Friday, February 22, 2013

Spring Teaser

With temperatures being in the 80's today, I'm having a difficult time believing we still have a chance for a freeze. I know in Texas the weather can change within 24 hours, except in the summer where temps are hot and hotter. Judging by the plants in the garden, Spring is right around the corner. Here is a look at what is blooming or budding in the garden today.

Lavender Lady Passionflower Vine

Bulbine

Knockout Rose


There were lots of bees and butterflies flying around. The broccoli blooms are buzzing with bees. This my first attempt at growing broccoli. It bolted way before I was really able to enjoy it. I was glad to learn the bees like the flowers from Ally at Garden Ally.


There are SO many bees that I decided to get them a house. The purchase was inspired from Jenny's  at Rock Rose adorable Bee House.

Purchased this bee house from Shades of Green in San Antonio, TX


Lovely Swallowtail butterfly enjoying the Vincas.



I chased this one around the garden to take its picture.

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14 comments:

  1. Linda/patchworkFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    Wow! You have a lot going on there. Just some new growth here. But, we're a lot colder here, for some reason. I think we'll have another freeze tonight.
    But, the heat will be here soon enough.

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    1. Steph@RamblingWrenFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:26 AM

      I'm still waiting for the Redbuds and Mountain Laurels to bloom out. I've seen them flowering around town. Have a great weekend:)

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  2. Christys Cottage Wildlife GardenFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    Wow...temps in the 80s. You have so much blooming already. It's so pretty. I really like that bee house. I'm going to get one of those. How long have you had it and are there a lot of bees in it? This might sound silly, but how do the bees know to use it for a house? I'm glad you were able to capture a picture of the butterfly...."he" must be shy.

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    1. Steph@RamblingWrenFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:33 AM

      I just purchased the bee house a week ago. It is for Mason bees, which are solitary bees and like to nest in holes in wood or reeds. The don't produce any honey, but the do help pollinate your fruit trees (we have 2 fruit trees). You can tell when they are nesting because they will "mud up" the hole.
      The butterfly was camera shy and not a willing participant. Thanks for dropping by.

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    2. Christys Cottage Wildlife GardenFebruary 22, 2013 at 11:06 AM

      Hi again Steph....I looked up the bee house and found out about the Mason bees...I'd never heard of them before your post. We're going to the Nashville Lawn and Garden show on 3-1 and I hope someone is selling them. If not, I will order one online. This is one of the reasons I love reading other bloggers posts....I learn so much and get really good ideas. Thanks!!

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    3. Steph@RamblingWrenFebruary 22, 2013 at 11:14 AM

      You are very welcome. I've gotten so many ideas and inspiration from reading gardening blogs. The Garden show sounds fun! Hope you have a great time:)

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  3. khakiFebruary 22, 2013 at 12:05 PM

    Great shots!!!! Love the bee house. I saw that on Rock Rose too- that is neat you have one and it is working!!!! We have started to see bees at the nursery this week and a few butterflies. I laughed when you said you chased that one for a shot- and a shot you got!!! Beautiful capture. The Passion Vine looks so pretty- I love those.

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    1. Steph@RamblingWrenFebruary 22, 2013 at 12:22 PM

      Thank you! I'm thinking of adding a 5th variety of passionflower vine to my garden this Spring. I'm addicted to them:) Hope you have a fantastic weekend.

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  4. ChristinaFebruary 23, 2013 at 6:01 AM

    I LOVE you pasion flower! I must plant the one that is hardy for me here in Italy, I've been meaning to for ages. It looks so warm already there, lucky you. Chrisitna

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    1. Steph@RamblingWrenFebruary 23, 2013 at 10:29 AM

      They are one of my favorite flowers. Italy is SO beautiful. I was inspired to plant a veggie & herb garden after seeing all the gardens in people's backyard. I'm sure there is a passionflower vine that is suitable for your climate. They are fairly easy to grow. Thanks for stopping by:)

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  5. Heather/xericstyleFebruary 25, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    Your passion flower vine is giving me ideas! :) I also love bulbine, isn't it incredible? Your garden is full of color and looks incredible!

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    1. Steph@RamblingWrenFebruary 25, 2013 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you Heather. The passionflower vine makes a nice screen. I've seen them take over a fence or a side of a house. The bulbine is a great plant. I got mine free from SAWS at a plant sale.

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  6. Cindy, MCOKMarch 6, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    Steph, thanks for stopping by my corner of Katy! You asked about growing rudbeckias ... I have bought transplants in the past but for the past few years, they come up on their own from previous year's seeds. I'm prone to deadheading a plant and scattering the seeds as the mood strikes me. One thing I can recommend with transplants is to wash most of the soil off the roots before planting them if they're in a peat-based mix. I water the hole first, put the bare-rooted plant in, cover it up and then water again.

    I can't believe you already have passion vine blooming!

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    1. Steph@RamblingWrenMarch 12, 2013 at 9:06 PM

      Great tip Cindy. I think I'm going to try growing them again. I'm not giving up on them;) Thanks for the info and for stopping by.

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