First plumerias of the season
The larger ones are Cancun Pink and the smaller ones Dwarf Singapore Pink. So fragrant too - CP smells like cinnamon/Red Hot candy and DSP like sweet citrus. Here they are arranged in a pansy ring.
Vegetable Gardens
Time to work on the garden today as we transition into summer - pulling up the cool weather plants, tidying up the tomatoes, and weeding. I have two raised beds which currently contain artichokes, tomatoes (5 varieties including yellow pear and black cherry), peppers (New Mexico, jalapeno, Fushimi, Shishito, and poblanos), radishes, carrots, garlic chives, I'itoi onions, eggplant, cauliflower, Genovese and purple basil, parsley, oregano, marjoram, sage, thyme, dill, Egyptian walking onions, rhubarb, and Swiss chard. In the forefront on the right is a large bay leaf bush.
Atomic Red Carrots
I've tried sowing carrots in the fall the last few years but didn't have any success. They sprouted, but seemed to stall or become woody. Finally, this year, I had my first batch of fresh, crunchy carrots. I'm not sure if it was the variety (Atomic Red), the watering schedule, or location, but I hope I have the same crop next spring. With carrots as sweet as these, I simply toss with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with garlic-herb salt, and roast for 15-20 minutes at 425 degrees.
Blooming artichokes in my Arizona garden
Picking salsa ingredients
Stupice and Black Cherry tomatoes with shishito, poblano, jalapeno, and Fushimi peppers.
Sweet Basil
Collecting Plumeria
I fell in love with plumerias on my first trip to Hawaii in 1985. Although associated with the islands, they are actually native to Mexico and Central and South America. They grow in beautiful fragrant clusters which are especially stunning when used in leis, bouquets, and arrangements. The pictures above are some of my collection. Seeds do not grow true to their parent, so each seedling produces a new and unique plumeria. The only way to propagate true to the original tree is to prune and root the branch. There are so many named varieties from different countries (US, Thailand, Italy, Australia), colors (rainbow, orange, red, purple, coral) and fragrances (gardenia, peach, coconut, rose) to choose from, it's easy to become addicted. Hence, you'll find popular Facebook groups such as "Beyond Plumie Addiction" and "Plumeria Addicts". For some great information on growing plumeria locally, join the Facebook group Phoenix Plumeria Growers or visit the website "Valley of the Sun Plumeria Society".
While living in Boston, I had a solitary plant which I kept on a windowsill in a downtown high-rise. It wasn't until our move to Arizona - where they thrive in the ground if provided summer sun and frost protection - that my 'collection' went from one (a Dwarf Singapore Pink) to the 90+ varieties I have now: https://www.pinterest.com/WriteOnRubee/my-updated-plumeria-collection-2016/
Growing poblano peppers
Bachelor Buttons
Also known as cornflowers, these beautiful blue blooms are edible. Now, what to make.....
Today's harvest - Globe artichokes and tomatoes.
Grilling link:
Artichokes
This single Globe artichoke was planted in the fall of 2014. A perennial that produces in the spring, this year my harvest is up to 45.
White Lady Banks roses
A profuse bloomer in the spring, I have this climbing up a post on our covered patio.
Rosa banksiae 'Alba Plena'
Vinca rosea
Dwarf Singapore Pink plumeria
This traveled as a potted plant on our cross-country drive from Boston to Phoenix. Since this was transplanted into the ground (in a custom cut-out on our back patio), it has grown to 5 feet high by 6 feet wide and is covered in fragrant bloom clusters every summer.
Meyer lemon tree
Rio Red pink grapefruit
Lemons
My favorite - Meyer lemons - and Lisbon lemons from our backyard trees.
Monterrey plumeria
Big beautiful booms with a gardenia-like scent.
Hibiscus
Jerry's Sachet plumeria
I bought this at the Valley of the Sun Plumeria Society and was told the name is "Jerry's Sachet". It's an unfamiliar variety but I love the delicate colors.
