Apricots

At least we should get about a dozen apricots from this Katy apricot tree, which we put in a few years ago when we added the raised bed in front of the pond. So far this one seems healthy.

RIP apricot tree

Unfortunately. the apricot tree never came back so Mike took it out. Sad....I liked that tree.

The only fruit trees that seem to survive very long in our yard are citrus trees. The lemon, orange, and grapefrut trees that were among the first things we planted in 2002 are large, healthy, productive trees. We've only lost one citrus tree since we've been here, a tangerine that was overwhelmed by its sour orange rootstock following a bad freeze, and it didn't really die...we just decided to take it out when we realized it was no longer producing edible fruit. I've lost count of how many stone fruit trees we've replaced over the years, but we like them so we keep replacing them, hoping to enjoy their fruit for a few years at least.

I'm not sure why this one suddenly lost all its leaves early last September, but I knew it was a bad sign. We weren't digging around this pond disturbing its root system, which is what I blame for the loss of a couple of other trees. I've considered the possibility that we may have Texas root rot fungus in the soil here, but there's no way to no that for sure without someone who knows what they are looking for examining the roots under a microscope. I hope not, because virtually all dicots are vulnerable to it, and we want fruit trees, not palm trees, in our garden. So, we'll try to address possible drainage concerns and plant another Prunus species here, hoping it lasts at least as long as this one did.

Cilantro by any other name

Cilantro is the name given to the leaves of this herb, while its seeds are called coriander.'ve tried growing cilantro from both transplants and seeds. It works better when grown from seed. Last year I attempted to extend the growing season by pinching it off before it bloomed, but this year I've decided to let it go to seed. I think the flowers are rather attractive, and they also attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.

If you're interested in growing cilantro and/or coriander, here are a couple of informative links:
http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html
http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-coriander.html

Giant hollyhock

We had to get a sturdier stake for this pink hollyhock, which is about 10 feet tall.

That which survives

We lost one of the grapevines on this arbor hiding the pool equipment, as well as the miniature rosebush that was in the center. But the Mexican primrose, which I did not plant here, is going strong. I decided to leave it until its blossoming period ends and/or it gets attacked by weevils. It's an attractive plant, if only it weren't so invasive and susceptible.

Artichoke plant

 I've never tried growing artichokes before, and thought it might be fun to try. This plant is about a year old, and I think it's an attractive addition to our outdoor decor, even if it never produces anything edible. This morning I noticed an artichoke bud beginning to form in its center, so stay tuned!

Morning has broken

Morning has broken, like the first morning. 

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird. 

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning, 

Praise for them springing fresh from the Word. 

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlight from heaven. 

Like the first dewfall, on the first grass. 

Praise for the sweetnes of the wet garden, 

Sprung in completeness where His feet pass. 

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning. 

Born of the one light Eden saw play. 

Praise with elation, praise every morning; 

God's recreation of the new day. 

No further words are necessary.