White Cyclamen!

 Here is a nice winter blooming cyclamen!

Feather Cactus

 This is a cactus with soft feathery spines, a Feather Cactus (Mammillaria plumosa).  In the close-up picture you can see the feather structure!  If you have ever looked at a cactus and got spines in your hand, you will appreciate this plant.

Mammillaria plumosa, Feather Cactus

Mammillaria plumosa, Feather Cactus

California Thrasher!

Looking out the window I noticed a California Thrasher digging between some garden steps.  They are known for their very long and curved bill and are about 11-13 inches in length.  Their range is central and coastal California and in Baja California.

Blooming Aloe

 I always like this time of year when the aloes are in bloom.  This is one of my favorite aloes on the hillside. It was planted there many years ago when it was about a 4" or 6" plant.  Now it is about four feet tall.

Aloe

Aloe

Aloe

Aloe

First Tomato Harvest For 2021!

 Well 2021 is off to a good start!  I harvested some tomatoes on January 1st.  There are tomato plants are still growing into the new year as they are in the ground in a sunny, warm and protected area.  And there are many green tomatoes are still on these vines!

And I was happy that I picked them before the birds, bunnies or other critters tasted them!

Bees In The Grewia

 The bees love the grewia!  Whenever I step out in to the garden with my camera, I can almost always find a bee in the grewia.  And if they are not there, then they are in the rosemary!

Bee in the Grewia

Bee flying into a Grewia bloom

Coleus Color for Autumn!

Here are some coleus that are growing by the front door.  I really like the varied and vibrant colors!

Coleus