130115 - Sempervivum

More than a year ago, a raccoon threw a tiny sempervivum across the gardens. Phil or I rescued it, wedging it into a hole in a terrace where it meets the staircase.

The succulent has done so well, we're going to pluck its pups and distribute them around the gardens.

121228 - Imperial Dahlia

Two years ago, Phil planted several imperial dahlias in the side garden, which gets late afternoon sun in the summer and fall.

They were rather disappointing their first year.

This winter, after growing taller than sixteen feet, they went into bloom, their flowers bigger than my hand.

121210 - Snapdragons and Candy Tuft

The snapdragons we planted in March continue to amaze. I especially like them with the purple candy tuft.

121220 - Columbine

This columbine volunteered at the top of the gardens and went into bloom when almost nothing else was flowering.