Lantana.... Wonderful Perennial !

I Love Lantanas !  In Texas, Lantanas require little pampering and being the durable perennial they are.... they return year after year for more enjoyment and beauty.
Lantanas do well with the old, dried stems from the year before broken or cut off, and like many plants, thrive with some cultivation and sunshine.
My sister has two long flower beds lined with several shades of Lantanas mixed in each bed. It only takes a few minutes each Spring to refresh the beds for a long approaching summer of prolific blooms and fragrance to enjoy. Butterflies flock to Lantanas.
We watched in wonderment many times as all our dogs would occasionally eat some of the Lantana. It must have some medicinal qualities for dogs. I should study more !

Lantana comes in a variety of colors and the hot pink and yellow mixture is one of my favorites!

I have watched in amazement many times how these tiny, tight,hot pink buds blast into hot pink and yellow flowers. Just another sweet reminder of how creative our God is.  :) I am always in awe of His awesome, and endless spectacular creativity.

Lantana's make a very pretty bush and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds..... Oh and dogs.. lol and Me !

Gorgeous lavender Lantana !

 Perfect Yellow !

 Ahhh...and their fragrance is so summery and sweet.

' Can't imagine life without Lantanas.

I'm so excited that Spring is near, and concerned for the trees that are sprouting and the fruit trees that are beginning to bloom....It's still February !

I guess after all these years they know what they are doing.....

God created you and wants a personal relationship with you. You were created in His image ! No wonder you are creative and loving.

Until next time.... create and Bless someone !

Shirlene   :)

Time to prune Crepe Myrtles & Monkey Grass in Texas

If you are blessed to have Crepe Myrtles and Monkey Grass it's time in Texas to prune.
February is the month!
I have had Crepe Myrtles and never pruned them and they were still full of blooms and beautiful.
I have, however, seen landscaping companies dramatically prune back Crepe Myrtles over the years and the flowering trees seem to burst with new growth and blooms and have a more organized shape.

There is So many gorgeous colors to choose from in selecting Crepe Myrtles, and they are a fast growing and rewarding flowering tree, or shrub.  The Pink Velour Crepe Myrtle is one of my favorites and must have.  I have enjoyed the cut blooms indoors for a day....  that's their limit for cut pleasure.. darn it.
Be sure and study how to prune your wonderful Crepe Myrtles.... there are specifics.

Monkey Grass !  I can't live without this wonderful border plant. It comes in so many varieties and can survive the worst of conditions like we often have in Texas.  Monkey Grass frames trees and flower beds and so many areas of the landscape with flowing spills of lily like grass. It is in the lily family!
I just learned that.

     

Monkey Grass is so long lasting as a cut greenery. It can be looped in fresh arrangements for a stylish effect as well as just worked in as a flowing grass. It can also be cut, tied, and dried and enjoyed for years as a dried bouquet.  Monkey Grass does well whether pruned or not, but pruning does remove the battered leaves.  Be sure and study how short to prune it back before pruning.

Enjoy and be present in this day...   :)

Shirlene

                                                                                                              

Besides Flowers..... Birds!

On a cold, snow covered day last January in Texas, I was delighted and distracted to see this black and white Woodpecker carrying on in a tree outside my window. 

I can't imagine life without taking in the beautiful flowers, and the amazing birds.
When I watch birds..... I am sweetly reminded of Jesus teaching us of how He cares for them, and how much more He cares for us.
Thank you striped Woodpecker for bringing even more beauty to a cold, snowy day in Texas.

Never Worry.... Never Complain..... Give Thanks....

more next time...   :)