It's Time For....

Some fall bloomers to show off their stuff:

 Salvia miniata (Belize sage - from Belize and the Mexican state of Chiapas)

 A native poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima variety originally from a region near Taxco Mexio)
As you may know, this is not the bloom but the bracts changing colors due to the daylight length change.
The bloom is actually the small green buds in the center of the color in this photo.

Fragrant Mist Flower (Eupatorium havanese aka White Boneset) 

blooms just in time for the monarch's arrival here in Texas. 

 I found one this spring and am being rewarded with blooms right on time this fall.

 

Time for Basketball season.  Salvia discolor (Andean sage from a small area of Peru) may not bloom for me unless I manage to keep it warm enough.  Blooms well in San Antonio in a protected area.   The bloom appears black (saturated purple and supposedly smells like blackcurrants), just beautiful with the silver on the stems and reverse of the leaves.  Local horticulture guru, Keith Amelung calls it the San Antonio Spurs Salvia since this salvia shares their colors and it blooms at the beginning of basketball season. (Go Spurs!)

Time for some new growth (?). I had rescued a small arbequina olive tree and have it growing in a pot (for now) and not certain what is happening at the petiole (where the leaf and stem meet). I know it is not supposed to be blooming as harvest is supposed to happen in the fall. I am just thankful this little tree is growing something.

Time for A little rest.  Been sidelined a bit for the week (doctor's orders) so I had a bit of time to sit and though it would be a great time to post. I actually feel better now than before the doctor's visit, isn't that the way it goes? Ah, modern medicine.

Time to prepare for winter.  It will be my 3rd winter in the loft garden. This year I have acquired a "new to me" greenhouse. It has a little wear and I may just build something more permanent instead. Seems a bit big for the area.  I may use that roof top you see sitting on the ground just past the greenhouse for the new permanent structure.

Time to say a little prayer for those on the East Coast awaiting the arrival of Sandy.  I have been through quite a few hurricanes and I feel for you all. Hopefully, the winds will not be as severe and the other storms will diminish before Sandy arrives. Take care.