Sunday, April 25, 2010

Gardening With Pride

Here is the big Pride Of Madeira (Echium candicans) that I have at the top of my driveway. It was damaged when the almond tree fell over in January, so I wasn't sure it would feel like blooming or not this season. About half of the plant got squished or broken off.

The answer is Yes! It bloomed quite nicely thankyouverymuchforasking.

Such a beautiful plant structure, and those hairy leaves mean that the deer do no like to eat it, which is why it is more than six feet tall at the moment.

Here is a close up picture, close enough to spy a bee at work. Bees just love this plant so much. I'm glad that it grows so well here.Surprise! Attack of the Guard Lizard!
We have these giant plastic lizards left over from the days my boys liked to play with such things, and they have ended up in various places in the garden. Mostly because they crack me up when I forget about them and get surprised. I suppose it is nice to be able to surprise myself once in awhile!

3 comments:

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Julie, the plant is amazing! I love the close ups of the flowers and the beautiful shade of blue.
Well, I like ANY blue flower! ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

Jaye said...

Awesome! I have been admiring a plant that kind of looks like your Maderia. I have seen it around and about. It has the same or similar purple flowers.

Your photos are fantastic. Hope to see you Sat.

Julie Zaccone Stiller said...

Thanks Anne, I too love blue flowers. They end up being much more purple really once they mature.
Jaye you've definitely seen this plant in Golden Gate Park, they have tons of them there. It is where I first encountered it and then set out to find one for my own garden. I can bring you a piece to see if it will grow in your garden...