Texas Gardening: What still looks good in your garden?, 1 by ms_merae

ms_merae wrote:
I am in awe of all of your lovely photos. Gorgeous, I say, absolutely gorgeous.

Most of my plants are loving the fall weather. I will say that I think I have been overworked lately and haven't been able to give them the proper watering they need, but they still are performing well. I can only imagine how nice they would look with the proper care.

I was introduced to several plants on DG in the spring and now have new favorites. I went crazy with bougainvillea and now I LOVE them. I have a huge Barbara Karst that is just an outstanding performer for me. She always looks magnificent. Then I also got some unique bougainvillea that just take my breath away. I have a Blueberry Ice, Imperial Delight, and California Gold. I learned that bougies like to be watered thoroughly and then left to dry out in between waterings. They also have a blooming cycle followed by a growth cycle. Once the blooms start to fall off and start to fade, I prune them way back and find that it does really well.

Cupheas - a few months ago, I had no idea what these were. Love them, very happy to learn they are perennial. Does fantastic here in the hot and dry summers.

Lorapetalum - gorgeous foliage bush. I haven't seen the beautiful fall color yet that I read about, but am anxiously waiting mine that I planted this spring to bloom.

I also found many, many plants that I don't have and can't wait to have next year. Vitex trees. Fell in love with these this summer. Beautiful purple blooms and fragrant scent. I can't wait to get a beautyberry and esperanza, pride of barbados, and americrinums.

Finally, this year was my first hand at growing vegetables and I am hooked. I found a true hobby, stress reliever and something that brings me great joy.