Spring is finally here, and I'm happy with the way the new plants (planted July 24th, 2016) have survived and are blooming. That's a tough time of year to plant, but my landscaper did a great job. Poor plants, the heat was so bad that part of the summer. I really only lost maybe 2-3 small plants. The rest are doing great - not bad at all. I did lose my beloved tulip tree that my mom had bought for me. It was an existing tree, and I believe all the pool and deck construction was too much for it. I will replace it - really missed it's lovely blooms this year. Our huge lemon tree the landscaper transplanted survived! We even got quite a few blossoms, although not as many as usual. Still, I think that's a pretty good outcome. Time will tell if the new little lemons will hang on! My amaryllis are just now blooming, so I will have to add that picture another day, and I forgot to upload the lemon tree picture.
The azaleas (Formosa) along the back of the house.
The Mountain Laurel tree (native to the Texas Hill Country) I've wanted one for 40 years!!! I'm thrilled with the blooms - first year planted. The blooms smell like grape kool-aide. Drift roses are at the base of the tree. Their colors are a little washed out here. I'll try another shot later. I've never had drift roses before - I'm in love with them.
Looking out to the back of the pool and yard.
The Chinese Fringe tree. I've never had one of these, although I had seen them in the area. The landscaper suggested it, and I was so glad he did. It is a moderately small tree and he told me it will have nice fall colors. I didn't see any fall colors this past fall, but then again, we didn't have many cool spells in the fall this year. The blooms have made up for the lack of fall color. I wasn't sure it would bloom this first year or not. I love it!!!
Really more of the same, but I just like this shot. It does show what's behind the pool. The low plants next to the back of the pool are agapanthus which will (if they bloom correctly - I haven't always had good luck with them) bloom blue spikes. They also cover up that part of the back raised beam that for some reason the PB said they don't face with tile or anything. Why is that???? Oh well, it doesn't show now. And maybe I'll get lucky with blooms, right?!!!
Thanks for checkin' in. I hope everyone is having a terrific spring - swimming, planning a pool, or in the midst of building a pool!!!
Take care,
Suz
