Helianthemum

For at least three summers in a row after I moved into this house, I would buy annuals to brighten up the very front, only to have them die from heat and lack of water. Annuals seem to need a lot of water, and I am rather miserly. I tend to buy drought tolerant plants because they are usually Catniss tolerant too.

That is why I was glad to learn about the species Helianthemum, which is notable for surviving in hell strips – that space between the sidewalk and pavement that typically has trees or grass. Although one died last winter, most fare well enough under my care as shown below. The orange and red ones will likely come into full bloom while I am gone in China. (Yes, I am going to China!) Although this species doesn’t bloom in the Oregon summer, it does survive it.

California poppies, Jupiter’s Beard and catmint (also shown below) are also Catniss tolerant. Their blooms also come back the same year by reseeding, in the case of poppies, or a shearing of the stalks.

I finish with a photo of Greywacke, meditating perhaps or more likely contemplating the murder of some small critter.

R.I.P. Mortimer Snerd

Sadly, a few weeks ago, the coolest cat around passed away. Mortimer Snerd (see first photo below) was most beloved by my sister Chanda (also shown) and her fiance Chris. While visiting them last summer, Mr. Snerd made sure my husband and I felt welcome and that we gave him plenty of pets. He also liked to observe us patiently while we were trying to sleep in the morning. Perhaps he was practicing kitty science.

Mr. Snerd had a certain je ne sais quoi that made him very appealing. Frank and I returned to our home really missing the little dude. Rest in peace Mortimer.

I have posted more flower pictures below including lilac, lavender, allium and more. Look out for a murderous looking Greywacke. I think she’s upset about Mortimer.