Not My City Anymore.....

Early Summer Garden Flowers

The drought here is starting to take a toll in the garden, and unfortunately we still have not received any official word about rationing. Luckily most of the plants and flowers in the backyard are well suited to the climate and relatively tough, so maybe we can ride it out until the rains (hopefully) return in November.

But let's celebrate the here and now with Jane and friends....
A small bouquet plucked and pruned from the early summer garden - peachy yellow alstroemeria (growing in the same spot since the late '80's) nestled in among branch tips of golden cotinus (which seems to do better here in our foggy summers than its showier burgundy relative).

This is my favorite location for fresh flower placement - right next to the kitchen sink, where so many hours seem to be spent.....
Help yourself to an almond if you like.

Bright Afternoon Sun

Wordless Wednesday

Wide Shot - June 2014

This month I'm joining  Heather at Xericstyle with a wide shot of our San Francisco backyard and deck (taken from a second story window).

Most of those bright spots of color are DH's beloved bromeliads, with scattered foliage and succulent contributions from me.

I'm encouraged by what I see from this perspective, and it will be interesting to watch the garden evolve over the the next few months.....a few pots and planters still need to be filled, and supplies (that jug of Sluggo and wicker basket dropped in the middle of the rug) will be stashed away before next month's photo.

Early Summer Harvest

From the vegetable garden - heirloom Italian fava beans...

And from the greenhouse - a birthday orchid from five years ago re-blooms...

Lavender African Violet, Sunday Morning

This African violet, with its clear lavender blooms and bright yellow stamens, is a real treasure, and has been part of our household for over 30 years....