Kiani and Osita

OK. No cactus or succulent here. Just a blurry snapshot. But look closely; those are our two Belgian Tervurens - mama and daughter - Kiani & Osita, speeding around the corner on the way to dinner. Out of the way. Here they come!

Aloe 'Brass Hat'

This is an excellent Aloe for growing in small containers...and with bright sun, it becomes more bronze. You can tell from the photo that we haven't had our "bright sun" season yet. We're still waiting.

'Brass Hat' isn't one of those new introductions which are all the rage; many of them are outstanding and we grow them as well. It is sometimes listed as an Ed Hummel hybrid (grower and creator of many hybrids in the 1960s; Hummel's Exotic Gardens, Carlsbad, California) who created and multiplied many succulent hybrids the old fashioned way. However, it's actually a hybrid created another well known hybridizer, John Bleck. We even know it's heritage: (Aloe haworthioides x Aloe bakeri) X ((Aloe descoingsii x Aloe calcairophila (basically Aloe 'Pepe') X again to Aloe bakeri). There, all you ever wanted to know. Any way, we have just recently added it to our collection and will be adding it to our sales list soon.

Aloe 'Blue Elf'

Aloe 'Blue Elf' is a compact, vigorous grower and is cold hardy to around 20F. These young plants will rapidly grow into an impressive potted plant or, where the weather permits, can even be used as a landscaping ground cover. Like most Aloes, the flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds and occur primarily during the winter. It appears to be one of Edward C. Hummel's hybrids.

Aichryson tortuosum

An easy plant to grow, Aichryson tortuosum is a winter grower, putting out plentiful flowers in late spring. Make that early summer in our climate. Native to the Canary Islands, it's sometimes listed as an Aeonium or even a Sempervivum. It's not hardy.

Gymnocalycium andreae doppianum

We just added this to our collection. It's Gymnocalycium andreae var. doppianum, and it's not one we've had before. I already like it. A lot. Easy to flower and offsets on offsets!

G. andreae is a highly variable species and doppianum is not generally accepted as a variety. Perhaps it could be considered a form, but at any rate, this is that one.

Echeveria 'Christmas'

These are from leaf cuttings taken three years ago. They're not ready to sell yet but are certainly ready to show off.

Today turned out to be a pretty nice day. I wasn't feeling the best earlier on but felt better as the day went along. And today was Portland Parkways in north Portland,  a time when a network of streets is closed to all motorized traffic and thousands of people, walking, biking, skating, etc. take to the streets. Our street was part of the network today and, other than a few bikers who felt a need to blast noise from their radios, it was beautifully quiet and pleasant. Of course, when we took Ladybug out for a bit, that drew a small crowd.

Welcome!

A cordial welcome to all our new "followers" of the blog from Iraq and New York and even from here in Oregon. I read many of your blogs on a regular  basis and always appreciate your input. Just knowing that many of you are stopping by once in a while is a blessing. Welcome!

Cacti and Succulents Mix

Nothing special tonight. Just a shot across part of one of the greenhouses. Even though it's going to be raining tomorrow, I'll try to get some photos anyway. Peace.