Enchanted

I've just returned from a week touring around the "Land of Enchantment", New Mexico. As always, we like to start in Taos, where we can imerse ourselves in the light, architecture, art, food and people. An easy five hour drive from Denver, but a world away.

Next, we headed south and east to the Toularosa Basin, home of The Malpais lava flow (photo below), numerous pistachio orchards, wineries, and the White Sands National Monument, our main destination.
The desert flora and fauna are always a treat to see. Many of the prickly pear cacti were covered with colorful fruit.


Spines, thorns, and barbs adorn many plants. And can you beat that blue sky?

This young road runner (New Mexico's state bird) was basking in the sun and totally happy to play to the camera. Stay tuned...more to come!

Lingering Leaves

Above: Cameo quince, Chaenomeles speciosa 'Cameo'

A number of my deciduous shrubs still have a bit of foliage hanging on, although the storm we're expecting this weekend may be the end of it. Hope you enjoy the tour!
Above: purple-leaf honeysuckle vine, Lonicera japonica 'Purpurea'

Above: compact lavender butterfly bush, Buddleja davidii nanhoensis 'Petite Indigo'. The foliage texture on this dwarf form is much finer than that of the standard, pictured below.
Purple butterfly bush, Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'

Above and below: beauty bush, Kolkwitsia amabalis. This young plant will eventually get 10-15 feet tall and maintain a vase-like form.

Above: fernbush, Chamaebatiaria millefolium
Above: St. Johnswort, Hypericum frondosum 'Sunburst'
Below: still going strong after weeks of showy color, Grow-Low sumac, Rhus aromatica 'Grow-Low'

Cattails 'n Cottonwoods

On Sunday, Jim and I headed over to Berkeley Lake Park for an afternoon stroll. The weather was clear, cool and crisp; the autumn ideal.
We enjoyed seeing the still-rich colors of newly dormant plants. I was intrigued by the (seemingly) random patterns created by the downed cattail stalks.
And a bit of fluff ready to take flight on the next breeze.
The old cottonwood trees (Populus sargentii) look even more massive now that their branches are bare.
A few colorful leaves still linger. . .

Hot off the Press

I just received this mailing and wanted to pass it along to those of you who are always looking for the newest plant introductions!

More than just
a pretty picture!

All-America Selections Winners

Tested Nationally & Proven Locally^®

Gaillardia 'Mesa Yellow'		Snapdragon 'Twinny Peach'		Viola 'Endurio Sky Blue Martien'		Zinnia 'Zahara Starlight Rose'

Click on a winner image for the description.

How to grow the 2010 AAS Winners?

Plant these winners in a full-sun location.

	Looking for 2010 Winner seed? Click here for the 2010 Winner seed source list: Seed Source List for Home Gardeners
	Looking for 2010 Winner plants? To purchase plants, go to your local nurseries and retailers or shop online catalogs. Click here for retailers that sell AAS Winners: All-America Selections Store Locator

Wordless Wednesday