Lobivia (Echinopsis) hybrid

This is an unnamed hybrid we've had for a while. But names do not make the plant and this one does quite well all on its own. And right now, it's its turn.

It's definitely summer now, with today's temperature getting to 87 F. The plants are loving it.

Gymnocalycium pflanzii

This is an old specimen of Gymnocalycium pflanzii, originally sold to us as a seedling  as var. lagunillasense, one of the many varieties and forms which have from time to time given to this highly variable species, but which are no longer accepted by most. It's a very impressive plant with a very nice large flower. It's native to Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina and grows very easily as a potted specimen. Will burn if given too much sun, but appreciates fairly frequent watering during the warmer months.

Enjoy your plants!

Anna's Hummingbird in the greenhouse

The most common hummingbird in our area is Anna's Humingbird and they stay year 'round but we find them visiting the nursery mostly in the spring and summer. Inevitably they end up finding their way into the greenhouses but can never find their way out. So...we end up catching them and then releasing them outside. This little female wasn't too happy about being caught but flew off good and healthy.

It's strawberry time

The strawberries are here in full force. Oh, we get strawberries from elsewhere throughout the year - Mexico, California - but there's nothing quite like the local "Hood" strawberries. The flavor is incomparable. And so I spent about an hour tonight preparing strawberries for the freezer and for tomorrow. It's Independence Day here and that means lots of firecrackers going off and lots of barbeques. But not for us. We'll be spending a simple day with fried chicken and fresh strawberry shortcake for desert. And we'll probably spend a little bit of time in the greenhouses too...but it is a holiday.
And part of the time will be spent on the deck sipping a nice cold summer drink...

Fockea edulis

In my opinion, Fockea edulis, is one of the best plants for creating a bonsai-like succulent planting. The form can  vary tremendously from plant to plant, with all them being of interest. Plus, and this is a big plus, it's easy to grow. What's more to like?

Echeveria trianthina

This plant - Echeveria tranthina - has a very unusual color and it's identification has often been uncertain. The type locality is the Barranca de Tolantongo in the Mexican state of Hidalgo.

This is the first warm night of the year - mid 50sF - which I understand is all very relative. But we're used to cool nights, even in the middle of the summer. But it's going to be warm for the holiday weekend (Independence Day in the U.S.), with highs in the low 80s F. OK, you people in Tucson and Phoenix, stop laughing!

Echeveria pulidonis 'Red Edge'

Though our nursery list says we're out of stock on this plant, we'll be putting them back up as back in stock in a day or two. They're very popular and we have a hard time keeping them in stock. It's one of the forms of Echeveria pulidonis.

It's hard to imagine that the July cactus society show and sale is only a couple of weeks away. Back to potting up more plants, etc. Volunteers, anyone?

Aloe 'Lavender Star'

Another wonderful Aloe hybrid by Kelly Griffin, Aloe 'Lavender Star'. The leaves have a pleasing texture and have lovely lilac overtones, accented in bright light. It stays quite small, 6-12 inches, making a fine potted specimen.

I'm quickly becoming an Aloe 'fan'.