Rabbit Bush Splendor

Rabbit Bush in the Fall

This spot, on the Mt. Falcon Trail,  has become a favorite of mine.
As I hiked the trail yesterday, I was delighted by the yellow Rabbit Bush in full bloom.   What a striking contrast to the dry landscape around me.  This plant is wonderful for xeric gardens. It will require a  6X6 ft space with no maintenance, once established.  This year I added 2 such bushes to my garden in hopes of achieving this kind of splendid color in years to come. I must confess that my bushes already have delicate yellow blossoms on them.  And that in their first year in my garden!  This is a worthwhile plant for year round interest.  If you review my Blog, from last winter, you will find that the same bushes add beautiful winter interest. In the winter they create snow caps on their heads.

Evening Light on the Pond

We were at the Denver Botanical Gardens Concert Series a few weeks ago. As Kenny Loggins was preparing to entertain us,  I strolled through the Gardens to find this beautiful display of color and textures in the ponds. What a stunning display of plant life!

Avocado Birdbath

New Ceramic Birdbath
I am happy with the success of my new Avocado Birdbath and Lavender plants. To watch the plants grow has been a delight. Rocks were added from the Rubicon Trail to create even more textures.
My birds have loved the water source this summer in the heat.  The colors of green and blue should look cool and inviting as the plants come back next Spring in full bloom.

Datura in Santa Fe, New Mexico

At the Santa Fe Opera

During my vista to Santa Fe I fell in love with the Datura plant. So noble and grand!

Big & soft with perfect white blossoms that invite you into the cool night garden.

I stopped in at Aqua Fria Nursery and purchased 2 plants in the hopes of making them 

a home in my warm east facing garden.  My they flourish as these did!

Colorado Forest Fires

Fire Burn on Bird's Eye Gulch, Leadville Area
Here on our Jeeping Trail the aftermath of a brush fire was seem first hand. It looked like a locomotive set this one off, as sparks seemed to have come off the tracks.  With conditions bone dry in Colorado this summer,  the forests are learning to rejuvenate themselves.  The stark textures of black and green seem to add drama to the landscape.  Next Spring new growth will appear from underneath the deep snow, and plant life shall thrive again!

Cacti in the Natural Garden?

Textures on the Trail!
What a wonderful contrast of textures found in nNature along the Denver Front Range  in Colorado.
Mont Falcon Park has an Eastern Portal Trail that leave Morrison. An early morning hike created this wonderful natural textures view.

Cacti in the Garden?  Anyone? 

Yes, they should be added to a Front Range Garden in a hot sunny spot!