Do You See White

The garden flowers are slowly finishing their bloom for the season.  But, the White Garden is being a "SHOW OFF".   There have been five beautiful White Gladiolas and more to open.

The Gardenias are still still blooming and there are many more buds to open. By the way, it is  miniature type Gardenia and it looks very delicate for a Gardenia.

The Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon bush is loaded with buds and has bloomed more than any other year. Probably because the bush is getting more sunlight this year.

The Crepe Myrtle tree at the corner of the White Garden is blooming beautifully .  Sometimes it is hard to believe that the plant was a one-gallon size plant when I planted it years ago.  Where did the time go?

                                                                                                          And, there are three White Oleander bushes that were planted last fall and they have grown well and are blooming for the first time.  They are planted on the outside of the fence at the corner.  They actually are planted at the end of the border of Red Oleanders.

Oh, and the Clematis - Sweet Autumn that is draping down the fence is just about to bloom.  It starts at the corner of the White Garden where the new Oleander plants were planted. The below photo is what it looked like last year.  These photos are taken from the neighbors side of the fence. But, it blooms on both sides of the fence.

Magnificent?

And, the Bees love the flowers

The garden has been so very different this year.  Granted, it is different each year dependent on weather conditions. There are a few plants that did not make it through the late freeze, like all of the ground cover !!!  I really miss the ground cover that I had nursed along for years from a small patch by harvesting the seed each year!  

There have been next to no unwanted insects which has been nice.  No snails - nothing.  There still are a lot of medium sized lizards scampering around when they feel the vibrations of my feet!  Maybe, they have been my helpers this year keeping the harmful insects under control.  

Time to do some more hand watering.  Yes, I use a lot of water for my garden.  But, since I live alone I can closely monitor my water usage for laundry, dishwasher and showering which allows me to use the water for the garden. 

California drought is no joke!!!  Nor is the World Climate Change!!!

Look who snuggled and squeezed into my chair where I am sitting while I am completing this post. Chin on the chair arm! Believe me, it's "very close quarters" . She loves me like I never thought she would when she would hiss and bite at me - four years ago!!!

Mary