Tiny Pterodactyls

My third attempt at growing flame creeper or Scottish flame flower (Tropaeolum speciosum) appears to be a success, with three buds about to open. I think the buds look like tiny pterodactyls:

This plant apparently grows with abandon in parts of the UK where the weather is similar to Western Washington. Despite this, it's extremely difficult to locate this species in the US. It's also reportedly difficult to establish (I can corroborate this) and fickle about being transplanted.

This plant is growing in part shade in a small pot in sharply draining soil and has scaled about 10' / 3m up an evergreen hydrangea (Hydrangea seemannii) which clings to my chimney. It was unaffected by last winter's mild frosts and remained evergreen. Unlike the annual nasturtium, it appears to be unaffected by aphids. 

Project Update: Privacy Fence

I previously posted on trying to provide some privacy from my neighbors with various fencing strategies. Here's the final progression and update with planting, fence, and staining in place.

After clearing out some brush, the neighbor's unsightly chain link fence and chicken coop were visible, and the neighbors could look downhill into my yard:

 After reed fencing:

The reed fencing didn't quite work out, so I replaced it with cedar and a bamboo planting:

After staining and planting several shrubs. The bamboo was cut back, but hopefully it will fill in and contrast nicely with the dark stain, which was intended to make the fence fade visually into the bakground:

 

Wider view of the backyard for context:

 

 

 

Bloom Day: June 2015

Just a few of the things blooming in the garden. I'm limited to what my camera phone can capture while I'm contemplating repairing my good camera or replacing it (the cost is nearly the same), after an unfortunate meeting between the camera and the floor.

Aloe striatula from Cistus Nursery survived last winter's mild temperatures quite well and is now 3ft / 1m tall, with two bloom spikes. This aloe has undergone a recent taxomomic revision and now more properly known as Aloiampelos striatula.

 

Four foot / 1.3m long inflorescence of Nolina sp. I think it is Nolina texana, but I am not certain:

 

 

Phlomis russeliana, a staple of my June garden, where it flourishes without watering and tolerates moderate shade and neglect:

 

 

Erigeron karvinskianus tumbling down a wall onto Acaena inermis 'Purpurea.'



 

 

Ah, June!

 

Thanks to May Dreams Gardens for coordinating the Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day.