Blooming like a bomb

Blooms are a blooming and this is one I've never seen before. I believe it is in the agave family, but don't quote me on that. Usually when one blooms, it is the death knell. I sincerely hope I'm wrong this time.

A mouse and flowers - huh?

Though promises were made not to make book reviews a habit, couldn't resist another recommendation. The book is Sipsworth by Simon van Booy and on the surface is about an old lady living alone in England and a pet mouse she found. I assure you however, that the book is far more complex, has delightfully unexpected reveals, and heart stopping moments to confound and entertain. Not only that, it's a super quick read at only a couple hundred pages. Libraries have hard copies and e-book versions. Read it!

So, what does a mouse have to do with beautiful blossoms in the neighborhood? Nothing. Just wanted to get your attention for the following beauties. What confounds me about nature is that a single plant can have different color blossoms. It takes something already exquisite and adds to it. Add the vibrancy of the colors, and well, you get the following:

 

The blue blossoms to the right are on the same plant. Amazing.

Hope your summer is going well. Stay cool.

Last ones for this year - I swear

Those things my garden refuses to allow in and thrive still have a place in my heart as I walk by other gardens. Today's top selection is a trumpet vine, happily covering a fence and blooming like crazy:

Not to be outdone is another vine that has a name but won't tell it to me, that also neatly covers the chain link fence, which face it, is not that attractive. The fence, not the plant. The plant is gorgeous.

Now, you're thinking I'm just too lazy to look this up on Google to find names for all the things I don't know. You are correct. Even if I did manage to identify them, it'd be out of my head in a nanosecond. The only names I remember past the first block upon introductions are dog's names. Every once in a while, their people's names will stick too, but that's rare. And before you worry about my mental state - no - I don't have dementia - yet. Just an overactive lazy gene.

Arty, bright, and beautiful

Not at all guaranteeing that this is the last post featuring beautifully designed gardens, but given that spring has indeed sprung, and we are heading into warmer (read hot) weather, this could be it. All depends on what catches my eye as Nellie and I venture farther afield. Of course, that depends on hips and knees being in working order. That's my hips and knees; Nellie's are just fine.

Mind you, these are all located on the parkway, so the homeowner is doing the City a huge favor by creating a masterpiece.

The homeowner's yard is also very artsy and well-planned, but this wouldn't be a Cranky blog if I didn't point out a couple of things that are less than environmentally sound. First is the artificial turf (read plastic) that we know is not only a poor weed barrier, but simply breaks down over time to add more plastic waste to the soil, air, and water. Not only that, it's hotter than plants or even gravel. In addition, adding to the heat are the concrete decorative areas. They are very pretty and make the yard stunning, but they also will release carbon forever. That aside, though, it is a treat to look at. And the homeowner did all the work himself from planning to execution.