This one plant has six artichokes coming along, however, I still think it is gigantic in size relative to the output(the greens are almost shoulder high--and I am 5' 7"). So I think in about another week, the first artichoke will be ready for eating.