The 15th of every month occasions a long-running tradition for bloggers to post on blooms in their gardens wherever situated on the globe (started by Carol J. Michel). In my currently stripped-down SoCal garden, made lean on a diet of low water/neglect, winter-blooming aloes seem even more fabulous than usual to me, especially since I’ve missed this sight the past few winters.
The garden is “stripped down” in the sense that there’s none of my usual plans and planting for summer, since I will be away, but I have been noting what’s survived some challenging conditions and built on these observations. Tulbaghias have been notable for handling extremely dry conditions here. Some of the leaf growth had completely flattened to the ground when I returned to the garden in October, but with a little care the plants have rejuvenated and even bloomed. So I continue to pick up new varieties locally when available. (Another recent find was the Golden Society Garlic, Tulbaghia ‘Oro Verde’ not pictured.)
I’ve been moving this diminutive tulbaghia around the garden the past few days, looking for an opening where it can be backlit and not swamped by other plants. A tricky little plant to showcase, but what a light-catcher, and easily stirred into movement by any slight breeze. The Santa Ana winds have not been very pronounced in Long Beach, unlike the canyon areas.
Every winter I become enamored all over again with summer-deciduous pelargoniums. I’ve currently got my eye on quite a few on offer from Geraniaceae.
Other than the aloes in bloom, the garden is pretty quiet…
It’s been a tumultuous, emotional week, with friends and family affected by the firestorm. Like most Los Angeles residents, I’ve been immersed in reading and watching fire alerts on Watch Duty. The political theater is sickening, but not surprising. I’ve been subscribing to Austin Keon’s newsletter for years, but following it a little more closely lately — a generous, humane viewpoint is essential! Take care, be safe!