Green Anole (pictures from late Fall)

Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus



Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)

Thelocactus bicolor (Glory of Texas)

Winter Blooms

ALOINANTHUS - (Aizoaceae)  A newly created 'Genus' containing complex hybrids between the South African species of Aloinopsis and Nananthus.

Aloinanthus 'Opera Mauve' - Charming, but not reliably hardy in Austin, Texas, the cold is no problem but an extremely hot humid summer with rain will make them ill.

Stenocactus multicostatus 'Zacatecasensis'

Watch Your Step - Killdeer Crossing



Killdeer mom in a open field close to our house.

See the nest?

Here it is closer.

Ice on Cactus is Nice (mostly)

This South American cactus, sold as a "Koko Cactus", most likely an Echinopsis of some kind froze solid rather quickly.  If you have a better guess on the ID please send to me.

In this picture, a week later, its clear to see the damaged tissue has begun to rot and has moved into a decline that will leave only a crispy cactus shell by spring.  Note to self:  never pay good money for a cactus that has unknown origins / heritage.

Hunker Down - Cold is Coming

Vervain, lightning and a living rock.

Verbena halei  (Texas vervain) - This Texas native loves the cactus bed environment.





Ariocarpus fissuratus - An incredibly slow growing native cactus that lives in far South and far West Texas.  This small cactus could easily be 25 years old.  I have had it for 4 years and have not seen any appreciable increase in size.



Ariocarpus fissuratus

Fireplace / Cactus garden

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   Texas Blazing Star (Liatris mucronata) foreground, Snow on the mountain (Euphorbia marginata) background.