genuine verdict

Black Swallowtail, originally uploaded by trekr.

One more of the Black Swallowtail caterpillar. Click on the picture and check out the original size image on Flickr to see the hair on its “toenails”.

Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

A great year for Clematis! The blooms are failing now as the days grow hotter. This photo was taken at dusk as the afternoon rain subsided.

Mexican Mint Marigold, originally uploaded by trekr.

A surprise early blooming of Mexican Mint Marigold. This is a great substitute for French tarragon which cannot survive the Texas heat.

Feverfew, originally uploaded by trekr.

Feverfew, for your fever, migraine, arthritis, digestive health, or just for ornamentation.

DSCN0648, originally uploaded by trekr.

The caterpillars are abundant this Spring. The red veins of the chard contrast the dark green fennel and complement the vibrant colors of the caterpillar.

Bees, originally uploaded by trekr.

After the rain the bees were a little calmer and I was able to get closer.

Ginko, originally uploaded by trekr.

It rained again this afternoon. The Ginko leaf cradles a few drops that will fall as the breeze lifts the limb.

Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

As the temperatures start to climb, the days of Clematis blooms are numbered. I couldn’t resist posting another view of a happy half dozen.

Clematis against Japanese Maple, originally uploaded by trekr.

A view along the fence gives a nice contrast of colors between flowers and leaves.

Dutchman’s Pipe, originally uploaded by trekr.

Kinda sorta looks like a pipe. I never met a Dutchman, so I can’t be sure.

Herb Garden, originally uploaded by trekr.

A view of the herb garden we planted last July. In the forefront is thyme, bronze fennel, swiss chard, sage, and in the back, chili tepin.

Cactus, originally uploaded by trekr.

A final photo of Fritch’s Cactus from earlier this week. The flowers have all died back today. A single week of blooms. The Glory days. When I was a kid, I was a Cleveland Indians fan. From my childhood I learned there is always joy in one great day, and always hope for a good season next year. The cactus flower had a great day and I’m looking forward to next season already.

Cardoon, originally uploaded by trekr.

I featured this Cardoon and it’s insect guardians last year. After dying back in the winter freeze, it’s back from the roots stronger than ever. It’s a small tree, about 7 foot tall now.

Mushroom, originally uploaded by trekr.

Jacqui said this is a great photo except that there is no context for scale. This is a huge mushroom. Look at the green leaves in the lower left corner, they are about the size of you thumbnail.

Bee Hive, originally uploaded by trekr.

The Honey Bee is disappearing all over America. Nobody really knows why. Mites, fungus, cell phones, lots of buzz and no answers. This hive is one of two on my property. I’m hoping they make it through whatever ails similar colonies.

DSCN0533, originally uploaded by trekr.

Aristolochia fimbriata, Fringed Dutchman’s Pipe

Petal, originally uploaded by trekr.

This rose is a beauty as she gracefully changes colors.

Purple Oxalis, originally uploaded by trekr.

This Purple Oxalis is my favorite small flower because it reminds me of the flowers that grow in the shade of the forest floor.

Roses and Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

“A profusion of pink roses bending ragged in the rain speaks to me of all gentleness and its enduring.” ~ William Carlos William

The vibrant pink of the Rose mellows to a muted yellow as she ages still splendorous. Last night we had a tremendously violent thunder storm that brought the Rose closer to the Clematis.

Cactus Beetle, originally uploaded by trekr.

This beetle has found a good restaurant.

Bumble Bee, originally uploaded by trekr.

Here’s looking at you

Cactus, originally uploaded by trekr.

Another view of the cactus flower I’ve been featuring on these pages the last few days. The picture hardly does this flower justice. It opens only for a few hours during the hottest part of the day and is closed at night and for most of the morning. The variegated petals are quite stiff and it seems as if the cactus must exert a great deal of energy to open and close them. When closed, they are very tight as you might expect of a flower that has never opened before.

Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

Yep, its yet another Clematis close-up (yaccu). If you are getting tired of Clematis, send me some seeds

Japanese Maple, originally uploaded by trekr.

Some colorful leaves from Jacqui’s garden. A nice change of pace from her beautiful flowers. This photo makes an interesting wallpaper for your computer.

Cactus, originally uploaded by trekr.

You may be wondering how I was able to focus on the pollen floating in the air. Me too.

Clematis, originally uploaded by trekr.

I suppose you may have predicted this post …

Cactus, originally uploaded by trekr.

Fritch’s cactus has found a semi-permanent home in a hollow tree stump. I’ve been waiting a few weeks for the blooms and this afternoon it has finally opened. Click on the picture and check out the other photos of this great cactus on my Flickr page.

DSCN0335, originally uploaded by trekr.

yet another clematis

Rose Garden, originally uploaded by trekr.

A few years in the making, Kathleen’s garden is magnificent.

DSCN0337, originally uploaded by trekr.