Monday, January 26, 2009

Bloomin' Tuesday - A California winter Garden

Today is Bloomin' Tuesday hosted by Jean at Ms Green Thumb Jean's Blog. This is my first Bloomin' Tuesday of this year. All these pictures were taken today in my garden

Living in Southern California, we have blooms all year round. Last week it was in the 80's but this week it's back down to normal temperatures around 65 degrees. Since it was in the 80's, some of my plants think it's spring time! They seem to be really confused but I am loving it!

My Alstroemeria plants, also known as Lily of the Incas or Peruvian Lily are blooming like crazy. They usually bloom from spring to summer, but for some reason this year I have had them all year round!I have the pink and purple ones growing. They are taking over one area by our swimming pool. I have hundreds of them, they multiply like crazy and when I have friends come over I am always trying to give plants away!

I also have a area where I have planted ornamental cabbage. I have purple and white ones growing. They like cold weather and do not tolerate heat. They will last till the beginning of summer for me or until the rabbits notice them

Here's a close up of the purple ones, I think the colors are so pretty! They are about 12" wide
Here is a close up of one of the white ones
I also have some very confused Purple Bearded Irises blooming too. They usually bloom in spring but only about 5 of these plants are blooming right now. I was really excited to see some paper white narcissus blooming in the garden today too
I am so behind on trimming my rose bushes. The ones I have not gotten to yet are still blooming!

Angel Face Rose

Iceburg White Rose
Double Delight Rose

For more Bloomin' Tuesday Posts, please go visit Jean at Ms Green Thumb Jean's Blog!

19 comments:

Aiyana said...

You always have such lovely flowers, and such a variety! We too have year-round blooms if we have a mild winter--which has been the case so far. However, I don't have the numerous flowers that you have, as I don't have a separate irrigation valve for flower beds. If my desert plants get too much water, it's not good for them, so I do without the flowers. Such a shame.
Aiyana

Unknown said...

You do have some beautiful blooms for January. My Paperwhites have buds on them now. I posted the most delicate Daffodil yesterday.

SmilingSally said...

I buy Alstroemeria at my grocery store. It doesn't cost too much, and I have fresh flowers inside my home. You see, I can no longer garden, but I still love flowers. Your's are a delight.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful blooms as always! I've never seen that Astromeria anywhere except catalogs. It is a pretty plant. I have Paperwhites blooming indoors right now. :)

Carla said...

Alstroemeria plants is a florist flower here, if they grow so well, that explains how come they are so cheap. Yours are so pretty!!! Love your cabbage and roses! Pretty pretties:)

Connie said...

I am SO jealous. Blooming flowers in January! Here in Ohio they are quite asleep.

Very pretty pictures of your garden.

Connie

Jean said...

What beautiful Jan blooms! I love the last rose. The coloring is lovely. Your the first one I visited that actually had blooms now. Lucky you. We're very cold and expecting a storm tonight. Jean

Paula said...

What amazing flowers! I would love to come and viist your garden. It makes me itchy to dig in the dirt and get out of my gardening books!
Paula in Idaho

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Pretty blooms Ann. My poor plants and flowers are getting so confused! We had a good frost here last night after pretty weather all last week. I love cabbage plants! Hugs, Maryjane

Mimi Sue said...

When I see these pictures I'm homesick for California. Mimi

playsdolls said...

Oh it must be so nice to have blooms like that all year long.They are so beautiful,I really love the Alstroemeria.

joyh82 said...

I love your gardens. It must be a great place to live to have flowers like that in the dead of winter.

Neabear said...

Your flowers are looking so gorgeous. I don't really have anything blooming anymore. I do need to get out and clean up the garden to prep for spring planting though.

Grammy said...

I love Alstroemeria's when we lived in St. Louis they were always in the cut flowers at the entrance of the grocery store. I always wish I could grow them. But I don't think we can in my area. I bought seed once and had not luck.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Your flowers and pictures are just beautiful!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Your blooms are all so beautiful. Iris are my favorite. Can't believe you have them blooming now! Twyla

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

Anne, I know I can always come here and enjoy beautiful flowers. I love your gardens. I knew some of your flowers would fill confused, lol! Apparently we're going to warming up again...into the 80s by tomorrow and Friday! Yahoo!
Those lillies that bloom and mulitply...do they do well in a sun/shade spot or do they need all sun?

Cottage Rose said...

Very nice, lucky your weather is so mild. I have now officially turned off gardening, I had a run in with a brown snake today,gosh they are narky snakes.
You have won an award, pop on over to pick it up
Rose

Unknown said...

What a beautiful garden AND blog. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on mine.

I've NEVER seen Alstromeria grow wild but I love getting them at the flower shop because they last SO long!

Happy New Year from Houston!

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