Construction
After 10 years of dreaming, a perennial bed lining the street is now a reality.  In December, the city transferred water service from constantly breaking lines in the yard to new lines located under the street.  After a day of cheering, preparation of the new bed began.  First, flat limestone rocks were placed along the curb to provide a stepping space.  Then sod was removed and the soil amended with "revitalizer mix" from GardenVille of Austin.  This mixture of compost, granite sand, cedar flakes, humate and gypsum loosens and enriches the heavy clay soil.  Then, THE FUN BEGAN!  Planting proceeded at a fast pace as yarrow, lamb's ear, ornamental grasses and daylilies were transplanted from backyard beds.  Magenta flowered Salvia gregii and deep green germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) babies that Ann Marie had rooted from mother plants were lovingly placed in the new bed.  A dwarf sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana humilis) in bloom scents the air for passing walkers.  An antique rose 'Paul Neyron' will be a focal point in the garden.  Its deep pink cabbage like flowers smell heavenly.  Soon to come are a second rose, dwarf abelia and rosemary.  Holly fern and Asiatic jasmine will fill the shady spots.  

February Flowers
The brightest color of February is found in the warmth of the glass porch.  Amaryllis, planted in December, cause gasps from visitors unfamiliar with the giant, ruby colored blossoms of 'Roma'.  Outside, paper white narcissus continue to bloom and iris are beginning to show their color to the world.  Honeysuckle flowers release their intoxicating scent in the backyard.  A potted orange tree is opening its first highly scented blooms.  In the front yard, the rose scented geranium 'Snowflake' shows off its large, variegated leaves to passers by.  The balmy winter has kept many things green and growing that would normally be killed or nipped to the ground.

Seeds, Seeds, Seeds
The datura seeds started in January are ready to be moved to larger pots.  Sweet pea and nasturtiums planted in the garden are now several inches tall.  Inside, Ann Marie has planted tomato and Moonflower vine seeds.  She pre-sprouted the moonflower vine seeds by soaking them over night in a dilute seaweed (Kelp) solution, then laying them on a damp paper towel and placing it in a plastic bag.  When the seeds sprout they are placed in pots of soilless potting mix.

The gardener wonders, "Is this spring?"