We are having a wonderful Spring in South Texas with some rainfall and cooler temperatures. Usually by now we are sweating in our flip flops.
The Sages and Salvias are blooming, which have attracted the attention of migrating hummingbirds.
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| Eyelash-Leaved Sage / Salvia Blepharophylla |
The fuzzy, velvet blooms on the Eyelash Leaved Sage really draws in the hummingbirds.
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| Eyelash-Leaved Sage / Salvia Blepharophylla |
Another plant that the hummingbirds adore is this Black and Blue Sage.
I've seen Black-chinned and Ruby-Throated hummingbirds enjoying
these blooms.
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| Black and Blue Sage |
Smooth Leaf Sage is a great performer in partial shade. It is
currently standing at three feet tall in my garden and is covered in
red, velvety blooms.
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| Smooth Leaf Sage |
The Bear's Breeches that was planted in the Fall has put out this beautiful bloom stalk. The foliage on this plant is outstanding, however
it is my understanding that it might go dormant in the hot Texas heat.
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| Bear's Breeches / Acanthus mollis |
I thought this plant was so spectacular that I purchased another one. It is perfect for a shady spot.
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| Bear's Breeches / Acanthus mollis |
This week was a fantastic birding week. I can add Painted Bunting (male) to my list of birds I've seen around the yard. If you have never seen a Painted Bunting they are gorgeous and don't even look real.
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| { Image via http://www.hillcountryconservancy.org } |
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
A big WOW on the Painted Bunting!!! How exciting must that have been! Is he hanging around or migrating through the area? I just love sage and salvia. There are so many different ones and they're all so pretty. I just planted some Black and Blue and look forward to when they're big and blooming.
ReplyDeleteChristy,
DeleteThe Painted Buntings are just migrating through our area. They are such beautiful birds and I'm so grateful I had the chance to see one.
You are right, there are numerous varieties of sages and salvias. I really like them for my garden because they can take the heat and attract the hummers. I think you are really going to like the Black and Blue sage. The blooms are gorgeous and it is the hummingbirds favorite plant in my garden.
So cool to see the eyelash sage in your garden. I purchased one on impulse and just added it to my garden about 2 weeks ago. Mine is not blooming yet, but the flowers are starting to form. I bet the hummingbirds will love it.
ReplyDeleteAlly,
DeleteI picked up the eyelash sage at my local independent garden center. I had no idea how it would perform. It had some blooms on it this past Fall, however this Spring it has doubled in size (thanks to the fact we didn't have a winter) and there are a ton of blooms on it. The flowers are bright red and the hummingbirds do love it!
omg Painted bunting. Gorgeous! I didn't know Bear's Breeches could grow this far south ... I am ever on the lookout for plants for the shade. ty
ReplyDeleteDM, I just joined a local Audubon society so I was thrilled to see this bird in my area. According to a migration map I found online, the chances of seeing this bird in my area is about 10%. Not really good odds, however I think he was searching for a water source and luckily we have large fountain with flowing water that attracts lots of birds.
DeleteThe bear's breeches made it through our lack of a winter beautifully. Now I just have to see how it makes it through a TX summer:) If it starts to look pitiful, I'm just going to cut the leaves off and leave it in the ground and pray it comes back in the Fall.
I am so interested in hearing how the acanthus makes it through the summer. What a gorgeous plant! Love all the sages/salvias, too. Never heard of the eyelash leaved sage. What a fun name!
ReplyDeleteHi HG, I'm curious how the acanthus will perform as well. Our TX summers are like most states harsh winters in that the plants have a tendency to go dormant. I've noticed it does wilt when the temps are high.
DeleteIt is fun to plant sages and salvias because there are SO many varieties to choose from.
Gorgeous salvia collection Steph :) - And that painted bunting looks like someones' exotic bird escaped from their cage - incredibly bright! So stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. I'm a huge fan of salvias. The painted buntings are a very rare bird for my area. I think they are more prevalent further north in the TX Hill country. They are one gorgeous bird!
DeleteSalvias are a must have, here in deer country.
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous of your Painted Bunting sighting. I've heard there are some close by here, but have never seen one.
Linda,
DeleteI think the bees are enjoying the Salvias as much as I am. They are all over them!
The Bunting sighting was such a fluke. A birder that lives close spotted one as well. Wonder if it was the same one?
A lot of pretty things going on in your garden! I agree the weather has been so nice here in Austin. I have never heard of the Bear's Breeches. It is very different...i like it! I planted a couple of tropical sage plants last year and now I have so many! It reseeds like crazy, which I am glad.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy! The Bear's breeches was new to me too. It is not always an easy plant to find.
DeleteI have yet to plant any tropical sage, however it is on my list of plants I would like to add to my garden. Good to know it reseeds so freely.
A painted bunting! That's a very special day. I used to bookmark that page in the bird book as a kid, then go out searching for it in the TX hill country (no joy, though I saw one in my front yard once in Austin). Congrats, and lovely salvias.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteThanks! I can see why you bookmarked the painted bunting in your bird book as a child. Interesting you saw one in your front yard.
PS Thank you for the info on artichokes. I'll make sure and pick them before they all bloom:)
Oh, that bunting is gorgeous. I've wanted Bear's Breeches since I saw them in Seattle. Ha, who am I kidding? I have yet to see a single hummingbird this year, it's so strange, maybe they're out there and they've eluded my gaze...
ReplyDeleteCaroline,
DeleteThe flowers in Seattle are so beautiful. Of course, if it rained here every day my yard would look like a jungle. The hummingbirds I've seen in my yard are going to the flowers more than the feeder. I guess why settle when you have the real stuff!
Steph, thanks for your comment at Hill Country Mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing your different salvias. Now I want the Eyelash leaved and Black and Blue.
Congratulations on seeing your first painted bunting! I think they're the most beautiful birds in North America. Have you seen a female yet? If you begin to see a male regularly, you're likely to see a female and pretty soon babies. Mom & Dad will bring them to your seeds and water.
Kathleen,
DeleteI haven't seen the female Bunting yet. I think the male was just moving through the area. It is amazing how attracted the birds are to the water. I'm sure while they are migrating they get pretty thirsty!
PS I think you would really enjoy the Eyelash and Black and Blue Salvia. The Black and Blue is the hummers favorite flower. He will guard it in my yard. It will take some shade as well.
Wow oh wow. I've never spotted a painted bunting here West of Austin, though I'm constantly on the lookout. Do they have a particular song or call I could listen for or any particular seed they search out? I'd love to do whatever I can to draw them, I think they are the prettiest birds I've ever (not personally) seen!
ReplyDeleteThat Bear's Breeches is a real looker as well. I'll be curious to see how it summers over. As to the tropical salvias? I've got red and pink varieties in two areas out front where we took out all the St. Augustine. They do reseed easily and the deer simply can't keep up. If I feel they're getting too tall or too crowded I feel free to cut them down to the ground or just pull them out. Easy peasy!
TexasDeb,
DeleteI just got really lucky when I spotted the bunting. He was at my fountain and I just happened to look outside at the right time. Now sure what their song or call is. I'm sure you could find it on the all about birds site. I think he was really attracted to the water. If you have a water source, you will be surprised how many birds you see.