Lots of Progress!

Lots of progress!  I love progress.  I hand-tilled the paths, cleared the turf, and couldn't resist buying just a couple plants that I knew I wanted for particular areas.  Plus, who can resist buying plants?  I suppose if your neighbors have plants you can use AND they're willing to let you thin them out or give you cuttings, that might curtail the plant shopping.  Might.  I have one neighbor I can ask for plants and she very happily let me take some cuttings.  They are rooting and sprouting as I type.

Here is more path taking shape.  I think it's appropriate that I began with a horseshoe shape even though my boys aren't shod.

My new echinacea!  I saw some red echinacea on Pinterest and wondered if I would be able to find some.  Lo and behold!

I picked up these dwarf canna lilies because they were irresistible and the chartreuse sedum is something I hope will thrive in my garden.  I only bought one to try but I hope to use it copiously around most of the roots.  In the very upper left corner, you see leaves of a lupine.  I love this plant.  It was here when I bought the place in 2005.  Every time I transplant it, it dies a horrible crispy black death.  Knowing what to expect, I transplanted it one [hopefully] last time.  And then it turned black.  I chopped it down, put a big rock next to the three little stem stumps remaining, and settled in to wait.  Oh how I hope it comes back this time!

Last but not least, my two new portulaca.  I adore these plants and they have always done well for me.  Their color is magnificent, no?  I had to wait to take a picture of them until I was actually home during their blooming hours!  I wish the flowers stayed open all day long.  They look gorgeous spilling over that root.   Oops, I almost forgot about that darling echeveria there in the top right!  Seems like I found more plants at the store than I thought.  Doesn't that always happen?