October rolls around, mellowing out the Texas garden. At last, it’s a pleasure to be outside again, noticing how the moonlight-yellow variegation on the whale’s tongue agave glows in the afternoon light. The weather is gentler. But the garden still has bite, as shown in serrated leaves and needle-sharp spines.
Another spiky beauty with snazzy, lemon-lime stripes. This is ‘Opal’ American agave.
At night, spiny-armed praying mantises lurk under porch lights, hunting the unwary.
Smiley lies in wait in a pot of opuntia.
By the swimming pool, I found evidence of a danger noodle coiled in a hole in the wall.
But it’s all good now that the Death Star is waning. Among fall-blooming Indian mallow (Abutilon palmeri), I’ve found my own mellow again.
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Digging Deeper
The Oct. 20th Garden Spark talk “Black Flora” by author Teresa Speight is on sale now, and you’re invited! Teri will be sharing stories of pioneering Black florists, floral activists, and flower farmers doing incredible work across the U.S. Her profiles of these unstoppable creatives in Black Flora are uplifting and inspiring; check out my book review for more info. Come join us and meet Teri at her talk and book signing. Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Come learn about garden design from the experts at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, and authors a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance. Simply click this link and ask to be added. You can find this year’s speaker lineup here.
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