Xeriscape - Drought-Adaptive Horticulture
The Gone Native Drought Adaptive Garden
Scenes from May 23, 2006
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On the entry patio are a number of plants in containers. Purple setcreasa, aloe vera, and agave provide in interesting contrast to the massive trunks of the Afghan Pine.
When temperatures reach 100 degrees it is fun to sit next to the pond in the shade of the Chinese Pistache.
Moneyplant (hydrocotle) can survive being underwater after the pond is filled.
Lila (the redbone ridgeback) goes on every walk at Gone Native, if permitted.
After 10 years a small plowed area has become native pasture again.
Prickly Pear is a genetically fluid "species" – over 6 types are on Gone Native property. This one has long spines on the edge of the pads, and only short glochids on the faces of the pads.
Goldenball Leadtree is Dr. Seuss's whoberry tree, according to Gil and Edna Beuhler of Anchorage Alaska (and formerly of Midland.) The tree is native from the Davis Mountains to the Devil's River near Del Rio.
Most folks notice the 4 winged seeds of saltbush when they turn gold in the fall. The saltbush blooms are fuzzy balls, and I have yet to figure out the pollinating insect.
The fluffy seedheads of purple thistle (foreground) and groundsel (background) are spectacular when backlit by a setting sun.
Mockingbirds are a constant at Gone Native singing, harassing the cat and dog, and chasing after other birds.
Tasajillo cactus will often offer its first blooms in May. Almost every mesquite has a tasajillo underneath it (where a bird planted it, after eating the bright red berries.)
The dinner bell at the cantina (the lath shade structure) is rung when steaks are ready on the grill.
Lantana horrida is the toughest species of the genus. Its prickly stems can cause an itch on sensitive skin. It always draws insects – lots of butterflies, but also others such as this paper wasp.
Light blue tubetongue is a delicate counterpoint to santolina and its yellow balls of blooms.
May is the time for giant thunderstorms.
The reflected light of the thunderstorm turned the white rock paths pink.