The sunlight and air have been delicious following last night's rain. Some continuing clouds have kept the light softer, and the breeze has been fresh and sweet. Around the house it carries the scent of Italian cypresses and the more emphatic resinous fragrances of the desert plants, especially Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata).
Meantime, not surprisingly, the garden enjoyed the freshening up. Even the cacti look happy and plump!
There are stray blooms in unexpected spots.
A light scattering of bloom has appeared on Eremophila maculata "Valentine"...
...just as it was setting fruit from its regular bloom season back in February and March. This is the first time I have really seen its fruit, the source of its common name "Emu Bush". So this is what emus eat in the wild...!
Other plants are setting seed as well, including this sweet pea - very much to my annoyance as I don't remember seeing even this many actual flowers on it! Ed. I must have been in a bad mood when looking at these since these are flower buds; one is opening this morning... apologies to the sweet peas!
On the other hand, there are new starts, such as these Barleria obtusa seedlings - thanks for the seed, Kris!
Flowers continue to open on the crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica "Rhapsody in Pink".
And I thought I would slip in an alternate picture for the Tuesday View, this one with my much-loved Bella just stepping into sight.
Thanks to Cathy for continuing to host the Tuesday View. I find it is a great help toward focusing on a single part of the garden over time, noticing what works and what does not, as well as simply encouraging more enjoyment of what is going on in the garden!
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Kris P (Wednesday, 10 May 2017 10:53)
Rain always feels like a minor miracle, leaving behind clean air and fresh foliage. I'm glad the Barleria seed sprouted! The plants are a little show to get started but, once established, they're tough as nails here. I hope they do as well in your climate.
Cathy (Wednesday, 10 May 2017 14:50)
I love your description of the garden after the rain - the scent of cypress is wonderful. I have never heard of and Emu bush before! Do emus really eat those fruits? Have you tried one? ;-) It is always nice to see plants returning from last year after seeding themselves - especially Nigella. I have spotted a few seedlings in my top bed too. :) By the way, I didn't find a white Lantana, but did find a yellow one. I hope some of the flowers will be pale yellow or even cream! Have a good week Amy!
Amy@smallsunnygarden (Wednesday, 10 May 2017 23:04)
Kris - I don't think the air has smelled this good for a long time. ;-) I'm glad you've warned me about the slowness of the Barleria; they look good otherwise. If they don't make it through summer, I intend to try a fall planting, but so far it doesn't look like that will be needed.
Amy@smallsunnygarden (Wednesday, 10 May 2017 23:16)
Cathy - It's a good question about whether emus eat the fruit - I've been trying to get solid information on that. I think the relationship between the two is largely mythical or at least coincidental ;-) Some species of Eremophila do have edible fruit, but I'm not about to test this one, as others are poisonous, and I don't know which are which! I do hope you enjoy your lantana - it's such a sturdy, cheerful plant :) Hope you have a good rest of the week, too!